Kochi: Carbelim, a Kerala-based climate-tech startup, has won the prestigious SEFFY Social Impact Award at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026), marking a significant global recognition for Carbelim and its innovative carbon capture solutions.
Carbelim, registered with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), has emerged as a notable player in the climate-tech sector.
The startup has also been incubated at the IIT Madras Incubation Cell and the IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre, strengthening its research and innovation capabilities.
Carbelim has developed nature-based carbon capture solutions designed to reduce industrial carbon emissions. The company’s technology leverages a blend of eleven types of specialised microalgae that efficiently absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen.
Additionally, Carbelim’s system is capable of filtering harmful air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, contributing to improved air quality.
The device developed by the company can be installed both indoors and outdoors and is currently under patent application.
Its flagship product, the “Biomimetic Facade,” is a living wall system equipped with real-time monitoring powered by artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, further enhancing the company’s innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
Carbelim was founded by Dr. Karthika Gopi, who holds a PhD in nature-based carbon sequestration from UAE University.
A rank holder in Marine Biology from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), she brings over a decade of experience in algal biotechnology. The startup continues to benefit from her expertise in advancing nature-based climate solutions.
Dr. Gopi has previously worked as a carbon scientist with leading organisations, including Dendra Systems, and has led multiple pilot projects across Europe and the Gulf region focused on combating climate change.
Her leadership has been instrumental in positioning Carbelim as a forward-looking climate-tech startup.
Carbelim Transforming Microalgae Biomass Into Engineered Biochar
Carbelim is also transforming microalgae biomass, a secondary product, into engineered biochar by integrating flue gas purification and water treatment processes from industrial plants.
This biochar is further converted into internationally recognised carbon credits, enabling Carbelim to participate in the global carbon credit market.
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With this approach, Carbelim is proposing a new green business model that offers industries a long-term revenue stream, turning pollution management into an economic opportunity.
The startup has also collaborated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to initiate field trials of a bio-stimulant developed using its patented microalgae consortium.
This research aims to enhance plant root health and growth (Root Enhancement), creating a significant link between organic farming and the carbon economy.
Through such initiatives, Carbelim continues to expand its impact across both environmental sustainability and agricultural innovation.
Earlier, the company had received several recognitions, including the ‘Product of the Year 2025’ award from the World Filtration Institute, being named a finalist in the MIT Solve Global Challenge, and securing a sustainability grant of ₹20 lakh from Startup India.
