Copernic Catalysts, a pioneer in novel catalysts for sustainable chemicals and e-fuels, has raised an $8 million oversubscribed Seed Prime round. Led by Breakout Ventures, the round included participation from existing investors Future Ventures and Engine Ventures, alongside new investors Innospark Ventures, New Climate Ventures, and Impact Science Ventures.
The funding will accelerate Copernic’s efforts to scale its innovative ammonia synthesis catalyst to kilogram levels and further expand its work in collaboration with Schrödinger. Together, they aim to develop a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for converting syngas into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), addressing the aviation sector’s carbon footprint.
Ammonia, a crucial component in fertilizers and chemicals, represents an $80 billion industry. It is also a key contender for zero-carbon shipping fuel, with the potential to mitigate 3% of global carbon emissions. However, traditional ammonia production is energy-intensive and heavily reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for 1% of global carbon emissions—more than any other industrial chemical.
“Our mission is to reduce the carbon intensity of ammonia production and enable its role in global decarbonization,” said Dr. Jacob Grose, co-founder and CEO of Copernic. “Our proprietary catalyst, now being tested by a leading global ammonia producer, integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure. It significantly lowers the energy demands of ammonia synthesis, enabling cost-effective production of reduced- and zero-carbon ammonia.”
Lindy Fishburne, Managing Partner at Breakout Ventures and a new member of Copernic’s board, emphasized the company’s transformative potential: “Copernic’s computational approach to catalyst design is reshaping traditional industries. Their innovations promise more cost-efficient, zero-carbon chemicals and fuels, advancing sustainability in energy and chemicals.”
The founding team brings deep industry expertise. Dr. Grose previously managed investments at BASF Venture Capital, while Dr. Aruna Ramkrishnan, co-founder and CTO, held leadership roles at ExxonMobil and Linde.
Copernic invites ammonia and SAF producers to explore pilot opportunities.
