King Charles III visits University spin-out OXCCU

His Majesty The King visited OXCCU, an Oxford University spin-out developing catalysts and processes to convert waste carbon into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), last week at its laboratories at Oxford University Science Park.

Members of the OXCCU team explain chemical samples to King Charles III during his visit to the company’s laboratories at Oxford University Science Park.

During the visit, His Majesty, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxford, met the team and observed a demonstration of synthetic e-fuel production from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Discussions covered the role of SAF in reducing aviation emissions, supporting industrial resilience, and enabling more sustainable chemicals and plastics.

OXCCU has developed a direct, one-step process to convert waste carbon into jet fuel range hydrocarbons suitable for upgrading to SAF. The company launched its first demonstration plant, OX1, at London Oxford Airport in 2024, and is progressing a second plant, OX2, as it works towards commercial-scale deployment by the end of the decade.

OXCCU operates across sites at Oxford University Science Park, Begbroke, and London Oxford Airport, and is focused on reducing the cost and complexity of sustainable fuel production.

Andrew Symes, co-founder and CEO of OXCCU, said:

It was a profound honour to welcome His Majesty to Begbroke and to share more about the work our team is doing at OXCCU. This visit was a deeply meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting technologies that can move from the laboratory towards real industrial impact.