Turning Algae into Natural Resources

What's your plan to grow your business, considering multiple potential customers —biochar buyers, municipalities, or corporates seeking certificates? Who do you plan to work with?

We understand that climate change is a rapidly escalating issue, demanding equally swift solutions. Through the Climate KIC Accelerator, we've embraced the concept of exponential organizations, aiming to build just that. Focusing initially on addressing widespread algae blooms, particularly the Sargassum bloom, we aim to specialize in this area and expand our reach globally.

Our strategy involves establishing linearly growing production operations for our reactors, followed by an exponential business model for decentralized utilization worldwide. For instance, in Mexico, where Sargassum decomposition poses a significant problem, we've garnered interest from individuals in the United States and India, reflecting global demand. We're structuring frameworks to facilitate the adoption of our technology for diverse local contexts.

While our clientele varies across different streams, municipalities emerge as key partners. They handle algae collection and transport, tasks we aim to complement by transforming algae residue into biochar at disposal sites. Cement manufacturers and construction firms express interest in our biochar, offering both cost-effectiveness and CO2 sequestration benefits. This presents revenue opportunities through direct biochar sales or offsets in the voluntary carbon market.

Could you describe the moment when you realized that the idea was so great it had to become a business?

It's funny you ask because initially, I thought it was the worst idea ever. I remember being on the Munich subway, grappling with my climate anxiety, trying to distract myself. So, I started jotting down ideas for pulling carbon out of the system. With each new idea, I'd cross out the old ones. The more I pondered, the clearer it became: the imperative was finding the most cost-efficient, preferably energy-neutral method. One of the challenges with carbon capture is that it often requires a lot of energy. That's when it hit me—algae. They're incredibly efficient at absorbing CO2, perhaps the best in nature. And even better, there is abundant, and increasing algae waste so there’s no need for producing it at first. Through pyrolysis, we could lock away that carbon forever.

What will be your most important milestone for 2024?

Our most ambitious milestone for 2024 is to implement a pilot plant capable of removing approximately 8000 tons of CO2 annually. It may seem like an unattainable goal, but achieving it would not only validate our efforts but also instill hope that solutions like RubisCO2 can genuinely impact climate change. This belief motivates us to push forward. Tlacuache 1, our largest reactor, is already up and running, and we're continually enhancing it. And by October 2024, we aim to deploy eight reactors along the Mexican coastline, equipped with a preprocessing system. Soon we will start receive Sargassum daily and convert all collected algae into biochar to remove carbon dioxide effectively.

Do you have competitors, or are you surrounded by allies with the same cause? Either way, what sets you apart from others if they exist?

It really does not make sense to label others as competitors when your focus is purpose-driven because we are all working towards the same necessary goal. However, in the market landscape, we certainly have peers. Our approach differs. We believe the future lies in industrial systems producing pyrolysis reactors, maximizing their capacity utilization. Instead of grand factories, we prioritize simplicity, modularity, and flexibility. Moreover, we stand out in our specialization in algae waste, a plentiful yet challenging feedstock. As far as we know, we haven't encountered any other pyrolysis firms focusing solely on algae waste. Additionally, we're exploring and developing potential technologies that could significantly enhance the efficiency of algae pyrolysis, potentially patentable innovations.

You mentioned climate anxiety earlier, a sentiment many of us grapple with today. How do you view the age-old question: Is the glass half full or half empty? And do you believe we, as humans, can still solve the climate crisis?

I used to see the glass as completely empty. But as I delved into this project, I began to witness the power of collective action. It's heartening to see so many individuals and inspiring competitors working towards the same goal. Yet, I still perceive the glass as half empty, albeit with a glimmer of hope. We need to act swiftly because time is running out.

If you would not be a start-up founder, what would you do for a living?

My dream is to be a physicist. Let’s save this planet first and then we can explore the next!

Interview: Markus Sekulla