Pyrogen produces low‑carbon concrete that incorporates sustainably sourced biochar, creating a net‑negative carbon footprint of up to –144 kg CO₂e per cubic meter while improving compressive strength by more than 25 % compared with conventional mixes. The biochar acts as a carbon sink, sequestering up to 40 % of the CO₂ associated with standard concrete, and the product is compatible with existing construction practices. By sourcing biomass locally and creating jobs for women and youth, Pyrogen also delivers measurable social and economic impact in African building markets.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Concrete production is a major source of CO₂ emissions, and traditional mixes offer limited options for reducing the carbon footprint of building projects, especially in rapidly developing regions like Africa.
Solution
Pyrogen produces a low‑carbon concrete that incorporates biochar, a carbon‑rich material derived from sustainably sourced biomass. The biochar acts as a carbon sink, allowing the concrete to remove more CO₂ than is emitted during manufacturing, resulting in a net‑negative footprint of up to –144 kg CO₂e per cubic meter. The formulation also improves compressive strength by over 25 % compared with standard concrete, delivering better durability while meeting structural requirements. Pyrogen secures exclusive Kenyan rights to the biochar‑in‑concrete technology, ensuring a protected intellectual‑property position. Production is linked to local supply chains, creating jobs for women and youth through community‑based organizations, and supporting regional economic development.
Target Audience
Primary customers are architects, developers, and contractors operating in Africa who require high‑performance, low‑carbon building materials for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Features
- Biochar‑enhanced concrete mix that sequesters up to 40 % of CO₂ relative to conventional concrete
- Net‑negative carbon footprint of up to –144 kg CO₂e per m³ of hardened concrete
- Compressive strength improvement of >25 % over standard mixes, providing higher durability
- Exclusive Kenyan utility model (KE/U/2024/2668) protecting the biochar concrete technology
- Local biomass sourcing and manufacturing creates 400 targeted community jobs for women and youth
- Compatibility with standard construction practices and equipment, enabling easy adoption