All smiles from day three at the 2025 Kenya Biochar Academy.
Letter from the Team
Reflecting on a transformative year: looking back, moving forward.
June 30 marks the end of a remarkable year for IBI. A moment of transition, reflection, and renewed vision. It is a time to pause, review, and strategize. A time to look back with gratitude and forward with purpose.
This past year has been one of growth, not only in numbers, but in the quality of our connections, the depth of our commitment, and our collective ability to drive meaningful change. Together, we have celebrated tangible successes, built new alliances, and navigated challenges in a complex global landscape.
Across the IBI community, this moment invites each of us to reflect on our role, and on how we can continue contributing as active participants in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
The pulse of progress.
The momentum is undeniable. The biochar industry continues to break new ground, increasingly recognized as a key technology in carbon removal. In a thriving and competitive sector, one highlight stood out this year: NetZero, a biochar company active in Cameroon and Brazil, was awarded 1st Runner-Up Team in the prestigious XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition.
Three other biochar organizations were also among the 20 finalists, an outstanding achievement for our global community. A powerful boost of hope and confidence: long-term off take agreements for biochar carbon removal (BCR) are becoming a reality, helping to establish a market for physical biochar as well. Truly encouraging news!
New national initiatives are emerging, bringing fresh energy, ideas, and expertise to the table. The revitalization of the Africa Biochar Partnership is particularly significant, not just a sign of growing interest, but evidence of concrete expansion.
A clear vision and strategic direction
This year, IBI adopted its 2030 Strategic Plan and reaffirmed its mission: To empower communities and inspire industries to integrate biochar-based solutions towards healthier ecosystems and economies worldwide.
Important steps were taken to strengthen governance: new policies were introduced, the Board is undergoing a renewal process, and Harn Wei Kua as Vice Chair was appointed. Sebastian Manhart and Mike Werner joined to amplify the voice of the private sector, an essential move in scaling industry leadership. More appointments are on the way.
Financially, IBI has never been stronger. Thanks to bold and effective management, we reduced projected expenditures by 10% and exceeded revenue forecasts by 37%, securing a position of solid financial health.
The 2025 North American Biochar Conference is the must-attend event for professionals shaping the future of the biochar industry. Hosted by the United States Biochar Initiative (USBI), this year’s conference will take place September 15–18, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
As the biochar industry moves from research to large-scale adoption, this conference serves as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and market expansion. The event's theme, “Building Sustainable Markets and Driving Innovation,” highlights the crucial role biochar plays in carbon sequestration, soil health, waste management, and sustainable industry solutions.
Kumo’s RFP for Carbon Projects Seeking Debt Financing
Biochar producers seeking growth capital may be eligible for a new funding opportunity from Kumo. Their current Request for Proposals (RFP) supports carbon credit-generating projects with funding needs of $1 million or more.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the end of this week. Selected projects will be matched with capital partners and may enter due diligence for potential investment.
Explore Biochar Innovation at the IBI Study Tour in Spokane, WA
Join the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and Qualterra for an immersive Biochar Study Tour, August 12–14, 2025, in Spokane, Washington.
The tour includes site visits, networking, and sessions led by biochar experts. Discover how Washington State is integrating biochar into agriculture, energy systems, and beyond.
Join the first Latin American Biochar Congress in Bogotá
The International Biochar Initiative is proud to support the 1st Latin American Biochar Congress, taking place September 11–12, 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia at the main Compensar Auditorium (Calle 94 #23-43).
This event will feature academic sessions, expert panels, and a commercial technology showcase led by leaders in the field.
This immersive three-day tour, hosted by IBI and Woodtek Biochar, will bring together biochar professionals, researchers, producers, and investors to explore innovative applications of biochar across agriculture, energy systems, and carbon markets.
What to Expect:
Site visits to operational biochar facilities, including industrial and farm-scale pyrolysis systems
Live demonstrations of small and large scale biochar technologies, composting systems, and clean cooking stoves
Presentations and discussions led by regional and international experts
Opportunities to connect with peers and global stakeholders
Space is limited, so we encourage you to register soon to secure your spot.
ICYMI: Looking for your next big opportunity in biochar? IBI launched a Biochar Jobs Portal, created in partnership with CDRjobs!
NEWS: IBI Board Chair, Lucia Brusegan attended the 2025 Biochar Summit in Brussels, where she shared powerful insights on biochar’s role in circular carbon economies, material innovation, and environmental remediation.
RESOURCE: New fact sheet from Biochar on Site on Flame Cap Kilns—simple, affordable tools that convert woody debris into biochar for use on-site.
NEWS: NetZero wins $15M in the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition for its biochar-based carbon sequestration model in Brazil—cementing biochar’s role in scalable, durable climate solutions.
EVENT: Join the next Biochar on Site Video Meetup on July 2, 12–1:30 PM PT. Ian Roback (Clear Water Nitrate Reduction) will present on reducing excess nutrients in landscapes using biochar.
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What's hotter than your pyrolysis unit? This biochar and carbon removal news!
📈 Microsoft just made biochar history Microsoft signed the largest biochar carbon removal deal to date, agreeing to remove 1.24 million tons of CO₂ with Exomad Green. That’s a major signal for institutional confidence in scalable biochar.
📑 Supercritical shares new biochar offtake agreement guide Carbon removal marketplace Supercritical released a new guide outlining best practices for structuring reliable biochar purchase agreements.
🌱 ReGenEarth launches $1.3M green bond The bond will help scale biochar adoption through decentralized pyrolysis, offering benefits beyond decarbonization.
AFRICA 🌾 Releaf Earth opens Nigeria’s first industrial biochar facility in Cross River State.
📢 IBI and CBENfeatured in Kenya News Agency encouraging farmers to adopt biochar to restore soils.
📻 Nature Answers Podcast: How Zambian farmers are future-proofing their crops with biochar. Listen here
