Our Mission is to Empower Cement and Concrete Producers with Technologies and Strategies to Achieve the Industry’s Net Zero Commitment by 2050: Robert Niven, CEO of CarbonCure Technologies

CarbonCure Technologies is transforming the concrete industry by making it part of the solution to climate change. The company reduces carbon emissions in construction and turns concrete plants into carbon removal facilities.

CarbonCure offers an easy-to-install platform with hardware, software, and services that help concrete producers lower their carbon footprint, cut costs, and meet demand for sustainable materials. The company’s technology injects captured CO₂ into concrete during production, where it permanently mineralizes. This process also reduces the amount of cement needed, saving resources and money while ensuring strong performance.

As a Carbon XPRIZE winner and a leader in low-carbon concrete, CarbonCure combines environmental and economic benefits in one of the hardest industries to decarbonize.

SME Business Review reached out to Robert Niven, MSc, Founder & CEO of CarbonCure Technologies, for an interview to discuss the company's impact on the concrete industry and its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Here’s what Mr. Niven had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What inspired you to start CarbonCure Technologies?

It started with a realization during my environmental engineering studies. I was always fascinated by the challenge of balancing economic growth with sustainability. Concrete, as the most widely used material on Earth, presented an incredible opportunity. The production of cement, which is a key ingredient in concrete, contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions. I wanted to find a way to address this challenge while maintaining the performance and affordability of concrete. That’s where the idea for CarbonCure was born—to create a solution that could seamlessly integrate sustainability into one of the most critical industries.

How does CarbonCure’s technology work, and what makes it unique?

Our technology injects captured carbon dioxide into fresh concrete during mixing. The CO2 reacts with the cement to form a mineral that remains permanently embedded in the concrete. This mineralization not only traps the CO2 but also strengthens the concrete, allowing for a reduction in cement content. What sets it apart is its simplicity. Our solution integrates into existing concrete production systems without requiring major changes. It’s practical, scalable, and delivers both environmental and economic benefits.

What are some of the biggest challenges you faced in scaling CarbonCure?

One of the main challenges was gaining trust in an industry that values reliability and performance above all else. Concrete is not just a product; it’s the foundation of buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Producers need to be absolutely certain that any change to the process won’t compromise quality. We had to rigorously test and prove the effectiveness of our technology to build confidence. Another challenge was navigating regional regulations and standards, which vary widely and can complicate adoption. That said, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with forward-thinking partners who share our vision for a more sustainable industry.

What role do partnerships play in your growth strategy?

Partnerships are essential for us. We work closely with concrete producers, construction firms, and governments to bring our technology to market. By collaborating with industry leaders, we’ve been able to demonstrate the practical benefits of our solution on a large scale. These partnerships also help us understand and address the specific needs of different regions and markets. It’s through these relationships that we’ve been able to drive meaningful change.

How has the adoption of your technology impacted the industry so far?

The response has been incredibly encouraging. Producers who’ve implemented our technology have seen measurable reductions in CO2 emissions while maintaining or even improving the quality of their concrete. These successes have demonstrated that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance or profitability. It’s inspiring to see how quickly some companies have embraced the idea that environmental responsibility can also be a competitive advantage.

What milestones are you most proud of?

One of our proudest moments was delivering the one-millionth truckload of CarbonCure concrete. That milestone represented more than just a number—it showed that our technology is being adopted on a meaningful scale. Another significant achievement was securing major funding and support from organizations that believe in our vision. These milestones reinforce our belief that we’re on the right path.

What motivates you personally to pursue this mission?

For me, it’s about making a tangible impact on climate change. The construction industry is a significant contributor to global emissions, and it’s also one of the hardest to decarbonize. Knowing that we’re providing a solution that addresses such a critical challenge keeps me motivated. It’s also deeply rewarding to work with a team of brilliant and passionate people who share that same commitment.

Could you tell us about your background and how it shaped your vision for CarbonCure?

I grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, surrounded by a strong appreciation for the environment. That connection to nature inspired me to study environmental engineering and explore ways to address the growing threat of climate change. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of science, business, and sustainability. That combination of interests became the foundation for CarbonCure. It’s been a journey of applying engineering principles to solve real-world challenges while building a company that prioritizes both innovation and impact.

What’s your leadership philosophy?

I believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and purpose. Everyone on our team understands the importance of what we’re trying to achieve, and that shared mission creates a strong sense of unity. I also encourage creativity and adaptability. Sustainability challenges require out-of-the-box thinking, and I want our team to feel empowered to explore new ideas. At the same time, I value transparency and accountability. It’s important that we stay grounded and focused on delivering measurable results.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs entering the cleantech space?

My advice would be to focus on solving real problems with practical solutions. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of creating something revolutionary, but the best innovations are the ones that can be implemented and scaled in the real world. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of collaboration. Building strong partnerships with stakeholders across industries can help you overcome challenges and accelerate your progress. Finally, stay resilient. The path to success in cleantech can be challenging, but the impact you can make is worth it.

What is your vision for the future of CarbonCure Technologies?

Our goal is to continue scaling our technology to reach every corner of the construction industry. We’re constantly innovating and exploring ways to expand our impact, whether it’s by adapting our solution for different applications or collaborating on new research. Ultimately, I want to see CarbonCure become a standard in concrete production worldwide. Achieving that would mean we’ve made a significant dent in global emissions and helped the industry move toward a more sustainable future.

Robert Niven, MSc, Founder & CEO, CarbonCure Technologies

“With hundreds of systems operating across the global concrete industry, CarbonCure’s suite of technologies enable concrete producers to harness the benefits of carbon mineralization to produce reliable, lower carbon concrete mixes.”