bringing together startups, investors, corporates, researchers, and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of biochar solutions in Denmark and beyond.
What to expect:
13:00–13:30 | Arrival and networking
13:30–13:35 | Welcome
13:35–13:50 | Opening address by Rune Theill, CEO, Rockstart
13:50–14:10 | Insights from Rockstart’s Biochar Ecosystem Report
14:10–14:30 | Keynote by Henrik Stiesdal: The role of biochar in Europe’s climate strategy
14:30–14:45 | Coffee break
14:45–16:00 | Top 5 Biochar Startup Pitches and Q&A
16:00–16:05 | Wrap-up
16:05–17:00 | Networking and closing drinks Can't wait to meet you there!
Keynote Highlight – Henrik StiesdalWe are honored to welcome Henrik Stiesdal, renewable energy pioneer and founder of Stiesdal A/S, as keynote speaker at Forward 2025. Often called the “godfather of wind power”, Henrik helped kickstart the modern wind industry and now leads innovation across biochar, Power-to-X, and floating offshore wind. Through his company’s SkyClean technology, Stiesdal is pioneering a new way to transform organic by-products from agriculture, forestry, and industry into biochar, thereby removing carbon from the atmosphere. This technology connects agriculture, energy, and carbon removal in one system.
At Forward 2025, Henrik will share his perspective on biochar’s role in Europe’s climate strategy as a scalable Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) solution, connecting big-picture ambition with practical engineering pathways.
Startup Showcase – Five European Biochar InnovatorsThis year, Rockstart launched a Europe-wide competition inviting biochar startups and scaleups to compete for a chance to pitch on stage at Forward 2025.
After a highly competitive selection, five pioneering teams will showcase how their technologies are redefining what biochar can do:
- 🌱 EcoLocked – Embedding biochar into construction materials for circular carbon storage
- 💧 AquaGreen – Converting sewage sludge into biochar through steam drying and pyrolysis
- 🌾 Cotierra – Supporting smallholder farmers with biochar for soil health and carbon removal
- ⚙️ BallingBro – Creating biochar from harvest residues directly on the field
- 🔥 Klimate – Providing tech-enabled carbon removal strategies through biochar and beyond
Each startup will present their approach followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Ecosystem Insights – Biochar Market Trends and OpportunitiesWe will also host a podcast-style conversation unpacking the findings from Rockstart’s first European Biochar Ecosystem Report. Expect insights on emerging market trends, opportunities, and challenges, as well as perspectives from investors, corporates, and innovators shaping the sector.
We are excited to meet you at the event! Sign up on the next page.
