TomorrowLab turns Living Tomorrow’s inspiration into action, helping businesses, cities, and governments shape their innovation vision.
Learn more about TomorrowlabUAntwerp spin-off splits CO2 molecules into useful raw materials

A new start-up is using plasma technology from the UAntwerp to break down harmful CO2 molecules into their original building blocks. With these ingredients, companies can start working again to produce biofuels, chemicals or other useful raw materials.
A new start-up is using plasma technology from the UAntwerp to break down harmful CO2 molecules into their original building blocks. With these ingredients, companies can start working again to produce biofuels, chemicals or other useful raw materials.
A new start-up is using plasma technology from the UAntwerp to break down harmful CO2 molecules into their original building blocks. With these ingredients, companies can start working again to produce biofuels, chemicals or other useful raw materials.
The start-up D-CRBN arose from the research group PLASMANT, at the Chemistry Department of the UAntwerpen. Using an innovative plasma-based technology, the group was able to split harmful CO2 molecules into original building blocks.
"Chemistry is about the building blocks of life," explains Professor Annemie Bogaerts. "We convert those building blocks back into raw materials and useful compounds."
The new technology is now making the transition from the lab to practice. "We can help companies make the transition to a circular and more sustainable economy," explains CCO David Ziegler. "We are primarily targeting companies in the Port of Antwerp, especially in the (petro)chemical and steel industries. At the moment we are already in talks with promising projects in the port."
The start-up is based at BlueChem, the incubator for innovative chemistry in Antwerp.
Latest insights & stories

Why is building a European hyperscaler unrealistic?
Can Europe quickly develop a sovereign alternative to the American hyperscalers? That's fantasy, says Filip Marchal, Cloud Product & Solution Lead at Proximus NXT. “We need to keep their innovative spirit but build in more control.”

When Robots Truly Listen: Ameca as a Social Companion in Care
What if technology could become not only smarter, but also more human? Together with our partners, Living Tomorrow explores how innovation can help tackle one of today’s greatest challenges: loneliness in healthcare and elderly care.

Cybersecurity Report 2026: What are Belgian companies revealing?
For the seventh time, Proximus NXT surveyed Belgian organizations on their experiences, approaches and strategies regarding cybersecurity. Wouter Vandenbussche, Cybersecurity Services Lead at Proximus NXT, highlights some notable insights.


