The Green Blueprint Captura's high-stakes gamble
Nov 19, 2025
In this engaging talk, Steve Oldham, CEO of Captura, shares insights from his journey in ocean-based carbon removal. He recounts the nail-biting moments before a crucial customer demo when a system leak threatened the pilot. Steve illuminates the science of extracting CO2 from seawater, discussing how their innovative process surpasses direct air capture. He also reveals the challenges of scaling up from a small prototype while navigating logistical hurdles and regulatory standards. Tune in for a glimpse into the thrilling world of climate tech!
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Last-Minute Demo Rescue
- Steve Oldham stalled customers in a conference room while his team fixed a leaking pilot system in Hawaii.
- The team turned the system on two minutes before the demo and everything worked for the visitors.
Ocean Chemistry Does The Heavy Lifting
- Removing CO2 from ocean water draws CO2 from the atmosphere due to Henry's Law equilibrium.
- Captura leverages that chemistry at scale to reduce atmospheric CO2 by degassing treated seawater.
Membrane Fouling Fixed With Backwashing
- Early tests in Newport Beach revealed membrane fouling from salt and corrosion risks.
- Captura solved it with a backwashing method using process chemicals to eliminate fouling and preserve membranes.