Francois is a Strain Engineer featured in the Breakthrough Energy Fellows Cohort 2, working on a project to upcycle 1 gigaton of CO2 by 2050 using patented microbes.
Francois Title: Strain Engineer
Francois holds the title of Strain Engineer. This role involves working with specialized microbial strains to achieve specific biochemical goals. Engineers in this field typically develop and optimize microbial systems for applications such as waste reduction, chemical synthesis, and energy production. In Francois' case, the focus is on upcycling CO2 emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels.
Breakthrough Energy Fellows Cohort 2
Francois has been featured in the Breakthrough Energy Fellows Cohort 2 announcement graphic. This prestigious recognition is part of Breakthrough Energy's initiatives to support and accelerate innovations addressing climate change. Being part of this cohort connects Francois with leading scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs focused on sustainable energy solutions.
Upcycling 1 Gigaton of CO2 by 2050
Francois is part of an ambitious team committed to upcycling 1 gigaton of CO2 by the year 2050. This initiative aims to significantly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by converting emissions into useful products. The goal reflects both a mitigation strategy for climate change and an opportunity to harness CO2 as a resource.
Patented Microbes for CO2 and H2 Emissions
Francois works with patented microbes engineered to 'eat' H2 and CO2 emissions. These microbes metabolize the emissions to produce valuable chemicals and fuels, making use of otherwise harmful gases. This biotechnological approach supports sustainability by transforming pollution into practical resources.
Retrofitting Solutions for CO2 Sources
Part of Francois' work includes developing solutions that retrofit onto existing setups and work with any CO2 source. This flexibility enables the integration of these systems into various industrial processes, enhancing feasibility and adoption. The retrofitting capability ensures that the technology can be applied without necessitating complete infrastructure overhauls.