Cleantech Startup Neutura Announces Pre-Seed Funding

Together with the COP 28 performance in Dubai, Neutura became a startup in the field carbon removal local, announced funding angel round or pre-seed with investors and undisclosed value. This investment is focused on developing biochar-based carbon sequestration projects, which are considered to be able to provide a big leap in preventing the rate of climate change.

It works by converting agricultural waste into biochar which has added value and is claimed to be able to lock carbon in the soil for more than 500 years.

Soon Neutura preparing to launch two lighthouse projects in 2024. The project to be launched focuses on utilizing plant waste from the agricultural industry to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, by converting the waste products into biochar and wood vinegar.

The target is that this project will be implemented in Indonesia and Southern Europe. Projects in these two areas not only aim to reduce emissions holistically, but also change the paradigm of the communities concerned carbon removal and responsible agricultural waste management.

The trial location that will be carried out in Indonesia has a capacity of 30 thousand tons of waste per year, with an estimated carbon removed through Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) of around 18 thousand tons per year.

For the second trial site in Southern Europe, the maximum potential capacity is around 12 thousand tons of waste to be processed annually, the estimated carbon removed through BCR will be around 6 thousand tons per year.

"We see agricultural waste not as a problem but as a solution. By converting this waste into biochar, we overcome several challenges while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health, and creating sustainable agricultural practices," said Neutura Co-Founder Laksamana Sakti or who is familiarly called Alif.

Getting to know Biochar

Biochar is a charcoal-shaped product produced by Neutura through a pyrolysis process. One of its main abilities is to increase soil fertility. Apart from that, this biochar can be used as a material for the metallurgical industry and low-emission cement.

"This material can improve water retention and soil structure, produce healthier plant growth, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. Biochar production can be a catalyst for significant change to start sustainable agricultural practices," explained Alif.

Simultaneously, wood vinegar, a byproduct of this process, can function as a natural pesticide and fertilizer. According to Alif, wood vinegar is an organic solution for plant care. This method is considered effective, environmentally friendly, and fully in line with the vision of a sustainable agricultural future.

The pilot project carried out by Neutura uses special pyrolysis equipment designed to be energy efficient and integrated with the factory. "We invest in technology that not only supports operational activities, but also sets world-class low emission standards," said Alif.

By selling biochar and carbon sequestration credits, Neutura wants to ensure the company's continued profitability from the start. "Our business model reflects our commitment to sustainability and profitability," said Alif.

Apart from Alif, this startup was also founded by Glory Sihombing. Previously Alif was known as Cycle Co-Founder, one of the impactful startups that focuses on refill services for various daily necessities. He is also involved as a board of director in REDD+ and ARR impact projects which focus on climate solutions. Alif was also one of the Indonesian delegates at the 20 G2023 Youth Summit.

Meanwhile, Glori is also a member of Global Green Capital and Carbon Offset AsiaCarbon. With six carbon removal projects underway throughout Indonesia, his experience is considered to be significant in accelerating Neutura.​