D-CRBN

TLDR

D-CRBN is an Antwerp-based University of Antwerp spin-off that converts industrial CO2 into carbon monoxide using plasma technology, selected for the EIC Accelerator with a EUR 2.5M grant.

Overview

Founded in 2021 by Gill Scheltjens, Georgi Trenchev, and David Ziegler as a spin-off from the University of Antwerp, D-CRBN develops plasma-based point-source CO2-to-CO conversion reactors. The process uses patented plasma chemistry to break captured CO2 into carbon monoxide, a versatile industrial chemical used in steel production, methanol synthesis, polymer manufacturing, and e-fuel production.

In January 2024, D-CRBN launched the world's first commercially viable pilot plasma reactor. In March 2024, it received a EUR 2.5M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, one of only 4% of full applications selected in that funding round, and the only Belgian company chosen in that cohort.

The company is based at BlueChem, Antwerp's major industrial chemicals cluster, giving it proximity to the industrial clients it targets. D-CRBN was named Most Disruptive Innovator in the Deloitte Fast 50 Belgium 2024 ranking.

Key People

• Gill Scheltjens - Co-founder, CEO
• Georgi Trenchev - Co-founder
• David Ziegler - Co-founder

Funding History

• March 2024: EUR 2.5M EIC Accelerator grant from the European Innovation Council