About Us
We’re dedicated to funding the discovery of innovative solutions to the climate crisis based on natural systems
Tackling the Climate Crises
At CTRF our mission is to invest in the power of technology to supercharge natural systems and catalyse further funding, research and solutions. Established in 2020, we are a non-profit philanthropic entity, set up to fund cutting-edge innovation into the application of biotechnology to deliver enhanced, scalable solutions for carbon sequestration. We are led by the science and aim to highlight the significant potential in this area, by growing the current research knowledge pool, as well as demonstrating the case for additional investment from other foundations, companies and government agencies. Stig Arff, our founder, is passionate in his belief in the imperative for urgent action to remove carbon from the atmosphere to prevent dangerous warming.
Introduction from our founder, Stig Arff – Chair, Fremr
Why do we need to remove carbon from the atmosphere?
To prevent catastrophic warming from climate change, we need to reduce emissions and also find more and better ways to remove existing carbon dioxide from the air. By 2050 an estimated 10 gigatons of CO2 per year needs to be removed from the atmosphere to meet the goals of the Paris Climate agreement. However, we currently have no scalable solutions to meet this challenge. Natural processes use the sun’s energy to absorb carbon dioxide – and we know they work. Currently a quarter of global emissions are absorbed by forests and grasslands. Despite its potential the scale up of natural processes through the application of biotechnology is poorly understood and underfunded.
We’re actively looking for projects to support
Metabolic engineering in plants
Improving photosynthetic efficiency in higher plants and algae by optimizing key enzymes, creating novel photorespiration bypass routes or carbon fixing pathways, or adapting other elements of the photosynthetic machinery or plant architecture to sequester more carbon.
Soil carbon sequestration
Investigating the potential of soil carbon sequestration, adapting the root-soil ecosystem, exploring symbiotic relationships with microbes and fungi and the sequestration potential of archaea.
Engineering of photosynthetic organisms
Understanding photosynthetic organisms and their role in carbon sequestration. Engineering of faster growing strains of algae, bacteria or fungi, those that produce a higher proportion of carbon in their biomass or co-cultivation with carbon concentrating organisms.
Ocean carbon removal
The application of biotechnology to increase the ocean’s ability to remove and store carbon.
Biotech-enhanced weathering
Investigating colonies of microorganisms, plants, lichens and fungi that co-exist in local ecology to speed up dissolution rates. Promotion of bio-enhanced mineralisation through engineering of sub-surface microbiota.
Who we are
We are a group of passionate experts in our fields united in our commitment to tackle the climate emergency
Resources and News
Latest news, insights and knowledge on biotechnology and opportunities for scalable carbon sequestration.
Stay Informed
Keep in touch with news from our projects and funding updates and insights from CTRF