Nefertiti
NEFERTITI is an EU Horizon 2020-funded research consortium (Grant Agreement No. 101022202) coordinated by LEITAT that developed a dual-flow photocatalytic reactor system for sunlight-driven conversion of CO2 and H2O into ethanol and C2+ alcohols, reaching TRL 4 by its June 2026 conclusion.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersTerrassa (Barcelona), Spain
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Nefertiti does
NEFERTITI is an EU Horizon 2020-funded research consortium (Grant Agreement No. 101022202) coordinated by ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE (LEITAT), a Spanish non-profit technology centre headquartered in Terrassa, Barcelona. The project was launched in July 2021 with a planned duration of approximately five years and reached formal conclusion in June 2026. It does not operate as a commercial enterprise: revenue is derived exclusively from EU research grant funding, and outputs are disseminated via academic publications, conference presentations, training programmes, and the project MOOC rather than through product sales. The project is organised as a ten-partner international consortium spanning Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Turkey, China, and the United States, with LEITAT acting as project coordinator.
The consortium's core technical objective is the development of an innovative photocatalytic system that simultaneously converts CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and longer-chain C2+ alcohols) using sunlight as the primary energy input. The architecture centres on a dual connected flow reactor: Reactor 1 employs heterogeneous photocatalysts — two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2-D COFs) functionalised with Au and RuO2 nanoparticles — arranged in a Z-scheme configuration to drive CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation into syngas; Reactor 2 applies Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis catalysts with TiO2 to transform syngas into ethanol and C2+ alcohols. The system is augmented by luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) deposited on the external glass surfaces of the reactors to enhance photon absorption, and by a membrane separation unit for ethanol purification via pervaporation. The technology was developed to Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL 4) by project end, with reported advances in C2+ alcohol selectivity, low-temperature operation, and integrated light management.
NEFERTITI's go-to-market motion is event- and dissemination-driven rather than sales-driven. Marketing channels comprise international scientific conferences (CHEMSPEC Europe, EuChemS, ISPPCC, ICCC, FlowPhotoChem workshops, CCUS workshops, SUSCHEM), webinars, training programmes including a MOOC ('Towards Solar Fuels' with 13 chapters on YouTube and Udemy), peer-reviewed publications (13+ articles in journals such as ACS Publications, Energy & Fuels, Chemical Science, and Science China Chemistry), and cluster collaboration with related EU projects (LAURELIN, PhotoSINT, Photo2Fuel, BIOCON-CO2, METHASOL, Flex SNG, Oracle, 4 Air Craft, FlowPhotoChem). The primary 'segments' served — energy and transportation industry, research institutions and academia, and industrial manufacturing (via SOCAR for whole-system validation) — are use-case contexts rather than paying customer segments. No commercial pricing model exists; no patents or trademarks have been disclosed in the input data.
Nefertiti firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nefertiti
- Legal name
- ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE
- Website
- https://projectnefertiti.eu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- NEFERTITI is an EU Horizon 2020-funded research consortium (Grant Agreement No. 101022202) coordinated by LEITAT that developed a dual-flow photocatalytic reactor system for sunlight-driven conversion of CO2 and H2O into ethanol and C2+ alcohols, reaching TRL 4 by its June 2026 conclusion.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nefertiti industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Carbon Capture and Utilization Research
- NAICS
- Chemical Manufacturing (325)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Onsite Low-Carbon Heat & CHP (Electrified CHP, Fuel Cells, Renewable CHP) (EUABAJAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Environmental & Emissions Control Catalysts (DeNOx/DeSOx/DOC/CO Oxidation) (IMAEAIAC)
Keywords
Where Nefertiti is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Terrassa (Barcelona)
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Nefertiti business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- EU Research Funding: NEFERTITI received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101022202. As a research project, revenue is derived from EU research grants rather than commercial operations.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Nefertiti product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NEFERTITI develops and validates an innovative dual-flow photocatalytic reactor system that simultaneously converts CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and C2+ alcohols) using sunlight. The system integrates heterogeneous photocatalysts based on 2-D covalent organic frameworks with Au and RuO2 nanoparticles, luminescent solar concentrators, Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis catalysts, and membrane separation units. All outputs are research deliverables and proof-of-concept technologies rather than commercial products.
