Who Is Leading Climate Action Towards 2030?

Countdown 2030: Meet the 2026 Leaders Redefining Sustainable Tech

In our ongoing series Countdown 2030, we are traveling the globe to find the business owners, influencers, and visionaries who are actively building a sustainable future. These are the 2026 Leaders: the people proving that profitability and responsibility can coexist.

Our journey recently took us to the floor of IBC in Amsterdam, where we met Larry O’Connor, the founder of OWC (Other World Computing). In a tech industry notorious for "planned obsolescence," Larry is charting a radically different course—one where high performance is the ultimate form of conservation.

The End of Disposable Technology

"The best form of sustainability is something that is always there for your needs," Larry told us during our exclusive interview.

For OWC, the mission for 2026 is to break the cycle of "buy, break, replace." While competitors often push cheap commodity hardware designed to fail in a year or two, Larry’s philosophy is grounded in longevity. Whether it’s their new Thunderbolt 5 docks or the Envoy Ultra SSDs, the goal is to build tools that filmmakers can rely on for a decade.

This approach attacks the e-waste crisis at its source. By manufacturing gear that is serviceable, upgradeable, and durable, OWC ensures that fewer devices end up in landfills.

Sustainability is Human, Too

One of the most compelling insights Larry shared is that true sustainability extends beyond the environment—it encompasses human health.

He highlighted the often-overlooked struggle of Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs), who frequently work dangerous 18-hour shifts waiting for slow drives to offload footage. This "time waste" leads to burnout, exhaustion, and accidents.

"We don't miss the overtime," one DIT told Larry after switching to OWC’s high-speed ecosystem. "We appreciate it for our health." By drastically reducing transfer times, OWC isn’t just saving energy; they are giving creators their lives back. It is a powerful reminder that a sustainable workflow must be sustainable for the people running it.

Software That Saves Hardware

Perhaps the most innovative example of OWC’s 2026 vision is how they are rescuing hardware that would otherwise be trashed.

Memory cards (CFexpress and SD) often slow down over time, leading production houses to discard them prematurely. Instead of forcing customers to buy new cards, OWC developed "Energize"—a software solution that sanitises the card and restores it to factory-fresh performance.

"We don't build for disposability," Larry emphasised. By using software to extend the life of physical goods, OWC is proving that innovation can replace waste.

A Leader for 2026

Larry O’Connor isn't just talking about a green future; he is powering it—literally. OWC’s headquarters generates more wind and solar energy than it consumes, feeding clean power back into the grid.

As we continue our Countdown 2030 series, Larry stands out as a prime example of the 2026 Leader: a business owner who understands that the smartest investment is one that preserves our world for tomorrow.

Watch the full interview below to hear Larry’s vision in his own words.

Stay tuned to this blog as we continue our countdown, bringing you more stories from the influencers and innovators fighting for a sustainable goal.