Prominent design engineer Nikolai Kulikov discusses groundbreaking technology aimed at restoring the ozone layer.
The ozone layer, a protective shield in the Earth’s stratosphere, absorbs most harmful UV radiation, shielding life on Earth. In 2023-2024, NASA reported an average ozone-depleted area over Antarctica of 8 million square miles, nearly triple the size of the contiguous U.S., highlighting the ongoing need to protect it for the sake of human health, ecosystems, and agriculture.
While the approach to protecting the ozone layer is clear — primarily focusing on reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances through international policies and sustainable practices — its restoration involves innovative and largely uncharted solutions. To explore this groundbreaking technology, we spoke with Nikolai Kulikov, a design engineer, CTO, and founder of SkyForge, a promising climate-tech startup recognized as a Deep Tech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow in 2024.
Nikolai, thank you for joining us, and congratulations on being named a Deep Tech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow! Your startup has also gained the support of The Climate Reality Project and its founder — Al Gore. Could you tell us more about the technological innovations that earned you these recognitions and how they have influenced the development of your project?
Of course, it’s a great honor for us. This recognition stems from our innovation — the stratospheric ozone generators installed on airborne aircraft. They allow precise production and targeted injection of ozone into the stratosphere. By accelerating ozone recovery and ensuring ongoing stability, our technology represents a significant leap in addressing ozone depletion. Such endorsements have opened doors to strategic partnerships and funding, amplifying our capacity to tackle pressing environmental challenges on a global scale.
The active intervention at stratospheric altitudes you offer is really groundbreaking. What do you believe sets this initiative apart from traditional methods of ozone layer recovery?
Traditional approaches focus solely on reducing ozone-depleting substances and waiting for natural recovery—a process that can span several decades. Our approach takes a more proactive stance by directly delivering ozone precisely where it is needed, leveraging thousands of aircraft equipped with cutting-edge precision technology.
What sets us apart is our ability to not only replenish depleted ozone but also influence key atmospheric processes to restore natural balance, promoting uniform distribution of ozone in the stratosphere. This approach accelerates the recovery, making the process faster, more reliable, and more adaptable to changing environmental conditions.
With the potential to produce around 37 kilotons of ozone annually and restore the ozone layer in less than a decade, what do you see as the broader implications of your technology for environmental and public health?
Our technology offers profound benefits, significantly reducing UV-related risks such as skin cancer, crop damage, and ecosystem disruptions. Beyond restoration, this initiative exemplifies how innovative solutions can address global challenges at scale, setting a precedent for collaborative efforts in climate technology and fostering a future where environmental restoration becomes a proactive, ongoing effort.
Your company has partnered with leading aviation and environmental organizations. Can you share your current development stage, scaling plans, and efforts to attract investors and strategic partners?
Currently, we are in the testing and certification phase with the Federal Aviation Administration and have completed the development of our core technologies. We are now preparing for global scaling, which includes expanding partnerships within the aviation industry and collaborating with environmental organizations to ensure the efficacy and impact of our solutions. To accelerate this growth, we are actively seeking strategic partners and investors who share our vision of sustainable innovation and can support our entry into international markets.
Beyond strategic partnerships, your participation in conferences like the 4th Global Webinar on 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing and platforms like Hello Tomorrow also stand out. How have these experiences shaped your growth as a leader and innovator? How have these experiences shaped your growth as a leader and innovator?
Participating in such events has significantly contributed to my development as a leader and innovator. They provided a platform to present my ideas, such as applying additive technologies in mechanical engineering, and receive invaluable feedback from global experts.
This expertise became the foundation for SkyForge, where the ozone generator’s casing is produced using advanced additive techniques and composite materials designed for stratospheric conditions. These innovations ensure durability and efficiency while aligning with sustainable practices.
Thanks to these advancements, the company earned the Deep Tech Pioneer title from Hello Tomorrow and is competing for the grand prize, showcasing the potential of modern manufacturing to address global challenges.
Your technology has the potential to combat climate change, while also raising awareness about sustainability. Beyond its environmental impact, how has your personal mission influenced the development of SkyForge and inspired others to pursue sustainable innovation?
My work is deeply rooted in addressing global environmental challenges like ozone depletion and climate change. At SkyForge, I strive to create technologies that restore the environment as well as inspire others to prioritize sustainability. Collaborating with international organizations, we actively promote awareness of climate issues and the importance of clean technologies. My personal mission is to inspire a shift toward making environmental sustainability the global standard for future generations. By leading through innovation and action, I aim to contribute to a movement that prioritizes the planet and empowers others to do the same.
What role do you see deep-tech innovations playing in combating climate change and driving sustainable development, and how does SkyForge contribute to this vision?
I believe deep-tech technologies are essential for addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. SkyForge is at the forefront of this effort, targeting global challenges with the technology. Our immediate plans include completing certification, launching pilot projects with aviation companies and environmental organizations, and scaling production for worldwide adoption. By collaborating with international organizations, governments, and the aviation industry, we aim to demonstrate how science-driven solutions can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable planet.
