Amidst the growing urgency to take action on climate change are investments placing bets on the so-called carbontech. Technologies that capture, reuse or lock away carbon dioxide are gradually becoming viable ventures such as buildings that trap waste gases in their concrete bricks and meatless, plant-based burgers enriched with captured carbon.

The global trend to develop breakthrough technologies for converting CO2 emissions into products is taking shape no less in Australia. Carbontech initiatives, while still a ways away from achieving meaningful commercial success are beginning to make waves, with companies working to develop these technologies typically relying on public research funding and grants.

With the onset of COVID-19 slowdowns across the board, private investments are readily received into startups and moonshot projects in this space now more than ever. Initiatives that transform carbon into marketable materials like cement or synthetic fuels are particularly appealing, given their potential to turn a profit.

Driven by climate concerns and an eye for opportunity, investments towards developing carbontech in Australia is expected to make lots of money for initial investors if the technology pans out; maximum return will go to early risk-takers.