From backyard to global stage, local startup revolutionizing carbon removal

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As the world races to address climate change, a Manitoba-based startup, Carbon Lock Tech, is gaining attention for its pioneering approach to atmospheric carbon removal.

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Founded on the belief that cutting emissions alone won’t be enough to meet global targets, Carbon Lock Tech is developing systems to extract carbon from the atmosphere and transform it into biochar — a versatile solution poised to reshape industries and fuel a new economy centred around carbon removal.

For Kevin Danner, co-founder and CEO of Carbon Lock Tech, the journey began years ago, inspired by his work in government climate initiatives. He soon realized that simply reducing emissions wouldn’t be enough.

“It became clear that reversing climate change would require a way to remove carbon from the atmosphere,” Danner said.

It was at the time of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) that Danner first heard about biochar, a carbon-rich material that captures atmospheric carbon, from the French Agriculture Minister. Intrigued by its potential,

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Danner received a small biochar reactor as a gift and began experimenting in his own backyard. From there, he refined the process into a continuous system and ultimately earned a patent and secured a pilot in Pinawa, Man.

To help further scale the technology, Carbon Lock Tech joined the North Forge Founders Program, positioning their innovative solution to make a mark on the global stage.

Carbon Lock Tech’s proprietary technology has proven its versatility with applications across multiple industries. By embedding biochar into materials like concrete, asphalt, and green infrastructure, the company aims to not only reduce carbon footprints but also enhance the performance of these products.

Through collaborative research projects with Assiniboine College, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, and the University of Manitoba, they are continually exploring innovative uses for biochar. Additionally, the company has partnered with leading organizations such as Lafarge and HudBay Minerals to research biochar applications in industrial processes.

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Although relatively new, Carbon Lock Tech has already secured recognition in several pitch competitions, helping the company refine its business model and communicate its vision effectively.

“Pitch competitions push us to sharpen our message,” Danner says. “They also give us insight into how the market responds to our solutions, and so far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The startup is gearing up for its next challenge — the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition in Kitchener-Waterloo on Wednesday. Competing against Canada’s top new ventures looking to export their products and/or services outside of Canada, Carbon Lock Tech aims to showcase its technology on a national stage and strengthen its presence within the Canadian startup ecosystem. Following Startup Global, Carbon Lock Tech is set to represent Canada at the Entrepreneurship World Cup Global Finals from Nov. 6-9, in Saudi Arabia.

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For Danner, these events are about more than just competing. “It’s about taking our message of renewal to the world and showcasing Canada’s leadership in climate tech,” he says. The company’s goal at the World Cup isn’t just to win, but to raise awareness and build connections that will help them scale globally.

Carbon Lock Tech’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. From experimenting in a backyard to presenting on an international stage, the company exemplifies how small beginnings can lead to bold visions and global impact. Joining the North Forge Founders Program has been a key part of this journey, providing the support and resources needed to refine their technology and prepare for upcoming competitions. As the team prepares for the upcoming competitions, they carry with them not just a new technology, but a promise of hope and a new path forward in the fight against climate change.

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With the opening of a new $1.6 million Innovation Center in Headingley and a strategic fundraising effort through the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit (SBVCTC) program, Carbon Lock Tech is on the brink of a new chapter in its growth story. For this local startup, the upcoming competitions are about more than just proving their innovation — they represent an opportunity to inspire a global shift in how we confront climate change.

To find out more about how the North Forge Founders Program can help your startup, visit northforge.ca. To learn more about Carbon Lock Tech, visit carbonlocktech.com.

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