GIF partners with Mati Carbon to scale permanent carbon removal and lift smallholder livelihoods worldwide.

GIF is partnering with Mati Carbon (Mati) to scale a game changing model of permanent carbon removal that also delivers direct benefits to smallholder farmers.

Mati uses enhanced rock weathering (ERW), a natural process where silicate rocks react with rainwater to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By applying finely ground rock dust to farmland, ERW not only removes carbon from the atmosphere but also supports smallholder farmers in boosting soil health and productivity.

What makes Mati stand out is the potential in how this process could be financed. When ERW removes carbon, Mati can generate carbon removal credits it can then sell to fund the service for farmers. Farmers would receive these yield-boosting, soil improvements entirely for free, encouraging the adoption of ERW. As more farms participate, additional carbon credits are generated, funding the expansion of ERW to more smallholders. This model links permanent carbon removal to better soil health, higher yields and stronger livelihoods for smallholder farmers and offers a financially viable way of scaling to benefit millions of smallholder farmers 

Winning the $50M Carbon Removal XPRIZE earlier this year validated the strength, scalability, and financial viability of Mati’s approach. From its platform in India, Mati is now expanding into Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Vietnam, aiming to demonstrate that this model can scale across diverse geographies. The XPRIZE recognition highlights the durability of Mati’s carbon removal process and signals the enormous potential for Mati to grow rapidly to amplify both climate and livelihood impacts.

Poised to expand and consolidate operations across these new regions, Mati needs strong organisational fundamentals to scale effectively. GIF brings deep expertise in impact measurement and embedding ESG standards, helping early-stage ventures build the structures and systems required for sustainable growth. Through this support, GIF is helping Mati establish these fundamentals, enabling the organisation to expand efficiently and attract the investment needed to achieve its ambitious goals of enabling 100 million smallholders to benefit from ERW globally. 

GIF’s Managing Director of Grants, Malcolm Spence said: 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Mati Carbon as they scale a system that is changing the game for smallholder farmers. By using carbon credits to fund soil improvements at no cost to farmers, this model not only boosts yields, strengthens livelihoods and improves smallholder farmers’ resilience against climate change but it also permanently removes carbon from the atmosphere. 

So many of the climate adaptation innovations we see struggle to drive uptake among poor households, but with the potential for this model to be sustained and scaled through carbon finance, smallholder farmers can benefit without having to pay for the service."

Mati Carbon’s CEO, Shantanu Agrawal, added: 

“We are delighted to partner with GIF as we strengthen the foundations for Mati’s next phase of growth. This collaboration goes far beyond funding – it’s about embedding strong systems and accountability. With GIF’s expertise in impact measurement, ESG and governance we can scale responsibly and deliver lasting benefits for farmers and the planet.”

Read more about GIF’s investment in Mati here.