The Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy at the University of Utah has awarded Applied Carbon the $500,000 Wilkes Climate Launch Prize. Formerly known as Climate Robotics, Applied Carbon developed an innovative mobile system that collects crop waste after harvesting and converts it into biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, a carbon-rich substance that enhances soil health, reduces fertilizer needs, and locks carbon into the ground for millions of years.

The prize is one of the largest climate innovation awards globally, aimed at supporting scalable climate solutions. Applied Carbon’s technology addresses a significant challenge in agriculture—managing crop waste, which often decomposes and releases CO2. By turning waste into biochar, the system offers a sustainable solution to soil degradation and carbon emissions.

Jason Aramburu, CEO of Applied Carbon, emphasized the importance of the prize in bridging the funding gap for climate tech innovations, particularly in the early prototype phase. The company’s “pyrolizer” robot processes crop residue in-field, converting it to biochar and syngasSyngas, or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is produced during gasification and can be used as a fuel source or as a feedstock for producing other chemicals and fuels.   More in a single pass. This efficient system reduces the need for additional energy-intensive processes and transportation.

The prize was awarded at the Wilkes Climate Summit in May 2024, where finalists were judged on feasibility and impact. William Anderegg, director of the Wilkes Center, highlighted the solution’s potential for agriculture to play a larger role in carbon removal and soil restoration.

READ MORE: Biochar farm robots win $500K Wilkes Climate Launch Prize