Agency Springboards Bioforcetech Admixture Dosing System Development

A $310,000 Columbia University Carbontech Development Initiative (CDI) grant positions Bioforcetech to design, prototype and commercialize equipment to convey its biochar aggregate directly into concrete mixer trucks—prospective doses exceeding 100 lbs. per yd. One ton of the OurCarbon material has the potential to sequester an even greater volume of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent, as well as avoiding up to 24 tons of CO2e versus landfill disposal.

OurCarbon demonstration mix

OurCarbon production begins at a Bioforcetech-equipped wastewater treatment facility. Biosolids are run through a drying system, followed by a high-temperature pyrolysis phase (BFT SigmaOne), yielding a stable, concrete-grade carbon substance. OurCarbon tested in concrete mixes has been sourced from the flagship BFT SigmaOne installation at the Silicon Valley Clean Water plant in Redwood City, Calif.

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“Bioforcetech has made its name building technologies that enable circularity. We are excited to take everything we’ve learned processing wastewater solids and apply it to closing a carbon loop into concrete for durable long-term storage,” says CEO Dario Presezzi.

BFT SigmaOne extracts biochar from dried sludge feedstocks subjected to 500°C, oxygen-starved conditions.

A second Bioforcetech process phase addresses contamination of “forever chemicals” or PFAS, a challenge to municipal biosolids managers across the country. The Columbia University CDI is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which acknowledges Bioforcetech’s lower carbon concrete and PFAS management value propositions.

“New York State is a clear example of a government that is untangling the many difficulties in decarbonizing and cleaning up its material streams. The CDI team recognized this solution as a multi benefit opportunity for the state’s waste and construction sector,” affirms BioforceTech Chief Development Officer Garrett Benisch.

“Bioforcetech exemplifies our mission to accelerate the commercialization of innovative carbon management technologies that can deliver meaningful climate and economic impact,” adds CDI Program Manager Kartik Pilar. “They are proving that you can convert waste and emissions into valuable construction materials at scale while creating practical pathways to durable carbon storage. Solutions like these are exactly what we need to advance New York’s climate goals and build a thriving carbontech ecosystem.”