Skytree

This interview details Skytree, a company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Lucie Jechova, business development manager at Skytree.

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Could you talk a little bit about the original Skytree, the story behind it, and the mission and purpose at the time, and how that's evolved?

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Skytree originated from the European Space Agency (ESA), where our founder, then an ESA employee, was working on carbon capture technology for space stations. The roots of direct air capture lie in environments like submarines or space stations, where CO2 needs to be scrubbed out to prolong life without needing new oxygen.

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Our technology evolved from this need for sustainable living in closed environments. Since 2012, we've been developing viable product types and use cases for direct air capture. Recently, we've focused on applications in vertical farms and greenhouses, introducing a circular CO2 supply that's cleaner and reduces emissions. Our products, designed for controlled environment agriculture, help these industries stay innovative and sustainable by using CO2 directly from the atmosphere.

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What are some of the challenges in the business right now, as you're defining this concept and coming to market with it?

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Introducing a new concept of on-site CO2 generation to farms accustomed to traditional methods poses a challenge. Vertical farms typically rely on CO2 supply shipments, while greenhouses use combined heat power systems or industrial byproducts. Our solution offers independence from these methods, providing a more sustainable and less wasteful alternative. The main hurdle is familiarizing these industries with our technology, which allows them to control CO2 production directly at their facilities, thus reducing reliance on third-party suppliers and creating a more efficient, environmentally friendly process.

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Any observations or thoughts on the current state of the industry, particularly in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), and how is that affecting Skytree?

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The CEA sector, despite facing disruptions, holds a significant place in society and the food supply chain. Challenges in the industry, particularly in vertical farming, don't detract from the overall viability of CEA. We foresee continued growth in this sector. As the demand for CO2 in farming remains high and more farms require our services, Skytree is well-positioned to contribute to this advancing industry. We aim to support farms in achieving enhanced productivity and sustainability through our CO2 solutions.

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Could you talk about Skytree's progress in terms of team size, customer count, and product development?

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Skytree has evolved considerably, with about 65 employees mostly based in Amsterdam and a growing presence in the United States. We raised 14m EUR last year, our focus has been on demonstrating the viability of our products. We've conducted a successful pilot in Amsterdam and have several demonstration pilots planned in North America and Europe. Our product line includes machines suitable for vertical farms and greenhouses, with capacities ranging (Cumulus - up to 20kg of CO2 per day) and (Stratus - up to 1250kg of CO2 per day). These machines are modular and stackable, catering to diverse farm sizes and needs. Our Cumulus products are available now right, Stratus toward the end of the year.

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What are the unique factors that differentiate Skytree from existing solutions in CO2 supply for farms?

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Our primary differentiator is the clean and sustainable generation of CO2. Our machines offer predictable costs and reduce the volatility associated with traditional CO2 supply, which is often tied to natural gas prices and subject to geopolitical factors. By providing a consistent supply of CO2, farms can achieve more predictable productivity. Additionally, our machines are designed for ease of use, integrating seamlessly into existing farm systems with minimal manual intervention. This set-and-forget approach simplifies operations, allowing farms to focus on their core activities while maintaining a consistent and predictable CO2 supply.

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How can people learn more about Skytree?

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For further information please visit our website at skytree.eu.

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