Hello, tech lovers! Today, I’ve got an exciting story about a game-changing approach to fighting climate change that’s as simple as it is effective.

Recently, the Xprize Carbon Removal competition announced its winner, Mati Carbon, which took home a staggering $50 million prize. Their secret? A straightforward method called enhanced rock weathering that stores carbon safely in soils for thousands of years.

This innovative technique involves grinding volcanic rocks, mainly basalt, into fine dust. This dust is then spread over farm fields, where it reacts with CO2, transforming it into stable minerals that stay locked in the ground. Plus, these minerals add essential nutrients to the soil, boosting crop productivity.

Mati’s approach is not just simple but also highly scalable. They give basalt to farmers free of charge, covering costs through grants and sales of carbon credits. Their goal? To provide affordable credits—less than $100 per ton by the early 2030s—that help fund more environmental efforts while reducing overall carbon levels.

The company is actively working with smallholder farmers in regions like Zambia, India, and Tanzania, aiming to reach more countries soon. Their vision is to support the roughly 200 million small farms worldwide, which collectively cover about a billion acres and support over a billion people. By enhancing soil health, farmers see yield increases and better water retention, making this a win for both climate and income.

To expand rapidly and reach underserved areas, Mati plans to offer free licenses to organizations willing to share profits with farmers. Their innovative model combines environmental impact with social good, focusing on long-term global south development—a true market-driven mission with a nonprofit backbone.

This story proves that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most powerful. And with big victories like Mati’s, the future of climate tech looks promising as clear, effective, and accessible solutions take center stage.