Musk Foundation

Musk Foundation Grants are made in support of: - Renewable energy research and advocacy - Human space exploration research and advocacy - Pediatric research - Science and engineering education - Development of safe artificial intelligence to benefit humanity

Elon Musk

President and Board Member

16 past transactions

Carbyon

Grant in 2022
Carbyon is a Netherlands-based company specializing in direct air capture (DAC) technologies that filter carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air. Its innovative "fast-swing" technology purifies CO2, making it suitable for various applications, including the production of kerosene for aircraft. By enabling the fossil fuel industry to repurpose existing storage and transportation infrastructure for renewable hydrocarbons, Carbyon supports the transition from fossil hydrocarbons to alternative energy carriers, such as batteries and hydrogen. This approach not only aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also facilitates significant transformations in energy systems and transportation networks.

Planetary

Grant in 2022
Planetary Hydrogen is focused on producing clean hydrogen while also addressing climate change through innovative carbon removal technology that enhances ocean alkalinity. The company develops systems that purify alkaline rock waste generated by mining, extracting alkalinity from this material and introducing it into the ocean. This process not only accelerates the natural carbon cycle but also helps rebalance ocean chemistry. Planetary Hydrogen has set an ambitious goal to remove one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2035, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

PlantVillage

Grant in 2022
PlantVillage has developed a triple-A model (Algorithmic Agricultural Advice) that works to increase the yield and profitability for millions of farmers.

Bioeconomy Institute

Grant in 2022
Bioeconomy Institute society obtains renewable fuel, energy, chemicals, and materials from agricultural sources.

Carbfix

Grant in 2022
Carbfix mission is to become a key instrument in tackling the climate crisis by permanently storing 1 billion tonnes of CO2 as rapidly as possible.

Captura

Grant in 2022
Captura is a company focused on direct ocean carbon capture, developing technology to efficiently extract carbon dioxide from ocean water. Its innovative system leverages the natural carbon removal capabilities of the ocean to capture atmospheric CO2 on a large scale and at a low cost. This approach not only addresses the urgent need for carbon sequestration but also aligns with the increasing demand for carbon credits in the market. By utilizing renewable electricity and ocean water, Captura's technology operates sustainably, producing no harmful by-products and contributing significantly to efforts against climate change.

Global Algae Innovations

Grant in 2022
Global Algae Innovations is a biotechnology company specialized in providing algae production technologies.

Sustaera

Grant in 2022
Sustaera, founded in 2021 and based in Cary, North Carolina, specializes in direct air capture technology that effectively removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's innovative approach utilizes renewable energy and leverages existing supply chains to offer low-cost and scalable carbon removal systems. Sustaera aims to provide clients worldwide with solutions that not only remove carbon but also allow for its replacement and reuse, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Their technology is adaptable to various environments, including grasslands, arid deserts, and tropical savannas, facilitating its deployment across diverse geographical regions.

Verdox

Grant in 2022
Verdox is dedicated to reversing climate change through the development and deployment of advanced technology. The company’s proprietary electro-swing process, developed at MIT, enables carbon dioxide and other acid gases to be captured with up to 80% less energy and 70% less cost than conventional approaches.

NetZero

Grant in 2022
NetZero is a climate venture focused on long-term carbon removal from the atmosphere through the use of biochar. The company converts agricultural residues and residual plant matter into biochar, which is then buried in soil. This process not only aids in carbon sequestration but also enhances agricultural productivity by enabling farmers to achieve higher yields with reduced fertilizer usage. Additionally, NetZero's approach allows businesses to offset their unavoidable emissions while co-generating renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Arca Climate Technologies

Grant in 2022
Arca is a leading carbon dioxide removal (CDR) company. Arca accelerates natural process of carbon mineralization, by reacting atmospheric carbon dioxide with ultramafic mine tailings rich in magnesium silicate minerals, such as serpentine and brucite. By leveraging partnerships with mining companies, Arca transforms mine waste into a carbon sink, permanently storing CO₂ as stable carbonate minerals. The company is at the forefront of scaling carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions by integrating geochemical expertise, real-time monitoring, and verification methodologies. Arca collaborates with major buyers of carbon removal credits, such as Shopify, Stripe, Watershed and MaRS, and has established formal methodologies for recognizing and quantifying mineralization in voluntary and compliance carbon markets.

Heirloom

Grant in 2022
Heirloom specializes in direct air capture technology aimed at enhancing the natural absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's innovative system accelerates the ability of limestone to capture CO2, allowing for its permanent storage underground. By operating on renewable energy, Heirloom's technology promotes carbon capture and utilization at a large scale, with the goal of removing significant amounts of atmospheric CO2. This approach not only minimizes secondary impacts but also supports clients in restoring the atmosphere through natural processes.

Safi Organics

Grant in 2022
Safi Organics is a company focused on producing organic fertilizers designed to enhance the yields of rural farmers. Their innovative, carbon-negative fertilizer is created from locally sourced agricultural waste through a proprietary, low-cost biomass conversion process. This approach not only helps farmers boost their productivity and income but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste and the pollution linked to waste burning. By providing high-quality, sustainable fertilizers, Safi Organics contributes to both agricultural improvement and environmental conservation.

Takachar

Grant in 2022
Takachar is focused on creating a network of waste management enterprises in Kenya that convert agricultural residues into eco-friendly charcoal, providing an affordable cooking fuel for low-income households. The company has developed low-cost technologies that can be locally manufactured and have been successfully tested in Kenya over the past three years. Since its inception, Takachar has assisted in establishing seven local waste-to-charcoal enterprises, some of which have achieved operational profitability. To date, Takachar has created approximately 100 jobs and sold 50 tons of eco-char. The company aims to demonstrate the long-term financial sustainability of these enterprises, with the intention of developing a franchise network in the future. Additionally, Takachar employs oxygen-lean torrefaction reactors to transform biomass into commercially viable products, helping farmers prevent the open burning of agricultural waste while providing them with opportunities to generate extra income through value-added chemicals.

Project Hajar

Grant in 2022
Project Hajar is an integrated direct air capture and mineralization (DACM) project by MZT and 44.01, situated in Oman.

BIOSORRA

Pre Seed Round in 2022
BIOSORRA transforms agricultural waste into clean energy, bio-oil, carbon credits and biochar carbon removal (BCR) which are then sold to agriculture, construction and livestock feeding industries among others. BIOSORRA holds international awards such as XPRIZE student award winner from Elon Musk Foundation, Climate Solver winner from MIT | Solve and TiEWomen Africa 2023 winner. BIOSORRA is headquartered in US with subsidiary in Kenya and was founded in 2022.
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