Octavia Carbon: Leading the Charge in Carbon Removal Innovation
The fight against climate change has a new hero, and it’s not from where you’d expect. Meet Octavia Carbon, a groundbreaking Kenyan startup rewriting the rules of carbon removal with cutting-edge Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. Founded in June 2022, Octavia Carbon isn’t just leading the charge in Africa—it’s the first DAC company in the Global South. Octavia Carbon was co-founded by Martin Freimüller and Duncan Kariuki.
Here’s how this pioneering team is turning the dream of a net-zero future into a tangible reality.
Transforming CO2 from Problem to Possibility
The technology: Direct Air Capture.
Sounds futuristic? It is. Octavia Carbon has perfected a system that pulls carbon dioxide straight from the atmosphere. This CO2 is then securely stored underground, where it mineralizes and becomes part of the Earth—mimicking natural processes, but at a scale and speed that matters.
Their approach isn’t just innovative; it’s essential. As industries and governments around the world scramble for sustainable solutions, Octavia Carbon is proving that advanced carbon removal doesn’t have to be the privilege of high-income nations.
Introducing Project Hummingbird
At the heart of Octavia Carbon’s efforts lies Project Hummingbird, a pilot DAC facility set to launch by late 2024.
This isn’t just another tech project; it’s a game-changer. With the capacity to remove 1,000 tons of CO2 annually, Hummingbird will demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of DAC technology. The facility leverages Kenya’s unique natural resources, including geothermal energy, to lower costs and reduce emissions associated with the process.
Why does this matter? Because global net-zero goals demand innovative solutions, and Octavia Carbon is stepping up to deliver.
Backed by Big Vision—and Big Funding
In October 2024, Octavia Carbon made headlines by raising an impressive $5 million in seed funding—one of the largest rounds for an African tech startup that year.
Co-led by Lateral Frontier and E4E Africa, this funding will propel the company closer to its ultimate goal: removing one million tons of CO2 annually by 2030. This isn’t just about meeting climate targets; it’s about positioning Kenya as a global hub for carbon removal innovation.
The Secret to Octavia Carbon’s Success
What sets Octavia apart isn’t just its technology—it’s the way it tailors solutions to its environment.
- Modular Systems: The company’s DAC units are scalable and powered by Kenya’s abundant geothermal energy. This cuts costs and reduces emissions, making the technology accessible and sustainable.
- Geological Storage: Captured CO2 is injected into basaltic rock formations, where it mineralizes into stable carbonate minerals. Translation? It’s locked away for thousands of years.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Octavia uses advanced, tamper-proof digital monitoring systems to ensure every ton of CO2 captured and stored is accounted for.
Why Octavia Carbon Matters
The startup’s ambitions go beyond carbon removal—they’re setting a precedent. In a world often focused on the Global North’s solutions, Octavia Carbon is showing that the Global South has the resources, talent, and determination to lead.
Their work also speaks to a broader truth: tackling climate change is a global responsibility. By proving that DAC can thrive in Kenya, Octavia opens the door for similar innovations across Africa and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of Project Hummingbird and ambitious plans to scale, Octavia Carbon is poised to make a significant dent in the global carbon crisis. Their vision—backed by innovative technology, a commitment to sustainability, and strategic funding—isn’t just inspiring. It’s necessary.
As the world inches closer to 2030, companies like Octavia Carbon remind us that solutions to climate change aren’t just possible—they’re already here.
Want to stay ahead of the curve in the carbon removal revolution? Keep an eye on Octavia Carbon—they’re just getting started.
