Queens Carbon Company Profile

Background

Queens Carbon is a pioneering startup dedicated to eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the cement industry. Founded by Daniel Kopp, a Rutgers University alumnus, along with Distinguished Professor Richard Riman and entrepreneur David Gersholowitz, the company leverages innovative hydrothermal technology to produce carbon-neutral cementitious materials. Their mission is to revolutionize cement manufacturing by significantly reducing its environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Key Strategic Focus

Queens Carbon's strategic focus centers on developing energy-efficient, low-temperature processes to produce supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that can replace 20-50% of traditional high-CO₂ binders in cement. By integrating their proprietary Q-SCMs into existing cement production, the company aims to provide scalable solutions that meet the increasing global demand for sustainable construction materials.

Financials and Funding

In June 2024, Queens Carbon secured a $14.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) under the SCALEUP program. This funding is designated for piloting their low-temperature, zero-CO₂ emission technology at an existing cement production site, facilitating the production of 10 tonnes per day of carbon-neutral SCMs.

Pipeline Development

The company is in the process of deploying a pilot plant capable of producing 10 tonnes of SCMs daily. This facility will serve as a critical step toward commercializing their technology, with the goal of achieving gigatonne-scale CO₂ reductions in the cement industry.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Queens Carbon's proprietary hydrothermal process significantly reduces the energy required to decompose carbonate minerals, operating at temperatures below 538°C (1000°F), compared to traditional methods exceeding 982°C (1800°F). This innovation not only lowers energy consumption but also enables the capture of all CO₂ produced during the reaction, paving the way for carbon-neutral cement production.

Leadership Team

Daniel Kopp, CEO: A Rutgers University graduate with a PhD, Kopp co-invented the company's core technology during his doctoral research.

Richard Riman, Co-Founder: Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, Riman collaborated with Kopp in developing the hydrothermal technology.

David Gersholowitz, CFO and COO: An entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in launching Queens Carbon and currently oversees financial and operational aspects.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global cement industry is a significant contributor to CO₂ emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of global emissions. The push for sustainable construction materials has led to increased investment in technologies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of cement production.

Competitor Analysis

Queens Carbon operates in a competitive landscape with several companies striving to decarbonize cement production:

Brimstone: Develops carbon-negative Portland cement by utilizing calcium silicate rocks instead of limestone.

Solidia Technologies: Focuses on producing cement that cures by absorbing CO₂, reducing emissions during production.

Terra CO2 Technology Holdings: Creates supplementary cementitious materials from silicate minerals, aiming to replace traditional cement components.

These companies, along with Queens Carbon, are part of a broader movement to innovate and implement low-carbon solutions in the cement industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Queens Carbon has established significant partnerships to advance its mission:

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Through the ARPA-E SCALEUP program, the DOE awarded Queens Carbon $14.5 million to pilot their technology.

Breakthrough Energy Ventures: Founded by Bill Gates, this initiative selected Queens Carbon for its fellowship program, providing funding and mentorship to accelerate the development of their climate technologies.

Operational Insights

By integrating their Q-SCMs into existing cement production processes, Queens Carbon offers a solution that reduces CO₂ emissions without necessitating significant changes to current manufacturing infrastructure. This approach provides a competitive advantage by facilitating easier adoption within the industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Queens Carbon is poised to scale its technology through strategic partnerships and continued innovation. The successful deployment of their pilot plant will serve as a proof of concept, potentially leading to broader adoption and significant reductions in global CO₂ emissions from the cement industry.