The California Green Technology Initiative is a statewide collaboration designed to tackle two urgent challenges: Closing the Digital Divide and reducing electronic waste.
The initiative is led by the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), in partnership with Revivn, Valley Vision, community refurbishers, business leaders, and community members. Together, these groups are ensuring that retired tech devices don’t end up in landfills — rather, they’re refurbished and redistributed to Californians who need them most.
The Problem We’re Solving
California’s Digital Divide remains significant, meaning millions of residents are still cut off from digital access — making it harder to complete schoolwork, apply for jobs, or access essential services.
“At the same time, electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world”, as Nick Lanza, Director of Account Management at Revivn, emphasized during the Green Technology Initiative launch on June 2, 2025. Every refurbished device kept in circulation helps address both issues: it prevents e-waste from piling up and provides a valuable tool for someone who needs it most.
Amy Tong, Senior Counselor to Governor Gavin Newsom, also highlighted the state’s role in making this change possible:
Her words speak to the broader impact of this work — building infrastructure isn’t enough. For meaningful digital inclusion, residents need both the technology and the training to use it.
A Multi-Layered Approach
Here’s how the initiative works:
- Collection: Retired corporate and government devices are gathered through partner programs.
- Refurbishment: Devices are securely processed, wiped, and refurbished to give these devices a “second life.”
- Redistribution: Those devices are delivered to families, students, and underserved communities across California.
How Revivn and Industry Leaders Power the Initiative
Revivn, a certified B Corp, plays a crucial role in the California Green Technology Initiative by helping companies turn used technology into social good.
“At Revivn, we believe every device has more to give,” says Nick Lanza, Director of Account Management. “This initiative makes it easy for companies to contribute — ensuring retired devices don’t just sit unused or become waste, but are transformed into tools that create opportunity.”
Revivn manages secure collections, processing, and redeployment of devices, creating a self-sustaining cycle: donated tech is refurbished and redistributed, supporting digital literacy programs and broader access efforts.
The initiative’s impact depends on collective action. Forward-thinking companies across California are stepping up to donate devices, provide financial support, and help expand the program’s reach. By aligning sustainability with social impact, these corporate partners are helping ensure more devices find a second life — and more Californians gain access to the tools they need to thrive.
Closing the Gap — Together
The California Green Technology Initiative shows what’s possible when sustainability and inclusion intersect. At Revivn, we make it easy for companies to join this mission by giving unused technology a new purpose.
Together, we can keep valuable tech in circulation and put it in the hands of those who need it most.
Have retired devices? Let’s put them to work.
Contacts:
California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF): Kyle O’Ryan, Kyle.ORyan@CETFund.org
Revivn: Renata Mendes, Renata@Revivn.com
Green Technology Initiative Contact: (888) 584-8633, Charlene.Tatis@CETFund.org
