Terracusto: Combating Biomass Burning with AI-Powered Biochar Production

This post is a part of the Early Stage Climate Startup series from Climafix 2024

Highlights

AI-Driven Biomass Monitoring: Uses AI-based satellite imagery to identify biomass-burning hotspots.
Carbon Sequestration Through Biochar: Converts agricultural waste into biochar, capturing carbon and generating carbon credits through emissions reductions.

Biomass to Carbon Credit Conversion: Terracusto transforms agricultural residue into biochar using 100% renewable energy. This process sequesters substantial carbon, generating up to 10 tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare in carbon credits.

Environmental Risks: By converting agricultural waste into biochar, Terracusto reduces emissions, improving air quality and public health.
Access to Carbon Markets: Traditional carbon markets are often inaccessible to smallholders. Terracusto’s solution generates carbon credits, enabling farmers to participate and create new income opportunities.

Long-Term Carbon Storage: Biochar traps 80% of the biomass carbon, storing it in the soil for decades, enhancing soil health and crop productivity while reducing atmospheric carbon.

Current Target Segments: Targeting 2,000 hectares in Northwest India in partnership with Shreeram Agro Industries and Rapidx Bio for biochar pilot projects.
Future Target Segments: Plans to expand biochar technology into diverse agricultural regions, particularly in South America and Africa.

Scalable, Technology-Driven Solution: Terracusto’s AI-powered approach enables efficient and scalable carbon reduction, setting it apart from traditional waste management methods.

Aditi Goswami (Cofounder & CTO): Aditi is a specialist in AI and satellite technology, with a focus on earth observation and remote sensing. Her expertise enables Terracusto to implement AI-powered biomass monitoring and scale their operations.
Nipun Sawhney (Cofounder & CEO): Nipun brings over 11 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, along with a PhD in Renewable Energy. His background includes extensive work in government policy, grant writing, and team building.