{"id":7511,"date":"2025-04-15T14:54:29","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T12:54:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rominwest.nl\/?post_type=inspiratie&p=7511"},"modified":"2025-10-16T14:55:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T12:55:18","slug":"caps-the-power-of-a-well-functioning-ecosystem","status":"publish","type":"inspiratie","link":"https:\/\/rominwest.nl\/en\/nieuws\/dops-de-kracht-van-een-goed-werkend-ecosysteem\/","title":{"rendered":"DOPS: the power of a well-functioning ecosystem"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does DOPS do?<\/h4>\n

Residual flows such as household waste, organic material or industrial by-products are a headache for many companies, especially given the problems surrounding CO\u2082 emissions. But for the North Holland DOPS, they are the key to sustainability. With their Direct Carbon Immobilization technology (DCI), they convert difficult-to-process waste into reusable products such as synthetic gas (syngas) and activated carbon. And that with much lower CO\u2082 emissions than traditional techniques.
\n\u201cDOPS technology can play a major role in solving multiple societal challenges simultaneously: waste processing, sustainable energy and circular raw materials,\u201d says Reynier de Monchy, investment manager at ROM InWest.<\/p>\n

An ecosystem that works<\/h4>\n

The foundation for this investment was already laid in 2021. With the right support at the right time from the ecosystem in North Holland, DOPS was able to develop further step by step. The Development Company Noord Holland Noord has put Dops in touch with various parties. In 2022, the company received a voucher from the Innovation Program Energy & Climate of the Province of South Holland, with which they carried out lab tests in collaboration with Gouda Refractories. Then followed participation in the GO!-NH<\/span> Accelerator program of the Province of North Holland, in which DOPS further explored its market potential. Via PIM North Holland, DOPS was introduced to ROM InWest and the Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland, which led to an early proof-of-concept financing of \u20ac350,000. Later, the company participated in the Green Chemistry Accelerator, carried out by ROM InWest, to formulate more clearly, together with experts, where their customers are and how they want to position themselves in relation to these customers. \u201cWe worked together to get a clear picture of the problem that DOPS solves and their market. That helped them to formulate a clear vision of the future,\u201d says Robin van Beijnum, business developer energy transition at ROM InWest.<\/p>\n

Focus first, scale later<\/h4>\n

The innovation of DOPS lies in the modular design: a different residual flow can be processed per reactor. This makes the technology flexible in use. \u201cWhere other gasification technologies stagnate due to mega-investments and dependence on one type of raw material, DOPS has chosen to scale up step by step,\u201d Robin van Beijnum explains. \u201cFirst they focus on properly developing the existing technology. Only then will they scale up further. That is exactly what is needed in this phase to grow towards a fossil-free industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Further development<\/h4>\n

The \u20ac5 million investment will further develop the technology from TRL 6 to TRL 7-8. This means: validating on a larger scale, testing efficiency and preparing for the first commercial plant. \u201cWe are working towards a first demo installation, probably at an industrial partner such as a brick factory or waste processor,\u201d says de Monchy. \u201cThey are looking for alternatives to natural gas. In addition, we are dealing with grid congestion in many places in the Netherlands. That is quite something. That is why syngas from residual flows is an attractive solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

ROMs as a flywheel<\/h4>\n

The investment in DOPS was made possible in part by the close collaboration between ROM InWest and InnovationQuarter, with IQ taking the lead, followed quickly by private investors. \u201cWithout the ROMs as first movers, this investment probably would not have happened,\u201d says de Monchy. \u201cBy working together, we were able to clearly explain that the technology has potential. We were also given the opportunity to provide financial support to DOPS and to be their sparring partner in strategy, market approach and focus.\u201d
\nTechnology with different applications requires direction
\nIt is precisely because of the versatility of the technology, waste processing, gas production, carbon as a raw material, that it is important that DOPS now brings focus. \u201cTogether with the team, we looked at: where is the most traction, where is the need the greatest, and where is the revenue model the strongest,\u201d says van Beijnum. \u201cThat focus is very important for successful scaling up.\u201d De Monchy: \u201cIt can be a long road from idea to market. But every step counts. As ROM InWest, we want to make the path accessible to more entrepreneurs with smart solutions for the energy transition.\u201d<\/p>\n

What tips do Monchy and van Beijnum have for a well-functioning ecosystem?<\/h4>\n