Alt Carbon secures $12M for carbon removal

05/22/2025 Climate

Alt Carbon, a climate technology startup, has received $12 million in seed funding to expand its carbon dioxide removal operations in India. This innovative company utilizes enhanced rock weathering, a natural process that permanently locks away CO2, to combat climate change. The funding round was led by a prominent investor in the robotics AI sector.

From Tea Estate to Climate Solution

The company’s origins lie in a family tea estate facing financial difficulties. The founders, siblings Shrey and Sparsh Agarwal, transformed this challenge into an opportunity, developing a scalable solution for carbon removal. Their approach uses waste basalt rock dust, a byproduct of the construction industry, spread across farmland. This dust reacts with rainwater, capturing CO2 and simultaneously improving soil health and crop yields. The resulting bicarbonate ions are ultimately deposited in the ocean, where they remain stored for millennia.

A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Approach

Alt Carbon’s method offers a cost-effective alternative to other carbon removal technologies. The company estimates its carbon credits at $270 per metric ton, significantly lower than competing methods. Furthermore, the process integrates seamlessly into existing agricultural practices and utilizes readily available waste materials, minimizing environmental impact. The startup employs rigorous scientific methodology, including multiple layers of measurement and machine learning modeling, to accurately quantify carbon removal.

Global Partnerships and Future Plans

The company boasts several notable partnerships, including agreements with major corporations and organizations focused on sustainability. These collaborations demonstrate the growing recognition of Alt Carbon's innovative technology and its potential to contribute significantly to global climate goals. With the new funding, Alt Carbon plans to further expand its operations, including laboratory enhancements and increased deployment of sensors for enhanced data collection.