IONIST Wins Innovate UK Funding for SAF Development
Learn how IONIST secured significant funding to advance sustainable aviation fuel technology.
Transforming CO₂ into sustainable fuels for a cleaner, net-zero future.
Innovation for Tomorrow’s Energy Demand
About Us
IONIST is a carbon-recycling company pioneering eCOSAFTM, a next-generation CO₂-to-Fuel platform that turns industrial emissions into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
We combine proprietary electrochemical CO₂ conversion, renewable hydrogen, and low-pressure Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to produce ASTM-compatible, drop-in jet fuel for today’s aircraft. Unlike conventional biofuels, our approach doesn’t compete for food or land. Installed on site at emission sources, eCOSAFTM recycles point-source CO₂ and closes the carbon loop.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, we build modular systems that scale from single facilities to multi-site deployments, enabling deep lifecycle CO₂ reductions when powered by clean electricity.
eCOGEN™
A membrane-free capillary electrolyser, running at low temperatures (40–60 °C), converts captured CO₂ into CO with renewable electricity. Compact, modular, and scalable, this unit delivers syngas for downstream fuel synthesis.
eCOSAF™
Our low-pressure Fischer–Tropsch reactor combines CO and renewable hydrogen to produce ASTM-grade SAF (C₈–C₁₆ hydrocarbons). The plug-and-play 20 ft ISO unit is designed for on-site deployment at SME and industrial facilities.
FT Reactor Module
IONIST’s low-pressure, modular Fischer–Tropsch reactor transforms syngas into ASTM-compliant C₈–C₁₆ sustainable aviation fuels, integrating effortlessly with the eCOGen electrolyser for maximum efficiency.
Data & Validation
Comprehensive pilot studies and third-party validations demonstrate reliable CO₂ conversion, robust syngas production, and high-quality fuel generation, confirming the technology’s readiness level (TRL 6+).
Key Advantages
Modular
Deployable at small, medium, and large scales.
Affordable
Low CAPEX , Early payback.
Efficient
Low-temperature, low-maintenance, membrane-free design.
High Impact
Up to 90% lifecycle CO₂ reduction.
Why IONIST?
- Drop-In Ready SAF compatible with existing engines and infrastructure.
- Circular Approach Turning waste CO₂ into valuable e-fuels.
- Modular Design Flexible units for SMEs to global hubs.
- UK-Based Innovation Delivering green jobs and technology leadership from Newcastle.
- Sustainable Impact A pathway to scale net-zero aviation without competing for land or food.
Our Services
Industrial Partnerships
Integrating CO₂-to-fuel systems at cement, steel, waste-to-energy, and glass plants.
Aviation Fuel Supply
Delivering SAF directly to airlines and airports.
Licensing & Collaboration
Partnering with governments, universities, and global innovators.
Consultancy & Research
Providing techno-economic analysis, carbon market insights, and net-zero roadmaps.
Our Pathway to Scale-Up
2025
PoC build of 20 ft ISO eCOSAF unit; laboratory validation.
2026
Client trials and pre-sales; spinout formation and IP licensing.
2027–28
Pilot sales of 10–50 units in the UK; expansion into global SAF markets.
2029+
Strategic partnerships, commercial pilots, and international scale-up.
– Industry Partner
Meet the Team
Dr. Shahid Rasul
Founder & CTO
Leads the development of eCOGen™, a patented CO₂-to-fuel technology (UK GB2635412). Expert in electrochemical engineering with 15+ years’ experience, multiple patents, numerous publications, and £1.3M in research funding.
Shanjoy Mairembam
Business Development Lead
Over a decade of experience in commercialising clean technologies. Leads business development, partnerships, and investment strategy to scale IONIST’s carbon recycling platform.
Andrew Murfin
Non-Executive Director
Former Global Head of Low Carbon Fuels at Shell and Director at LanzaJet. Provides strategic guidance on SAF market growth, certification, and investment pathways.
Venkateswara Rao Gedela
Research & Commercial Strategy Lead
Expert in CO₂ electroreduction and sustainable fuels with strong business acumen. Leads TEA and strategic partnerships, accelerating eCOGen™ and eCOSAF™ from lab to deployment.
Our Values
Innovation
Pushing the frontier of electrochemical CO₂ conversion.
Sustainability
Designing technologies that truly close the carbon loop.
Accessibility
Making SAF production affordable and modular.
Collaboration
Working hand-in-hand with industry, academia, and government.
Latest News & Updates
Why We Stand Out:
Unique Offering
Modular, affordable (<150k), and membrane-free system for on-site use
Competitive Edge
Lower CAPEX and temp (40-60C) vs. costly, high-temp centralized systems like Topsoe and LanzaJet
Customer Benefit
Enables SMEs to turn CO2 into value-scalable, low-maintenance, and easy to deploy.
IONIST Commercialisation Journey
NOV 2023
Patent Filed (Capillary Electrolyser)UK patent application GB2635412
Apr 2024
PoC eCO Gen (Northern Accelerator)100 hrs. CO2 to CO + Syngas runs
Jun 2024
Innovate UK, ICURe ExploreStakeholder Feedback
Sep 2024
Market/IP ValidationBusiness Model Defined
Mar 2025
eCO Gen DemonstratorScaled up to 10×10 cm
June 2025
eCOSAF PoC SubmissionIP SHOWCASE Demonstration at NU
Oct 2025
UKRI PoC Award (eCOSAF™,) - £250KFunding to advance the 20-ft ISO eCOSAF demo and pilot design
Ongoing
Scale-up & collaboration20-ft eCOSAF™, ISO unit in build/validation; preparations for initial commercial deployment
Latest Blogs
Emerging Trends in Sustainable Aviation
Insights into the future of SAF and market trends.
Understanding Capillary Electrolysis
A technical overview of our innovative electrolysis technology.
CO₂-to-Fuel: Unlocking Industrial Potential
Exploring the potential of CO₂ recycling for industries.
CO₂-to-Fuel: Unlocking Industrial Potential
Exploring the potential of CO₂ recycling for industries.
Sustainability Commitment
At IONIST, sustainability is built into every step. Our technology delivers up to 90% lower lifecycle emissions, creates new value from waste, and supports a just transition by empowering SMEs and industries to decarbonise without disruption.
Careers at IONIST
We’re building a team of scientists, engineers, and innovators who are passionate about tackling climate change. If you’re driven by impact and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in Touch
- Headquarters: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Website: www.ionist.net
- Email: info@ionist.net
Contact Us
We love to hear from you, so if there’s anything you’d like to ask us,
we’re right here and ready to help in every way we can.
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