Carbelim Receives ₹10 Crore Funding for Carbon Capture Solutions

On October 29, 2026, Carbelim, a deep-tech startup based in Kerala, achieved a significant milestone by securing ₹10 crore from the IIT Madras Unicorn Frontier Fund. This funding marks Carbelim as the first startup from Kerala to receive investment from this particular fund. The cheque was presented to company representatives by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti during an event in Bengaluru. Carbelim specializes in developing microalgae-based systems for carbon capture and air purification, including innovative solutions known as Micro Algae Tree or Liquid Tree. Founded by Dr. Karthika Gopi and Rahul Babu, Carbelim has made substantial strides in its technological advancements. The startup has filed 13 patents for its unique technology, with seven patents in the United States and six in India.

The funding from the Unicorn Frontier Fund is expected to enhance Carbelim's technology development, allowing the company to improve its product offerings and expand its market reach. This investment aligns with the increasing focus on climate technology and sustainable solutions. Currently, Carbelim employs 42 individuals, including scientists and engineers, and the new funding is anticipated to generate over 50 additional jobs. CEO Dr. Karthika Gopi expressed optimism about the future, noting that the fresh capital will help the company target a turnover of ₹100 crore through international markets. The startup's solutions include advanced carbon capture systems and air purification technologies aimed at fostering climate-positive cities and industries.

The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) played a pivotal role in supporting Carbelim's journey to this funding milestone. KSUM CEO Anoop P. Ambika emphasized the significance of this investment, highlighting it as a major recognition for Kerala's deep-tech startup ecosystem. Such funding opportunities are crucial for growth-stage startups, providing them with necessary visibility and resources to scale their innovative solutions in climate technology. The Unicorn Frontier Fund was launched by IIT Madras, IIT Madras Research Park, and Unicorn India Ventures to support deep-tech startups across India. Since its announcement in February, the fund targets a corpus of ₹1,000 crore and has successfully raised ₹450 crore in its initial phase. To date, nearly ₹55 crore has been allocated to the first four startups, including Carbelim. This funding initiative not only aids startups in their growth but also contributes to the broader goal of advancing climate technology solutions in India.