Again Bio’s Revolutionary Bacteria: Turning CO2 Into Useful Chemicals
Copenhagen-based startup Again Bio is tackling climate change with an innovative approach—using genetically modified bacteria to consume carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial emissions and convert it into valuable chemicals like vinegar. Currently, their system processes one ton of CO2 per day, offering a promising solution for industrial decarbonization.
The Science Behind the Solution
Spun out of research from the Technical University of Denmark, Again Bio deploys its proprietary bacteria in a 65-foot-tall bioreactor at a Copenhagen wastewater treatment plant. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Industrial flue gas is piped into the bioreactor.
- Step 2: Bacteria consume CO2 and hydrogen, metabolizing them into acetic acid and acetate.
- Step 3: These byproducts are refined for use in detergents, paints, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
The startup operates on a “carbon capture as a service” model—industries pay nothing for emissions processing, as Again Bio profits from selling the chemical outputs.
Funding and Expansion
Again Bio has secured significant backing:
- $10 million seed round (February 2023) from investors including GV (Google Ventures), ACME Capital, and Atlantic Labs.
- €43 million (~$47M) grant from Horizon Europe for the PyroCO2 project, which leverages Again’s technology.
Currently in a pilot phase, the Copenhagen facility is producing sample chemicals for potential clients. However, CEO Torbjørn Ølshøj Jensen revealed the company has already secured a major contract, driving expansion plans in Europe and North America.
Challenges and Future Goals
While the technology is commercially viable, there’s a catch:
- The bacteria rely on hydrogen for energy, currently sourced from fossil fuels (“gray hydrogen”).
- Again Bio claims carbon-neutral operations by capturing CO2 from hydrogen production.
- Long-term, the startup plans to transition to green hydrogen (produced via renewable energy) to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Why This Matters
Industrial emissions account for ~25% of global CO2 output. Again Bio’s solution offers a scalable way to:
✔ Capture CO2 at the source
✔ Convert waste into profitable products
✔ Accelerate the shift toward circular industrial processes
As COO Max Kufner puts it: “The bacteria feed off dirty emissions and adapt to thrive—it’s a self-optimizing system.” With forced evolution and genetic tweaks, Again Bio is pushing the boundaries of synthetic biology for climate tech.
Image Credits: Again Bio
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