Product overview
Nefertiti is an EU Horizon 2020-funded research project developing an innovative high-efficiency photocatalytic system for solar fuel production. The core offering consists of a dual-flow photocatalytic reactor system that enables simultaneous conversion of CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and C2+ alcohols). The system integrates heterogeneous photocatalysts (2-D COFs with Au & RuO2 nanoparticles), luminescent solar concentrators, and Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis catalysts across two connected flow reactors. Supporting products include novel membrane separation units for ethanol purification via pervaporation, specialized flow reactors and light sources for photochemical reactions, and molecular solar concentrators with enhanced optical properties. The project also offers educational resources through its MOOC course on solar fuels. All technologies are at Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4) as of project completion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dual-Flow Photocatalytic Reactor System An innovative high-efficiency photocatalytic system consisting of two connected functionalized flow reactors for simultaneous conversion of CO2 and H2O into solar fuels. Flow Reactor 1 uses enhanced heterogeneous photocatalysts (2-D COFs with Au and RuO2 nanoparticles) for Z-scheme photocatalysis to produce syngas; Flow Reactor 2 transforms syngas into ethanol and C2+ alcohols using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis catalysts and TiO2. Targeted at industrial energy and transportation stakeholders.
- Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSC) Light-gathering components deposited at the external part of glass flow reactors to increase photon absorption by the photocatalyst, achieving more efficient solar energy conversion for the CO2-to-fuel process.
- Novel Integrated Flow Reactors (LEITAT) Breakthrough flow reactors developed by LEITAT enabling sunlight-catalysed reactions at substantially lower temperatures compared to conventional thermal processes, demonstrating enhanced selectivity towards valuable C2+ alcohols.
- Membrane Separation Unit for Ethanol Purification Pervaporation membrane separation unit developed by LEITAT for ethanol purification, offering improved separation performance beyond conventional vapor-liquid equilibrium limitations.
- Photocatalytic Flow Reactor (PCFR2) Advanced photocatalytic flow reactor for alcohol generation developed by Peking University, integrating advanced catalyst design methodologies with efficient reactor engineering for CO2 conversion.
- Flow Reactor and Light Source System New flow reactor and light source developed by Chemtrix BV specifically designed for photochemical flow reactions, featuring efficient light coupling through innovative reactor design and luminescent solar concentrator integration.
- Molecular Solar Concentrators New molecular solar concentrators with enhanced light absorption and emission properties developed by ICIQ for more efficient solar-driven chemical processes.
Quantifiable outcome
- CO2 conversion of 98% and methanol selectivity of 86% achieved through photothermal reactor design (from related research)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Nefertiti
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Nefertiti technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Nefertiti partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and supporting.
- LAURELINminorEU Horizon Europe project on selective CO2 conversion to renewable methanol. Collaboration on joint dissemination, co-branded webinars, and EU event participation.
- PhotoSINTminorEU project advancing artificial photosynthesis technologies for producing hydrogen and methanol. Cooperation on joint dissemination and co-hosted webinars.
- Photo2FuelminorEU project utilizing microbial systems and sunlight to convert CO2 into methane and acetic acid. Collaboration on joint dissemination and EU-wide event attendance.
- LEITATcoreLEITAT (Acondicionamiento Tarrasense) serves as the project coordinator. LEITAT is responsible for testing and validation in flow photochemistry, membranes purification, coatings and luminescent solar concentrators deposition. Located in Terrassa, Barcelona.
- University of Galway (National University of Ireland Galway)coreContributes photocatalysts' synthesis for simultaneous CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation. Has published multiple scientific articles on porphyrin-based materials and metal-covalent organic frameworks.
- Peking University (PKU)coreContributes photocatalysts' synthesis for CO reduction and C-C bond formation. Developed the Photocatalytic Flow Reactor (PCFR2) for alcohol generation.
- University of BurgoscoreInternational Research Center in Critical Raw Materials for Advanced Industrial Technologies contributes catalysts' modelling and simulation, health and safety assessment. Developed MOOC content.
- Chemtrix BVcoreDutch company responsible for design and engineering of flow reactors at lab scale. Developed new flow reactor and light source for photochemical flow reactions.
- SOCARcoreTurkish industrial end-user and partner for whole system validation. Developed know-how in solar-powered carbon capture technologies and flue gas purification.
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)coreContributes synthesis and validation of Luminescent Solar Concentrators. Developed new molecular solar concentrators with enhanced light absorption and emission properties.
- FunditecsupportingFoundation for Development and Technological Innovation contributes photocatalysts' immobilization. Developed advanced know-how in catalyst immobilization and scale-up strategies.
- University of Michigan Energy InstitutesupportingContributes process modeling expertise to the consortium.
- Stratagem Energy LtdsupportingCyprus-based company contributes exploitation strategy, dissemination and communication, training and knowledge exchange. Developed business models for CO2 valorisation technologies.
- 4 Air CraftminorEU cluster project on air carbon recycling for aviation fuel technology.
- METHASOLminorEU cluster project on methanol as an energy vector for storable liquid fuel production.
- Flex SNGminorEU cluster project on flexible production of synthetic natural gas and biochar via gasification of biomass and waste feedstocks.
- FlowPhotoChemminorEU cluster project developing multifunctional photo(electro)catalytic materials integrated into scalable reactors.
