Vienna-based climate tech startup Sequestra advance its innovative CO2 utilisation technology for the heavy industry and being one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, Sequestra aims to revolutionise carbon capture and repurpose industrial waste into sustainable construction materials.
By developing a globally patented technology, Sequestra seeks to make industrial CO2 sequestration not just an environmental necessity but also an economically viable solution. The funding will accelerate the company’s mission to reduce 4 to 8.5 billion tonnes of CO2 annually—equivalent to 10–20% of global emissions.
How Will Sequestra Follow Its Mission?
1. Advancing CO2 Utilisation Technology
A significant portion of the funding will go towards enhancing Sequestra’s globally patented CO2 utilisation platform. The company plans to establish a rapid testing facility for automated material analysis, expected to be operational by the end of 2025. This facility will accelerate the testing and optimisation of industrial residues for carbon capture applications.
2. Scaling Industrial Applications
To ensure large-scale implementation, Sequestra will focus on industrial expansion, making its technology adaptable across various industrial sectors. The company will work on fine-tuning its process to enhance efficiency and scalability, allowing industries to seamlessly integrate CO2 sequestration into their existing operations.
3. Commercial Viability of Carbonated Materials
A key objective is to make carbonated industrial waste a commercially viable material for the construction sector. Sequestra will invest in research and marketing efforts to ensure that carbon-sequestered materials meet industry standards and attract demand from construction firms and urban developers.
4. Expanding Market Reach
The company will dedicate resources to market development, regulatory approvals, and strategic partnerships to drive adoption across multiple industries. Ensuring compliance with global environmental regulations will be critical for widespread implementation.
The Birth of an Innovative Idea
Sequestra was founded in July 2024 by Lukas Höber, Roberto Lerche, and Gero Schwarz in Austria. The three co-founders, with backgrounds in technological research, industrial plant engineering, and business consulting, met during their studies in metallurgy and recycling technology at the University of Leoben.
The idea for Sequestra emerged from their shared recognition of the potential for permanent CO2 sequestration in industrial waste. What started as a concept in their university years has now evolved into a real-world solution with the potential to transform industrial sustainability.
Innovative CO2 Utilisation Technology
Sequestra’s technology platform enables the permanent binding of CO2 in industrial residues, including:
- Steel slag
- Incineration ash
- Demolition waste
Through a three-pronged approach—combining an analysis facility, an empirical data model, and industrial process technologies—Sequestra provides tailor-made solutions for industries looking to cut emissions and repurpose waste sustainably.
A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Waste Disposal
Unlike traditional waste disposal methods that contribute to environmental degradation, Sequestra’s process not only captures CO2 but also repurposes the treated materials for construction applications. This breakthrough helps industries reduce emissions and create eco-friendly building materials, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Sequestra’s Impact on the Climate
The heavy industry sector is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. By leveraging Sequestra’s technology, industries can transition toward carbon-negative operations, effectively addressing environmental concerns while maintaining industrial productivity.
According to leading scientific studies, Sequestra’s approach has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 4 to 8.5 billion tonnes annually, a game-changing figure that could play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change.
Industry Recognition and Prestigious Accolades
Sequestra’s groundbreaking innovation has earned it recognition in prestigious national and international accelerator programs. Some of the notable programs the startup has been accepted into include:
- INiTS
- Vienna Business Agency’s Startup Grant
- EIT Climate KIC Climate Launchpad
- EIT Manufacturing Venture Builders
In addition, Sequestra was a finalist in the Climate Founders program, competing against 100 startups from across Europe. In November 2024, the company was named a winner of the esteemed Greenstart program, an initiative by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund.
Funding Details
Sequestra successfully secured a €1.1 million pre-seed funding round, backed by investors specialising in climate tech, industrial innovation, and deeptech.
Key Investors:
- Carbon Drawdown Initiative – A leading investor in long-term CO2 reduction technologies.
- VSE Beteiligungs-GmbH – An investment firm focused on industrial innovation.
- Climate Founders – A European climate-tech accelerator providing both capital and strategic expertise.
With this funding, Sequestra is well-positioned to accelerate its R&D efforts, scale its technology, and drive industrial adoption. The company’s commitment to tackling one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time makes it a promising force in the climate-tech sector.
Road Ahead
Sequestra’s cutting-edge approach to CO2 utilisation in heavy industry is a significant step toward achieving global carbon neutrality. With its innovative technology, strategic funding, and strong industry backing, the startup is set to redefine sustainable industrial practices and drive impactful change in the fight against climate change.
