The Dutch startup SeaO2 has secured over €2 million in funding to accelerate the development of its Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology, designed to extract carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from seawater.

By efficiently removing CO₂ and returning carbon-free water to the ocean, SeaO2 aims to enhance the ocean’s natural ability to absorb atmospheric carbon.

Funding to Propel Innovation and Growth

With financial backing from DOEN Participaties, the NEW-TTT Fund, Future Tech Ventures, and CarbonFix, as well as angel investors Eduard Talman and Siddharth Kambe, SeaO2 is set to make impactful strides in climate tech.

The funding will transition SeaO2 from a prototype to a pilot phase, aiming to launch a pilot plant in the summer of 2025 with an annual capacity of 250 tons of CO₂.

This investment will also help the company build a robust team and implement a Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system to ensure precise tracking of its CO₂ removal capabilities.

“This investment recognizes our team’s hard work and dedication. With this extra support, we can scale our operations and accelerate our impact on climate change, bringing us closer to our target of removing a megaton of CO₂ by 2030 and a gigaton by 2045.” - CEO and co-founder of SeaO2 Ruben Brands

Strategic Partnerships and Key Milestones

SeaO2’s progress is bolstered by strategic partnerships with influential organizations such as XPRIZE Carbon Removal, TU Delft, Klarna, Wetsus, and Redstack. These partnerships provide critical support for advancing the DOC technology and expanding SeaO2’s market reach.

Additionally, the company’s recent collaborations, including a successful carbon removal initiative in the Wadden Sea with Paebbl and recognition in the top 100 of the XPRIZE competition, underscore its growing industry presence.

Participation in accelerator programs, including CEEZER, Blue Invest, AirMiners, and Remove, has equipped SeaO2 with insights and resources to refine its technology and scale rapidly.

The company is also engaged in programs like PortXL and the Creative Destruction Lab, which are instrumental in preparing SeaO2 for further development and scaling of its ocean carbon capture solutions.

Scaling for a Sustainable Future

With robust funding, strategic alliances, and a clear mission, SeaO2 is well-positioned to lead advancements in the climate tech sector. By continuing to scale its DOC technology, SeaO2 aims to make meaningful progress in reducing oceanic CO₂ levels, ultimately helping to mitigate climate change at a global scale.

This funding and support set the stage for SeaO2 to transform how carbon is managed in our oceans, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Possible Positive Impacts of SeaO₂ as the Company Scales

Significant Reduction of Atmospheric CO₂

By capturing CO₂ directly from seawater, SeaO2 can help lower atmospheric carbon levels, making a substantial impact on global climate targets. If SeaO2 achieves its goal of capturing one gigaton of CO₂ by 2045, it could meaningfully slow the pace of climate change, supporting international efforts to reduce global warming.

Enhanced Ocean Health and CO₂ Absorption

SeaO2’s process of returning carbon-free water to the ocean can improve the ocean’s natural ability to absorb atmospheric CO₂. This could enhance the ocean’s role as a global carbon sink, helping to regulate CO₂ levels and mitigate acidification, which benefits marine ecosystems.

Boosting the Carbon Capture Industry

Successful scaling of SeaO2’s technology could set a benchmark for ocean-based carbon capture, inspiring new research, investment, and innovation in the field. This could help establish the ocean as a viable solution for carbon removal, adding to the growing suite of carbon capture technologies available.

Creation of New Climate Tech Jobs

As SeaO2 grows, it will likely create jobs across engineering, manufacturing, research, and project management, particularly in regions near the oceans. This job creation could provide economic growth in coastal communities and attract more talent to the climate tech sector.

Support for Carbon Removal Standards and Policy

By establishing effective monitoring and verification systems, SeaO2 could contribute to setting standards for ocean-based carbon capture. These benchmarks could encourage policymakers to adopt supportive carbon removal regulations, helping to drive more widespread use of similar technologies.

Increased Collaboration Across Climate and Marine Research

SeaO2’s partnerships with organizations like TU Delft and XPRIZE highlight its role in advancing scientific understanding of ocean-based carbon capture. Ongoing collaboration with research institutions can foster new insights and technological advances, benefiting both marine and climate science.

Reduction of Ocean Acidification

As SeaO2 removes CO₂ from seawater, it could help address ocean acidification, a direct result of excessive CO₂ levels. Healthier, less acidic oceans are better for marine biodiversity, including coral reefs and fisheries, which are essential for global biodiversity and food security.

Strengthening Carbon Markets and Offsetting Options

SeaO2’s ability to capture and verify CO₂ removal could support carbon offset markets by providing additional options for companies looking to meet emissions reduction goals. A reliable, verifiable source of oceanic carbon capture credits could increase demand and investment in this sector.

Encouraging Climate Action Through Scalable Solutions

SeaO2’s success could provide a tangible example of scalable, effective climate tech, inspiring confidence in the feasibility of large-scale carbon removal. This could encourage other startups, governments, and investors to commit resources to climate solutions, accelerating action on climate change.

Improving Coastal Resilience to Climate Change

If SeaO2’s technology becomes widely used, coastal communities might experience indirect benefits as global climate impacts are reduced. Lower atmospheric CO₂ and healthier oceans contribute to overall climate stability, which could help mitigate rising sea levels and severe weather patterns associated with climate change.