Hong Kong’s Brinc Launches Climate Tech Program to Support Early-Stage Startups in Carbon Dioxide Removal Solutions

Hong Kong-based Brinc, a renowned global venture accelerator, has announced the launch of its Climate Tech program, specifically tailored for early-stage startups in the field of climate technology.

This program focuses on supporting startups that are dedicated to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions. Over three months, selected founders will benefit from fundraising assistance, guidance on scaling their ventures, and connections to Brinc’s extensive network of follow-on investors, mentors, and corporate partners.

Headquartered in Hong Kong Brinc is a prominent global venture accelerator that operates 13 accelerator programs across seven countries. In addition to its accelerator programs, Brinc offers investment services and distributed innovation strategies to support corporations in sourcing new startups and technologies.

The organization also assists in venture-building Web3-enabled businesses. Brinc has collaborated with different stakeholders, including global corporations, government organizations, tertiary institutions, fast-growing companies, and leading venture funds.

Through its initiatives, Brinc provides an innovation platform, access to Series A+ co-investment opportunities, and facilitates the growth of high-potential early-stage companies.

The Summer 2023 cohort marks the beginning of Brinc’s Climate Tech accelerator program, with four promising startups joining.

Through this initiative, Brinc aims to provide climate tech startups with the necessary resources and support in the field of carbon dioxide removal.

The first cohort of Brinc’s Climate Tech program consists of four shortlisted startups that have demonstrated their approach and relevance in the competitive landscape.

One of the startups participating in the program is Airhive, hailing from the United Kingdom. Airhive develops geochemical direct air capture (DAC) technology to expedite carbon removal efforts.

Their DAC system, characterized by a modular design and a fluidized nano-structured sorbent, boasts exceptional capture speed, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Headquartered in the United States, CarbonBridge specializes in capturing fermentation CO2 produced during the fermentation process of plant-based substances used in the production of beverages such as beer and wine.

Instead of allowing this CO2 to be released into the atmosphere, CarbonBridge employs an innovative microbial conversion process to transform it into eco-friendly methanol.

Hong Kong-based startup Formwork IO aims to reduce carbon emissions within the architectural and construction sectors. Their approach involves the creation of carbon-negative concrete by utilizing waste carbon dioxide and materials as binding agents.

Through a mineralization technique that involves carbonation, the startup achieves the permanent storage of carbon dioxide, thereby offering a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental impact. With a specific focus on the Asian market, where over 70% of cement production occurs, Formwork IO tailors its process to various applications.

Poas Bioenergy, a Costa Rica-based startup, specializes in converting agricultural waste, including residues from coffee and pineapple production, into biochar and syngas.

Brinc’s Climate Tech program has garnered support from various key stakeholders in the industry, including Artesian, Carbon Business Council, CO2CRC, Direct Air Capture Coalition, PML Applications, and others.

According to Motter, Brinc‘s Climate Tech Program manager, it is crucial for these startups to not only answer the “why them? why now?” question convincingly but also to understand how their technology aligns with broader factors such as ecological risk, co-benefits, and the impact on local communities.