From process model to practical validation

Carbonyze was exploring how to move from process modelling towards practical validation. After developing a validated process model for its carbon utilisation technology, the company was beginning to explore industrial pilot opportunities. A collaboration call on konfer opened up a different conversation: what evidence, partners and validation would be needed before a pilot could succeed?

Carbonyze is a climate tech startup emerging from the University of Aberdeen, developing carbon utilisation technologies that support sustainable fuels and industrial decarbonisation.

The company is developing a modular carbon utilisation platform that converts captured carbon dioxide into methanol, helping smaller and medium-sized industrial emitters turn emissions into a valuable product with applications across manufacturing and low-carbon fuels. By focusing on smaller industrial emitters, Carbonyze aims to make carbon utilisation technologies accessible to organisations that may not have access to large-scale decarbonisation infrastructure.

"One of the biggest challenges has been identifying suitable industrial and innovation partners who understand both the technical and commercial aspects of our ambition."

Aatish Dasmahaptra, Founder, Carbonyze

To find the right support, Aatish posted a collaboration opportunity on konfer seeking partners who could help move the technology towards real-world application.

The call led to several new connections, including an introduction to BIC Innovation Wales. Their discussions helped Carbonyze look beyond immediate pilot opportunities and focus on the practical evidence future partners would need.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Brandon Ristow-Wilson of BIC Innovation Wales said:

"We connected with Carbonyze through konfer to explore opportunities to accelerate the commercial development of its carbon utilisation technology. We reviewed potential funding and support opportunities and identified a number of sectors where the technology could deliver value. We also discussed the evidence and validation that future pilot partners would expect before participating in trials." Brandon Ristow-Wilson, BIC Innovation Wales

That insight shaped Carbonyze’s next step: a second collaboration opportunity through konfer, seeking university and research partners to support laboratory and bench-scale proof-of-concept validation.

The call focuses on generating experimental evidence to validate Carbonyze's existing Aspen process model and support future prototype development. Carbonyze is looking to collaborate with researchers and technical specialists in areas such as catalysis, reactor systems, hydrogen technologies, process engineering and laboratory testing.

Reflecting on the experience, Aatish said:

"NCUB's konfer platform provides an effective way for startups, universities, industry and innovation organisations to discover opportunities and build collaborations that may otherwise be difficult to establish."

Why it matters

Carbonyze’s experience shows how the right collaboration can do more than create a connection. It can help an early-stage company test its assumptions, understand what future partners need and focus on the evidence that will make deployment possible.   

Looking ahead, Aatish Dasmahapatra, Founder of Carbonyze, said:

"The first konfer collaboration has already created valuable conversations, and I look forward to building on this with the next opportunity."

For Carbonyze, what began as a search for industrial partners became a clearer route to validation. The next step is to build the lab evidence needed to support future prototype development.

Looking for expertise, partners or innovation opportunities? Explore opportunities on konfer or contact konfer-support@ncub.co.uk to get started.