CalyChar, a project that received funding from CO2RE’s third Pathfinders call, has been nominated for University Research Project of the Year in Electronics Weekly’s 2025 Elektra Awards. The project is a collaboration between scientists at Teesside University and the University of Edinburgh, and is led by Dr Humbul Suleman. Their aim is to develop a material (calcium oxide and lysine functionalised hydrochar, or CalyChar) that can, once carbonised, directly capture CO2 for years and permanently store it as a stable carbonate. CalyChar has the potential to be much cheaper than current direct air capture technologies and overcome the limitations of traditional hydrochar, a charcoal-like substance. The four nominated projects were chosen by Electronics Weekly’s editorial board, and voting is open to the public.
“We’re truly honoured that CalyChar has been nominated for this year’s Elektra Awards. While our work doesn’t fall squarely within traditional electronics, this recognition reflects the growing appreciation for interdisciplinary innovation, where materials science, sustainability, and technology converge. The team is grateful for the acknowledgment of our efforts to deliver impactful, climate-conscious solutions, and we’re excited to see inclusive definitions of innovation being celebrated.”
– Dr Humbul Suleman, CalyChar Team Lead
Voting is open until 1 October and the awards ceremony will take place in London in December. You can read more and vote here.
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash.