- BIOCON-CO2minorEU Horizon 2020 project on converting CO2 produced by industry into valuable commodities (€7 million funding).
- OracleminorEU cluster project on novel routes and catalysts for synthesis of ammonia as alternative renewable fuel.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Nefertiti competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Twelve (formerly Opus 12): Twelve uses CO2 as feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels via electrocatalysis, a competing decarbonization pathway. Both NEFERTITI and Twelve convert CO2 into high-value C2+ products, with Twelve pursuing commercial scale and NEFERTITI pursuing photocatalytic alternative.
- Carbon Engineering: Carbon Engineering captures CO2 directly from air and converts it to synthetic fuels, sharing the same CO2-to-fuel value proposition with NEFERTITI. Both pursue carbon-negative fuel production, though Carbon Engineering uses DAC + conventional synthesis while NEFERTITI uses photocatalysis.
- Infinium: Infinium produces e-fuels including e-methanol and e-jet fuel from CO2 and green hydrogen, sharing the carbon-to-fuels space with NEFERTITI. Both target ethanol/methanol as primary outputs from captured CO2, though Infinium uses electrocatalysis rather than photocatalysis.
- Econic Technologies: Econic Technologies uses catalysts to incorporate CO2 into polymers and polyurethane feedstocks, sharing the CO2 valorization space with NEFERTITI. Both apply heterogeneous catalysis to upgrade CO2 into value-added products, targeting different downstream markets but the same fundamental CO2-to-chemicals thesis.
- Prometheus Fuels: Prometheus converts atmospheric CO2 into gasoline and jet fuel using renewable electricity, competing for the same carbon-to-liquid-fuels opportunity. Both target high-value drop-in transportation fuels from CO2, with Prometheus pursuing commercial deployment.
- Sunfire: Sunfire develops industrial-scale CO2-to-fuels (e-fuels) via co-electrolysis and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, directly addressing the same end market as NEFERTITI's solar-to-ethanol pathway. Both target C2+ alcohol and synthetic fuel production from CO2, though Sunfire uses electricity-driven rather than photocatalytic routes.
- LanzaTech: LanzaTech converts captured CO and CO2 into ethanol and other chemicals using gas fermentation, competing for the same carbon-to-fuels market. Both companies target ethanol as a primary output from waste or emitted carbon, though LanzaTech is at commercial scale while NEFERTITI is at TRL 4.
Emerging players
- C2CNT: C2CNT converts CO2 into carbon nanotubes using molten electrolysis, another emerging CO2 valorization pathway. Both NEFERTITI and C2CNT apply novel catalytic processes to convert CO2 into useful materials, though C2CNT is more material-focused while NEFERTITI targets fuels.
Broad incumbents
- HIF Global: HIF Global produces e-fuels (e-methanol, e-gasoline, e-jet fuel) from green hydrogen and captured CO2 at industrial scale. They represent the larger commercial incumbent in the synthetic fuels space that NEFERTITI's photocatalytic approach would need to compete with on cost.
- Avantium: Avantium is a renewable chemicals company developing plant-based and CO2-based feedstocks into sustainable plastics and fuels. As an established European player, it represents a comparable commercial pathway for CO2 valorization that NEFERTITI's research could feed into.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Nefertiti social profiles
Digital presenceNefertiti financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nefertiti leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Nefertiti funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nefertiti M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nefertiti
What does Nefertiti do?
NEFERTITI develops and validates an innovative dual-flow photocatalytic reactor system that simultaneously converts CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and C2+ alcohols) using sunlight. The system integrates heterogeneous photocatalysts based on 2-D covalent organic frameworks with Au and RuO2 nanoparticles, luminescent solar concentrators, Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis catalysts, and membrane separation units. All outputs are research deliverables and proof-of-concept technologies rather than commercial products.
Is Nefertiti a public or private company?
Nefertiti is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Nefertiti founded?
Nefertiti was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Nefertiti based?
Nefertiti is headquartered in Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain, in the Europe region.
How does Nefertiti make money?
One revenue line is on record: EU Research Funding.
Who are Nefertiti's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Twelve (formerly Opus 12), Carbon Engineering, Infinium, Econic Technologies, Prometheus Fuels, Sunfire and LanzaTech. C2CNT is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are HIF Global and Avantium.
Does Nefertiti have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nefertiti.
What industry is Nefertiti in?
Nefertiti's product category is Carbon Capture and Utilization Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAJAI, Onsite Low-Carbon Heat & CHP (Electrified CHP, Fuel Cells, Renewable CHP), with a secondary code of IMAEAIAC, Environmental & Emissions Control Catalysts (DeNOx/DeSOx/DOC/CO Oxidation). Its NAICS code is 325 and its SIC code is 8731.