Sarah Lamaison, co-founder and CEO of Dioxycle, discusses pioneering sustainable chemistry by converting carbon emissions into everyday chemicals. Topics include decarbonizing industries, avoiding pitfalls in startup founding, developing carbon dioxide conversion tech, overcoming challenges in complex technology, the importance of public-private partnerships and private capital, and goals in the climate tech space.
The importance of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in reducing carbon emissions and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.
The potential of carbon utilization in the chemical industry to replace fossil sources of carbon and create a more sustainable and decarbonized industry.
Deep dives
Overview of Carbon Capture and Utilization
The speaker discusses the importance of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in reducing carbon emissions. The current levels of atmospheric CO2 and the need to limit global warming are highlighted. The speaker emphasizes the role of individuals in reducing emissions through behavior changes. Additionally, the deployment of existing technologies and the development of new processes are necessary to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, such as cement, steel, aviation, chemicals, and shipping.
Carbon Utilization in the Chemical Industry
The speaker focuses on carbon utilization in the chemical industry as a way to reinvent and decarbonize the industry. Different pathways for utilizing carbon emissions, including using it as is, mineralizing it, converting it into synthetic fuels, and converting it into chemicals, are discussed. The speaker highlights the potential of carbon utilization to replace fossil sources of carbon, with the goal of reaching a more sustainable and decarbonized chemical industry.
The Role of DIAK Cycle
The speaker introduces DIAK Cycle, a company that pioneers sustainable chemistry by converting industrial carbon emissions into everyday chemicals with breakthrough electrolysis technology. The focus is on developing cost-effective solutions to help carbon emitters reduce emissions while profiting from the sustainable chemicals produced. The company's aim is to provide a no or negative green premium, making their technology cost-competitive with fossil alternatives.
Challenges and Insights for Climate Tech Startups
The speaker shares insights and advice for entrepreneurs in the climate tech space. They discuss the importance of maintaining an underdog mindset, seeking advice, and understanding the industry beyond academic knowledge. The speaker emphasizes the strong technical foundation and understanding needed to address climate challenges effectively. They also highlight the need to overcome traps like sunk cost fallacy and tiredness, and to be willing to pivot or quit if the technology or business idea is not working.
Sarah Lamaison is the co-founder and CEO of Dioxycle, which is pioneering sustainable chemistry by building breakthrough technologies that convert industrial carbon emissions into everyday chemicals with unprecedented energy and cost efficiency. In this presentation, Lamaison explains how her company fits into the future of carbon-capture technology, then shares advice for tech founders — especially in the climate tech industry —who want to build successful companies.
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