Ailie Macquarie
If you’ve ever looked at a pile of crop waste and thought, “Wow, that’s a lot of carbon just… sitting there,” you’re already thinking like the team behind AirJar.
While most climate tech startups are building massive machines or futuristic carbon-sucking towers, AirJar is doing something way more grounded: taking farm waste and turning it into long-term carbon storage right in the field. And yes — they’re officially competing in the Carbon XPRIZE, the biggest climate prize ever.
Wait, What Is AirJar?
AirJar is a young climate startup competing in the Carbon XPRIZE, a global challenge that’s offering $100 million to teams that can prove they can remove carbon dioxide from the planet — for real.
Their idea is refreshingly practical. Instead of hauling agricultural waste somewhere far away, AirJar wants to bring portable pyrolysis machines directly onto farms. These machines heat crop leftovers (like stalks and husks) in low oxygen, turning them into biochar — a charcoal-like substance that locks carbon away for centuries.
Think of it as climate action that fits on a trailer.
Why Biochar Is a Big Deal (And Not Just for Climate Nerds)
Here’s why biochar matters:
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It stores carbon for hundreds to thousands of years
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It improves soil health
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It helps soil retain water and nutrients
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Farmers actually want it
So AirJar isn’t just removing carbon. It’s doing something rare in climate tech: creating something useful for everyday people.
Instead of asking farmers to change everything they do, AirJar’s approach works with existing agricultural systems. Crop waste in. Biochar out. Soil gets better. Carbon stays put.
Win-win.
The Carbon XPRIZE Is No Joke
The Carbon XPRIZE isn’t about good vibes or nice ideas. To stay in the competition, teams have to prove they can:
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Remove at least 1,000 tons of CO₂ per year
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Store that carbon safely for 100+ years
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Account for every emission involved in the process
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Pass third-party scientific verification
AirJar is actively working through these requirements right now — refining how they measure carbon, how they deploy pyrolysis systems, and how they scale without breaking the climate math.
They’re Not Reinventing the Wheel — And That’s the Point
Here’s a smart twist: AirJar isn’t trying to invent pyrolysis from scratch.
Instead, the team is reviewing existing pyrolysis patent holders and exploring partnerships with proven technologies. The goal is to take what already works and make it mobile, farm-friendly, and scalable.
In other words: less “Silicon Valley moonshot,” more “let’s get this onto real farms as fast as possible.”
They Just Pitched to a Big Carbon Startup Accelerator
AirJar recently pitched to AirMiners Launchpad, a well-known accelerator for carbon removal startups. The team is currently waiting to hear whether they’ve been accepted — a move that could help them sharpen their tech, connect with investors, and survive the brutal early stages of climate entrepreneurship.
No pressure or anything.
Why People Are Paying Attention
What makes AirJar stand out isn’t hype — it’s practical ambition.
They’re betting that:
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Carbon removal has to work in the real world
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Farmers need real incentives
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Climate solutions should improve land, not just balance spreadsheets
And honestly? That’s exactly what a lot of climate experts say we need more of.
The Bottom Line
As the Carbon XPRIZE heats up, AirJar is proving that climate solutions don’t have to be flashy to be powerful. Sometimes, the most impactful ideas are the ones that show up where the carbon already is — on farms, in fields, and in the soil beneath our feet.
Turning farm waste into climate gold?
Yeah. That might just work.
