With people becoming progressively conscious of environmental impacts, the need for robust tools to monitor and manage sustainability metrics is more urgent than ever. Enter Map-Collective, a company at the forefront of AI-driven automation for supply chain traceability, tracking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and biodiversity transitions. Founded by Tara Gupta, Map-Collective stands on the dual pillars of traceability and sustainable supply chain transition, this approach could significantly influence how businesses and governments manage sourcing.
Tara Gupta’s journey to founding Map-Collective is as diverse as it is inspiring. With a background in filmmaking at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), her interest in storytelling merged with a study of urban planning and systems design. This interdisciplinary approach led her to view the planet’s environmental crises as an opportunity to create a sandbox game view for Earth in digital space. This vision extended from the macroplanetary limits of Earth down to the organismal level. The idea crystallized into Map-Collective, officially launched on January 8, 2020.
“The initial years of Map-Collective were dedicated to rigorous research and development, culminating in significant funding from the National Science Foundation,” shares Tara. This support helped the company develop innovative technologies, such as a comprehensive GHG emissions calculator that incorporates planetary boundaries’ tipping points.
Map-Collective’s approach to supply chain management emerged from its early work on carbon tracking. In 2021, the company delved into the carbon emissions landscape, working with various clients. These projects revealed the inadequacies and often speculative nature of existing supply chain emissions data. This realization propelled Map-Collective to enhance its methodology, leading to a more accurate and reliable system of supply chain emissions tracking by adding an AI-powered method for supply chain traceability.
Photo Courtesy: Tara Gupta, Map-Collective
Map-Collective’s key differentiator lies in automating the tracking of Scope 3 category one flows and emissions, which are purchased goods and emissions, as defined by the GHG protocol. By leveraging an advanced AI model that taps into comprehensive data sources, including bill of lading data and satellite information, Map-Collective provides a detailed, verifiable picture of supply chain emissions, helping organizations meet stringent reporting requirements and achieve true sustainability. This AI model advances the state of current supply chain traceability by identifying and filling in major data gaps, as the bill of lading only covers about 40% of global supply chain data. Map-Collective’s intelligent model builds off of these connections to bridge the remaining 60% gap.
Map-Collective is distinct in its use of the IOTA protocol, a distributed ledger designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). The IOTA protocol offers traceability without compromising the confidentiality of sensitive supply chain data. This approach ensures that while transparency is maintained, proprietary information remains secure, an essential feature for industries like defense contracting.
Beyond carbon, Map-Collective integrates the planetary boundaries framework developed by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. This holistic approach considers various environmental limits, such as freshwater use and land system change, ensuring that sustainability efforts are aligned with the planet’s ecological thresholds.
At the heart of Map-Collective’s success is a culture of continuous innovation. The team’s commitment to research and development ensures that they remain at the cutting edge of environmental systems design and data analytics. Tara envisions Map-Collective as a transformative tool for both businesses and governments, fostering a new era of resource stewardship in the Anthropocene.
Map-Collective’s mission extends beyond mere compliance; it aims to redefine how we interact with and manage the Earth’s resources. By providing unparalleled traceability and actionable insights, Map-Collective empowers organizations to make informed decisions that support sustainability and resilience. In doing so, it contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices, setting a new standard for environmental accountability.
Published by: Martin De Juan
