Cyclize

High-Level Overview

Cyclize is a ClimateTech startup that develops plasma-based technology to recycle mixed plastic waste and CO₂ into syngas, a key precursor for chemicals, fuels, plastics, methanol, and e-fuels, defossilizing the chemical industry.[1][2][3][5] Founded as a University of Stuttgart spin-out in 2022 (GmbH in 2023), it serves chemical companies seeking sustainable feedstocks to cut emissions and replace fossil resources like natural gas or coal, addressing plastic waste pollution and enabling carbon-negative processes.[1][2][3][4] The company has gained strong early momentum, securing €4.75-5 million in seed funding in 2024 from UVC Partners, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Aurum Impact, UnternehmerTUM, and angels like former Covestro CTO Dr. Klaus Schäfer, while scaling from lab prototypes to a pilot plant operational by early 2025.[3][4]

Origin Story

Cyclize emerged from a University of Stuttgart research project on CO₂ splitting to produce synthetic fuels for shipping, evolving into plasma technology for syngas production from waste plastics and CO₂.[3] Co-founders Maike Lambarth (CEO), Dominik Novakovic, Jan Stein, and Stephan Renninger leveraged their expertise in plasma processes and hardware scaling; Lambarth joined in 2022 for business acumen during the EXIST Transfer of Research grant application, which funded initial technical milestones like 35W plasma drivers and 1kW scaling with patent filings.[1][3] Pivotal moments included building a lab-scale mini plant, generating market interest, and formal founding as a GmbH in 2023 after EXIST support, followed by seed funding to expand the team and commercial efforts.[1][3][4]

Core Differentiators

• Unique Plasma Technology: Employs proprietary plasma reforming (patented Cyclize Process) to convert mixed plastic waste and CO₂ into high-efficiency, non-fossil syngas at industrial scales, outperforming competitors by underbidding fossil and green alternatives without premiums.[2][3][5]
• Carbon-Negative Potential: Achieves CO₂-negative syngas production (recycling incinerator-bound plastics), reducing emissions while utilizing waste energy to lower electricity and operational costs amid Europe's energy prices.[2][4][5]
• Seamless Integration: Replaces only the syngas production step in existing chemical value chains, allowing plants to retain infrastructure for low-cost, low-threshold defossilization.[3][4]
• Proven Scalability and Expertise: Rapid progress from 35W prototypes to a 1kW-efficient pilot plant by early 2025, backed by founders' hardware scaling know-how and advisors like Dr. Klaus Schäfer.[1][3][4]
• Market Edge: Targets $60B+ syngas market, enabling chemical firms to meet net-zero goals profitably with feedstock from underutilized waste (only 9% of plastics recycled globally).[2][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Cyclize rides the circular economy and net-zero transition in chemicals, where fossil syngas production faces regulatory pressure from EU carbon taxes and plastic waste directives, amplified by rising energy costs.[4][5] Timing is ideal post-2024 seed funding and 2025 pilot success, aligning with global pushes for defossilization amid plastic pollution crises and CO₂ utilization mandates.[1][2][3] Market forces like syngas demand for e-fuels, hydrogen, and advanced materials favor it, as its process mitigates two issues—waste landfills and emissions—while boosting competitiveness in Europe.[4] It influences the ecosystem by partnering with chemical giants for value-chain integration, proving scalable recycling tech, and inspiring ClimateTech spin-outs via grants like EXIST.[1][3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Cyclize is poised for industrial-scale commercialization post-2025 pilot, focusing on demonstrator tests, partnerships, and Series A to deploy waste-to-syngas plants.[1][3] Trends like stricter EU plastics regs, green hydrogen scaling, and CO₂ pricing will accelerate adoption, potentially expanding to e-fuels and shipping. Its influence may grow by enabling incumbents' net-zero pivots, solidifying plasma recycling as a chemical industry staple—transforming waste from liability to feedstock, as envisioned from Stuttgart labs to global circular carbon rings.[2][4][5]