UP Catalyst: Advanced Carbon Materials from CO₂
UP Catalyst (Estonia) is a University of Tartu spin-off (founded 2019) developing a novel molten-salt electrolysis process to convert CO₂ emissions into carbon nanomaterials (graphite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, carbon black)[1][2]. Its mission is to create a local, sustainable supply of battery-grade graphite and conductive additives for Europe, directly addressing China’s dominance in these critical materials. The founders (including Estonian researchers) built on NASA-derived technology, earning EU backing for carbon-negative graphite production[3][1]. The company has received substantial EU support (EIB venture loan, EIC recognition) and Estonian state funding, signaling institutional confidence. UP Catalyst’s carbon products have wide applications (energy storage, composites, coatings, construction, defence)[4][2]. By exploiting CO₂ from bio and industrial sources with renewable electricity, UP Catalyst not only contributes to Europe’s climate goals but also to its strategic autonomy: its process “could help the EU to reduce dependence on graphite imports from China”[3]. The company’s technology is emerging as a potential linchpin in Europe’s battery and materials supply chains, meriting close attention by EU defence planners and policymakers.