Terraformer: Carbon Removal Through Agricultural Waste and Geological Storage

Up next in our spotlight series on this year's ClimateLaunchpad Austria cohort, we're introducing Terraformer - a start-up working on scalable carbon removal (through agricultural waste) solutions. Their approach: turning agricultural waste into energy and safely storing the resulting CO₂ underground. 

We spoke with Co-Founder Harald Bartsch about the idea behind Terraformer, the role of permanent CO₂ removal, and their next steps toward implementation.

Illustration of biogenic carbon storage at Terraformer

Who are you, and what does your startup do?

Terraformer: Terraformer enables companies to safely, permanently, and measurably neutralize their carbon footprint. To address residual emissions, we remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it through geological sequestration. We use biogenic agricultural waste as our carbon source. This waste is transformed into energy. The resulting CO2 is then stored securely underground, effectively removing it from the atmosphere.

What inspired your idea?

Terraformer: Direct air carbon capture and storage and carbon capture from fossil combustion are interesting approaches, but they are either economically unviable or, in the case of fossil-based capture, at best only carbon-neutral. That’s why we started thinking about how it could be done differently – and better.

What problem are you solving, and why does it matter for a sustainable future?

Terraformer: The 1.5°C and 2°C climate targets can no longer be achieved without the permanent removal of greenhouse gases. Direct air capture consumes a large amount of energy, and nature-based solutions are neither long-term nor reliably measurable. That’s why we developed an alternative: by using agricultural residues, we generate green energy and permanently, safely, and measurably remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

What does your business model look like? What materials, processes or systems do

you use?

Terraformer: We use agricultural residues to produce biogas. In this process, CO2 is released that was previously absorbed from the atmosphere. Then, we store this CO2 in geological formations, such as decommissioned oil fields, making use of existing infrastructure. Essentially, we are returning the excess atmospheric CO2 back to where humanity originally extracted it.

How do you measure your ecological or social impact?

Terraformer: Our company will operate carbon-neutral, as we capture every kilogram of CO2 emitted through our own processes. In addition, we actively remove excess CO2 from the cycle on behalf of our customers. We also generate net-zero energy using biogenic methane. On the social side, we create jobs in rural areas across nearly all skill levels, which

boosts regional attractiveness and quality of life.

Where are you currently – and what are your next steps?

Terraformer: We are currently on the verge of market launch. We are already seeing strong interest from customers in long-term carbon removal contracts. The next step is to implement our first capture project quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.

Founder: Harald Bartsch

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Terraformer: In five years, we see ourselves as a leading provider of permanent carbon removal technologies, with several successful capture projects operating across Austria. At the same time, we’ll be actively scaling into other European markets and establishing our first international sites. Our goal is to play a key role in global climate protection through scalable technology, measurable impact, and strong partnerships with companies committed to real climate responsibility.

Any advice for other founders in sustainability?

Terraformer: Be bold and think big, but never lose sight of economic viability and the real value your solution provides to customers. The more revolutionary your idea is, the more important it becomes to demonstrate a clear, tangible business case that others can easily understand. Sustainability alone isn’t enough, it must be seen and accepted as a real, effective solution.

A book, podcast, or resource that inspired you?

Terraformer: Two books that had a major impact on us are “Deep Work” and “Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport. Both offer powerful insights into how focus, clarity, and a mindful approach to technology can boost personal productivity and create space for real

innovation. Highly recommended – especially for founders.

Do you implement circular economy principles, and if so, how?

Terraformer: Absolutely. While the permanent removal of excess CO2 from the atmosphere isn’t part of the circular economy in the traditional sense, many other aspects of our processes are deeply rooted in circular principles. We use biogenic agricultural residues as input materials that would otherwise go unused. What remains after carbon removal is converted into high-quality fertilizer, which can be returned to local agricultural soils. Additionally, our facilities are designed to reuse both process water and the majority of the heat generated, creating a highly efficient internal loop. In the end, the only substance we don’t reuse is the CO2 we permanently store underground. Everything else flows back into a meaningful, regenerative cycle. Our vision is simple but ambitious: zero waste, maximum impact – climate action done right.

Terraformer’s model shows how carbon removal can be combined with energy production, resource efficiency, and regional value creation. With a focus on measurable results and long-term viability, they’re laying the groundwork for solutions that integrate climate responsibility into existing infrastructure.

Photo Credits: Harald Bartsch & Iris Bartsch

Written by Francisco Aragao