What the Project Is
Kiverdi, Inc. is remaking how things are made with carbon transformation. This innovative approach breaks down carbon materials into their fundamental elements and builds them back up into a range of bio-based products that are friendlier to our planet. Recognizing that the existing supply chain model no longer meets the needs of our growing population and planet, Kiverdi has set a new standard in the circular economy by using carbon transformation instead of extracting further resources. With a clear focus on sustainable practices, the work being done by Kiverdi is truly groundbreaking… and it all starts with rethinking the very building blocks of production.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts that highlight the main benefits include:
- 50+ patents granted or pending on NASA-inspired technology
- 46+ patents granted or pending of carbon transformation technology applied to a range of industries
- Addressing supply chain challenges such as price volatility, land and water usage, and overall efficiency
- Capturing an overabundance of CO2 – with 36 billion tons emitted globally each year
- Creating friendlier bio-based products that leverage existing resources and reduce environmental impact
Innovative Inspiration
The inspiration behind Kiverdi began in the 1960s with NASA’s quest for deep space travel. During that daring mission planning, scientists faced the challenge of producing food for a year-long trip with limited space and resources. In solving this problem, researchers discovered a special class of microbes called hydrogenotrophs, which act like plants in converting carbon dioxide into food. This brilliant concept from space exploration has laid the foundation for today’s initiatives, transforming carbon in a way that not only captures excess CO2 but also creates valuable nutrients and sustainable products.
Sustainable Production
Kiverdi’s technology is not just about reducing carbon dioxide emissions—it is about leading a new era of sustainable production. By leveraging already available resources, the process creates nutrients and bio-based products that support a growing population without relying on further extraction from the planet. There is an evident shift towards innovation and circular supply chains that bring together environmental stewardship and modern production methods. This sustainable production approach challenges traditional modes and inspires a transition to cleaner, more secure manufacturing processes… paving the way for products that are as eco-friendly as they are efficient.
Collaborative Partnerships
Collaboration plays a vital role in advancing this ambitious technology. An excellent example is Air Protein, an offshoot of Kiverdi that creates meat from air. This technology has been refined through partnerships with institutions like Lawrence Berkeley Labs and SRI International, with significant support from key government agencies. Funding from the US Department of Energy’s BETO, the US Department of Energy’s ARPA-E, the California Energy Commission, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and governments from Quebec and Europe bolsters the research and development of this pioneering method. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to addressing real-world resource challenges and exemplify how interdisciplinary teamwork accelerates sustainable solutions.
Technological Impact
At its core, the technology harnessed by Kiverdi transforms not only carbon dioxide but also industries and production paradigms. By substituting traditional resource extraction with carbon transformation, the approach is tackling critical issues such as environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and a volatile supply chain. This shift to a renewable and circular framework isn’t just beneficial on paper; it holds the promise of real, measurable impact on how food and everyday products are made. The blend of cutting-edge science and practical application creates a dynamic framework—one that is poised to improve global resource management while ushering in a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Project Impact
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by creating sustainable sources of nutrients
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through innovative carbon transformation technology
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by fostering a circular economy and reducing the need for resource extraction
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by capturing excess CO2 and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the work driven by Kiverdi, Inc. is a lively demonstration of how science and innovation can come together to push the boundaries of sustainable production. With a legacy that began with space exploration, the technology is now evolving into practical solutions that address the dual challenges of supporting an ever-growing population and preserving the environment. As the technology continues to mature, there is a clear path forward that combines robust research, strong partnerships, and the unyielding pursuit of a cleaner and more secure future. There is a palpable excitement about the potential applications, and, indeed, the journey from transforming carbon to transforming lives is just beginning…
