In the urgent quest to combat climate change, Berlin based company Ucaneo provides a groundbreaking solution with its innovative Direct Air Capture technology – mimicking the human lung Ucaneo effectively removes CO2 from the atmosphere to pave the way for a sustainable future.
In the global mission to meet the challenging 1.5-degree Celsius temperature reduction target with the need to remove billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, a groundbreaking solution has emerged – Direct Air Capture (DAC). This technology is pivotal in actively removing legacy CO2 from ambient air and enabling the offset of emissions in hard-to-abate industries.
In this feature, Business Worldwide Magazine investigates the pioneering work of award winning Berlin based start up Ucaneo, which has earned international acclaim for its pioneering work in developing an efficient and scalable DAC system.
Ucaneo’s Innovative Mission
Founded in 2022, Ucaneo has a bold mission: Removing 500 million tons of global CO2 emissions from the air by 2035. Their approach is to build a pioneering biomimetic Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, utilising the latest cutting edge technolgies in electrochemistry, material science and (bio)catalysis. This innovative technology combines the best of nature and engineering for scalable and sustainable CO2 removal.
Ucaneo’s DAC system is liquid-based and combines an innovative solvent with electrochemical membranes, which differs from conventional DAC methods that work similar to chemical sponges. Binding and breaking CO2 to this chemical sponges in batches requires high temperatures of up to 900°C leading to high cost and energy needs. Their technology is not only more cost and energy-effective running at room temperature continously but also more modular and thus allowing better deployablity as well as cost and performance control.
Expertise and Passion
The team behind Ucaneo is driven by a strong scientific and mission-oriented mindset. Carla Glassl the co-founder and CTO, has extensive background in molecular biology and startups, while Florian Tiller, co-founder and CEO, has build several ventures during his time at McKinsey & Company. In total the combined Ucaneo team comprises more than 20 years of research experience in electrochemistry, material science and catalyst development from leading universities worldwide, as well as over 10 years’ of start up experience in electrochemistry, hardware and biotech. It is currently backed by renowned investors in the climate tech space sector. With such a remarkable blend of expertise and experience, Ucaneo are uniquely positioned to lead the way in pioneering carbon capture technology, and poised to make a lasting impact in the rapidly evolving climate tech landscape.
The Mechanics of DAC Technology
Ucaneo’s DAC technology is inspired by the human respiratory system. But how does it work? Ucaneo’s approach is simply said a fusion of cooling towers and desalination plants, interlinked by groundbreaking solvents and catalysts. The magic happens through a synergy of (bio)catalysts and electrochemistry, similar to the intricate processes that occur in our lungs. In essence, Ucaneo captures CO2 as bicarbonates, which are weakly charged ions, within an innovative solvent in its proprietary liquid-air contactor. It is then seperated by an own desgined electrochemical cell. The output of the continous flow process is concentrated CO2 gas and clean air. The air goes back into the athmosphere, while the CO2 can be used as feedstock to produce carbon neutral products like synthetic fuels or stored long-term underground issuing carbon credits.
Ucaneo’s innovation and unique combination is a game-changer in the world of DAC technology as it drastically reduces the energy demands compared to traditional systems that rely on heat for their regeneration step. By avoiding the high-temperature processes, Ucaneo’s method stands out as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.
Scalability for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Scalability is another key factor in Ucaneo’s approach. The company has designed its technology to be modular, allowing for efficient scaling. This means that as the demand for CO2 removal increases to tackle the climate crisis, Ucaneo can seamlessly expand its operations without compromising on efficiency.
But what is the value proposition of Ucaneo’s innovative DAC technology? There are several aspects that make it stand out:
Energy Efficiency: Ucaneo’s method significantly reduces energy consumption, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.
Scalability: With a modular design, Ucaneo can adapt to changing demands and grow alongside the increasing need for carbon capture solutions.
Innovative Solvents and Catalysts: The combination of unique solvents and (bio)catalytic properties sets Ucaneo’s technology apart, enabling efficient CO2 removal.
Proprietary Components: Ucaneo has developed key components like the liquid air contractor and cell stacks, which are integral to the company’s success and scalability.
Ucaneo’s DAC technology offers a breath of fresh air in the fight against climate change. By mimicking natural processes, optimising energy efficiency, and adopting a scalable approach, they’re paving the way for a more sustainable future. As the world grapples with the urgent need for CO2 reduction, Ucaneo’s innovation is a ray of hope on the horizon, delivering a greener and more promising tomorrow enabling companies to offset their emissions or decarbonizing their supply chains.
Investing in a Sustainable Future
Investors who share the Ucaneo vision for a sustainable future have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of an industry that is set to reshape the global climate tech landscape and contributing to the preservation of our planet for generations to come. Collaborating with Ucaneo means playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.
Ucaneo are always eager to establish partnerships with organisations committed to creating a positive environmental impact. Partnering with Ucaneo offers a host of compelling benefits that extend far beyond the realm of carbon capture. Key advantages include:
- Sustainability Leadership: Our commitment to environmental responsibility resonates with organizations that aim to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability enabling those to reach their net-zero emissions targets.
- Market Growth: The carbon capture market is rapidly expanding, and Ucaneo’s scalable solutions align perfectly with market trends. Partner organisations benefit by being at the forefront of a growing industry.
- Flexible Collaboration: We believe in tailoring partnerships to meet the unique goals and objectives of each collaborator. Partnerships with Ucaneo can be customised to maximise the benefits specific to your organisation.
- Positive Public Perception: Collaborating with a forward-thinking organisation like Ucaneo can enhance public image, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
- Mutual Growth: As Ucaneo continues to scale up and progress, scales and progresses, partnerships can also expand with us, thus creating opportunities for mutual growth and shared success.
Investing or partering in a sustainable future with Ucaneo is more than merely a financial opportunity. It is a real chance to be a part of a movement that is set to transform our world for the better. As Ucaneo leads the charge in the fight against climate change, the future looks brighter, greener, and more promising for all. Berlin based Ucaneo has developed a pioneering Direct Air Capture technology which mimics the human lung in order to remove carbon dioxide from the air. For up to date news on this ambitious start up company, please see https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucaneo/. Reach out to Ucaneo at hello@ucaneo.com. Further contact details can also be found on the Ucaneo website – https://www.ucaneo.com/