Climate and Biodiversity

Genomines

Co-founded by Fabien Koutchekian & Dr. Dali Rashid, the startup Genomines unlocks a sustainable nickel supply by extracting the metal from low-concentration polluted soils, using genetically enhanced hyperaccumulating plants.

The risk of nickel shortage is real, with demand exceeding supply from 2024 onwards. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of nickel mining is very high.

Genomines unlocks a sustainable nickel supply by extracting the metal from low-concentration polluted soils, using genetically enhanced hyperaccumulating plants.

We produce Class 1 nickel, nickel sulfate, and nickel oxide on polluted land, meaning we remediate the land while producing metal.

Business model > Full vertical integration. We sell metal.

Challenges ahead > Acquire ICP-MS + DSP capability. Build a company culture. Deploy operations in 3 countries.

What 21st will provide > Technical mentorship and support for DSP implementation, thanks to CentraleSupélec's Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (LGPD).

Team size > 13 people.

#biotech #nickel #mining #batteries