South Dakota Mines Innovates Carbon Capture with Microbes from Black Hills
South Dakota Mines researchers have developed a carbon capture technology utilizing engineered enzymes inspired by Black Hills microorganisms. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency in carbon dioxide removal from industrial emissions, with commercialization plans through the startup Carbon EnZero.

Researchers at South Dakota Mines have engineered enzymes derived from Black Hills microbes to capture carbon dioxide directly from industrial emissions, converting it into usable minerals. The technology significantly accelerates the carbon capture process, reducing traditional reaction times from years to minutes, and operates effectively in harsh industrial environments.
The startup Carbon EnZero, founded by lead researcher Tanvi Govil, is commercializing this technology, having won $20,000 in the South Dakota Governor's Giant Vision Business Plan Competition. The company plans to partner with engineering firms for installation and aims to initiate beta testing in 2026. Interest has already been garnered from industry partners like Black Hills Energy, with plans for a mobile pilot system to further test the technology.




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