A construction material grown from cyanobacteria could turn buildings from carbon sources into carbon sinks. The global construction industry generates 37% of CO₂ emissions, making it the largest single contributor. Tattva’s technology accelerates the natural photosynthetic process of cyanobacteria, directing captured CO₂ into durable, brick-like materials. Each four cubic metres of the material sequesters one tonne of CO₂. The resulting product matches brick strength at five times lighter weight, provides insulation comparable to high-performance foams, and achieves A1 fire resistance—the highest rating. If scaled, this would allow builders to replace conventional concrete and steel with a carbon-negative alternative that can be produced in farm-based facilities rather than energy-intensive factories. The project aims to move from laboratory prototype to industrial demonstration, securing certifications and preparing for a market currently valued at $43 billion. Success would fundamentally alter how the built environment contributes to climate targets, transforming an emissions-heavy sector into one that actively removes CO₂ from the atmosphere.
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**Vision** The $14.5 trillion construction industry (13% of global GDP) is the largest contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for 37% globally. Decarbonising this sector is essential to meet net-zero targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Tattva's mission is to transform construction into a carbon-sequestering industry, using innovative technology that harnesses cyanobacteria's photosynthetic ability to capture CO2 and produce high-performance biomaterials. Our vision is a future of biologically grown, carbon-negative buildings. **Innovation** Developed by founder Prantar Tamuli during five years of MSc and PhD research at UCL, Tattva's proprietary technology accelerates cyanobacteria growth, directing CO2 sequestration into durable construction materials. Based on tissue engineering, the method is scalable, energy-efficient, cost-effective, and surpasses existing biomaterial technologies. **Core Value Proposition** * Carbon Sequestration: 4m³ of material captures 1 tonne of CO2, offsetting construction emissions. * High Performance: Combines brick-strength (3 MPa, five times lighter) with superior insulation (0.03 W/mK) and A1 fire resistance. * Versatile and Circular: Customizable for diverse uses; dormancy enables long-term, self-healing, and regenerative use. Scalable: Farm-based production supports adaptable, global manufacturing. **Progress and Traction** Tattva has secured industry funding from Catnic, pre-seed investment from VC G-Force, research grants, and UCL-supported patents. A pilot plant in Devon validated raw material scaling, with material samples showcased at the Bioscope pavilion alongside Studio Biocene. **Project Scope and Impact** Currently at TRL 5, Tattva aims to reach TRL 7 through this grant, conducting industrial research to enable continuous material production, prototype product lines, secure certifications, and prepare for market entry. We target a $43 billion global market driven by demand for structural insulation, non-combustible cladding, and sustainable building materials. Smart funding will accelerate Tattva's transformative journey, positioning the UK as a leader in this technology.
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