KINAVA: Transforming Organic Waste into Energy with HTC Technology — Startup Wheel 2025 International Track Champion
KINAVA Wins Startup Wheel 2025 and Leads HTC Technology for Sustainable Waste-to-Energy Solutions
Introduction to KINAVA and Its Breakthrough Solution
KINAVA Co., Ltd., founded in 2019 by a research team from Hanyang University, has become one of the most innovative climate tech startups in Asia. The company develops Hybrid Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC), an advanced technology that converts organic waste into carbon-neutral resources. KINAVA was awarded the Grand Prize at Startup Wheel 2025, a major international startup competition, recognizing both its technological innovation and commercial potential.
How HTC Technology Works
HTC applies heat, pressure, and water to rapidly convert livestock manure, sludge, and agricultural residues into biochar, solid fuels, and premium compost. What takes months with traditional composting or creates pollution through incineration can now be completed within hours. The system eliminates odor, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates materials that contribute to carbon neutrality.
Commercial and Scale Operations
KINAVA has proven the real-world efficiency of HTC technology through its commercial plant in Gurye at the G2E Center. The facility processes significant volumes of livestock manure and has reduced odor-related complaints from nearby communities. The resulting products are used in agriculture and sustainable energy systems, demonstrating a profitable circular model.
Beyond Korea, KINAVA has installed a pilot plant in Thailand to validate HTC using local agricultural residues. The company is now expanding into Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. This growth reflects a strong market demand for sustainable waste management solutions and supports global efforts toward carbon reduction.
Winning Startup Wheel 2025 emphasizes KINAVA’s ability to combine innovation, environmental responsibility, and commercial scalability. By converting waste into energy and valuable resources, KINAVA is contributing to a low-carbon, circular economy and setting new standards in climate technology.
Contact Information
KINAVA Co., Ltd., Rooms 701–704, 7 Heolleung-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Bio Energy Center (Ansan, Gyeonggi), Canada Branch (Coquitlam, BC)
Email: [email protected] Website: www.kinava.com
