Across the world — and here in British Columbia — farmers and forestry operators face the same costly challenge: what to do with leftover crop and forest residues. Too often, the answer is open burning.
Globally, an estimated $120 billion worth of agricultural and forest waste is burned each year, contributing to severe air pollution -- which contributes to millions of deaths annually -- and heightened wildfire risk. At the same time, these residues represent an untapped economic and energy opportunity, particularly for rural communities.
Takachar is turning that waste into value.
Founded by co-founders Kevin Kung and Vidyut Mohan, Takachar develops small-scale, low-cost, portable systems that convert agricultural and forestry residues into higher-value bio-products directly in the field.
Rather than relying on centralized processing facilities — which are often too far or too costly to access — Takachar brings the technology to the source. Its tractor- or truck-mounted bio-reactor uses controlled heating in a low-oxygen environment — known as torrefaction and pyrolysis — to transform loose biomass into dense, carbon-rich materials such as biochar and clean fuel feedstocks..
The impact is immediate and practical: less open-air burning and cleaner air, lower carbon emissions with added soil sequestration, reduced wildfire risk, and new revenue opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
Field trials are underway in India, California, and British Columbia, demonstrating the technology’s adaptability across both agricultural and forestry systems. At scale, Takachar estimates its solution could reduce gigatonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually — a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
Takachar’s technology traces its roots to research conducted at MIT and other leading global institutions, where early breakthroughs laid the groundwork for its field-ready bio-reactor. The company gained international recognition in 2021 when it won the inaugural The Earthshot Prize in the Clean Air category — a £1 million award celebrating breakthrough environmental innovation.
“Takachar’s work is creating new revenue opportunities for rural communities and showcasing to the world B.C.’s strength in innovation,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “This is exactly the type of technological leadership that drives job creation, boosts competitiveness, and positions B.C. as a leader in the clean economy.”
Organizations such as Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) help advance renewable energy and low-carbon leadership across the province, supporting companies like Takachar and strengthening B.C.’s reputation as a global leader in cleantech.
“British Columbia is home to a growing ecosystem of innovators developing practical clean technology solutions,” said n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ Stephen Rayner, Board Chair, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia. “Initiatives like Innovate BC’s Venture Spotlight are helping bring forward companies that are tackling real challenges while creating economic opportunity. It reflects the strength of the province’s innovation community and the leadership, skills, and collaboration that are helping position B.C. as a global centre for clean technology.”
B.C. is at the forefront of cleantech and agtech innovation, and Takachar is a prime example — helping farmers, rural communities, and the environment while scaling a global-ready business. Visit the B.C. Pavilion at Web Summit Vancouver to meet the team and hear their story firsthand.
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