Ucaneo CO2 removal technology secures €6.75M in seed funding to accelerate the development of its innovative technology, aiming to lead the direct air capture (DAC) sector.
Scale CO2 removal tech
Berlin-based climate tech startup Ucaneo has successfully raised €6.75M in seed funding to advance its cutting-edge direct air capture (DAC) technology. The funding round was led by prominent hardware and industrial energy investors, including Smart Energy Innovationsfonds (SEIF) by Energie 360° and IBB Ventures, with participation from Plug and Play Sustainability Fund and existing investors such as Grantham Environmental Trust and Carbon Removal Partners. This capital injection will enable Ucaneo to build one of Germany’s largest DAC testing facilities and develop its first industrial-scale product.
Ucaneo’s co-founder and CEO, Florian Tiller, said: “This is a pivotal moment for our company. The growing recognition of the critical need for CO2 removal technologies, coupled with increasing regulatory support, positions Ucaneo at the forefront of this transformative sector. This funding round testifies our progress and potential, enabling us to quickly build one of the most cost-efficient, scalable and mass-producible Direct Air Capture systems, delivering a sustainable solution for CO2 removal or utilisation processes at any location and scale.”
Innovative electrochemical technology inspired by nature
Ucaneo’s breakthrough CO2 removal technology is modelled on the human lung’s ability to manage CO2, using an electrochemical process that operates at room temperature. This biomimetic approach allows the company to capture CO2 from the atmosphere, converting it into pure gas for industrial use. Their DAC system is highly energy-efficient and can operate seamlessly with renewable energy sources like solar and wind, offering a flexible, on-demand solution for CO2 removal.
Commenting on the innovative system, Carla Glassl, Ucaneo’s co-founder and CTO, stated: “To scale carbon removal, we need accelerated hardware development! Ucaneo’s technology is designed for rapid iterations, leveraging proven components and established supply chains with a modular design suitable for global deployment.”
Scaling carbon capture with a cost-effective approach
Ucaneo’s mission is to tackle global CO2 emissions with cost-effective solutions. Their DAC system has been validated in the lab and backed by external feasibility studies, targeting a price of below €300 per tonne of CO2 in the coming years. With further advancements, the company aims to reduce this to under €100 per tonne, making it one of the most affordable DAC technologies available.
By 2026, Ucaneo plans to have its first industrial-sized product up and running at its new DAC facility in Berlin, positioning Germany as a leader in the development of carbon removal technologies. This initiative is part of Ucaneo’s collaboration with the Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund, where they were selected as one of only thirteen suppliers from over 220 carbon dioxide removal companies.
Ucaneo’s new facility in Berlin to fuel rapid growth
To achieve these ambitious goals, Ucaneo has moved its operations to the high-tech Campus in Marzahn, Berlin. This collaborative innovation hub, run by Berlin.Industrial.Group and MotionLab.Berlin, offers startups access to state-of-the-art resources like robotic labs, clean rooms, and certification services. The move will enable Ucaneo to quickly establish its DAC facility and accelerate the commercialisation of its technology.
Lars Hennersdorf, Investment Manager at Smart Energy Innovationsfonds by Energie 360°, commented: “At SEIF, we’re all about supporting innovative startups crucial for a sustainable energy future. With CO2 removal tech on the rise, we’re excited to back Ucaneo’s amazing team and technology to further decarbonise various industries.”
A game-changing approach to CO2 removal
Ucaneo’s rapid progress in developing functional lab-scale prototypes within just two years has captured the attention of investors and industry experts alike. The company’s DAC system offers an energy-efficient, affordable, and scalable solution for capturing CO2 from the atmosphere, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint and meet increasingly stringent sustainability targets.
Marvin Martsch, Senior Investment Manager at IBB Ventures, added: “Ucaneo’s tech is a game-changer—affordable, energy-efficient DAC solutions that turn CO2 into useful products. They’ve developed a game-changing technology and functional lab-scale prototype in two years, showing real talent and ambition.”
Founded in Berlin, Ucaneo specialises in direct air capture technologies that remove CO2 from the atmosphere. By harnessing renewable energy and mimicking natural processes, Ucaneo’s solutions aim to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while providing a sustainable source of CO2 for future production. Ucaneo’s pioneering technology is poised to play a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts as industries look to meet climate regulations and sustainability goals.
