Reimagining Aviation for Ecological Restoration: Nikolai Kulikov’s Mission to Heal the Ozone Layer

In 2023, the global investment in deep-tech startups reached approximately $79 billion, marking a 26% decrease from the previous year. Despite this downturn, sectors like energy, climate, and industrial technologies experienced growth, driven by innovators determined to tackle global challenges. Nikolai Kulikov, Chief Technology Officer of TorusFusion and SkyForge, has recently invented and filed a provisional patent application for his innovative technology that can help fight ozone layer depletion within less than a decade. His groundbreaking work in ozone restoration technology for SkyForge has earned recognition, including the title Deep Tech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow in 2024 and acknowledgment from Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project.

Kulikov’s journey — from launching an additive manufacturing business in Russia to building transformative startups in the U.S. — exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. He shares his insights into the groundbreaking work, the science behind his innovations, and his vision for scaling these technologies globally, offering valuable inspiration for innovators and leaders alike.

Nikolai, your ozone restoration work is crucial for humanity’s present and future. What motivated you to tackle this challenge? 

The growing annual impact of climate change compelled me to take action. This is not merely an environmental issue—it poses a significant threat to human health and global ecosystems. My goal was to find a simple, elegant solution to this problem that would be scalable. Together with my partner Arkadiy Miteiko, we found a way to restore the ozone layer that is easily integrated into existing systems by equipping aircraft with ozone generators that I developed, using the active air traffic infrastructure. This combination of innovation and practicality provides maximum effect.

SkyForge has already gained recognition for its innovative approach to restoring the ozone layer, even named a Deep Tech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow in 2023. Can you explain how SkyForge’s technology works? 

SkyForge’s patented ozone generation system transforms commercial aircraft into what can be called “flying gardeners of the atmosphere.” Much like gardeners planting seeds to restore a barren field, our ozone generators “plant” life-sustaining ozone directly into the lower stratosphere using existing flight paths. This innovative approach both replenishes the depleted ozone layer and neutralizes a portion of aircraft exhaust gases, creating a protective shield against harmful ultraviolet radiation that contributes to skin cancer and damages ecosystems. By reimagining the role of aviation, we have transformed something as ordinary as airplanes into powerful tools for ecological restoration.

Our mission is to seamlessly combine practicality and innovation to protect public health and stabilize the climate. To further enhance this effort, we have developed a transparent monitoring system that tracks the real-time contribution of each aircraft. Additionally, we are integrating artificial intelligence to optimize the process, ensuring the most efficient and gentle impact on the atmosphere and the ozone layer.

Under your leadership, TorusFusion is also pioneering plasma-based energy technologies. Could you share how this technology works and its potential impact on global energy systems? 

At TorusFusion, we are developing compact, low-temperature plasma-based clean energy solutions designed to minimize reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Our groundbreaking technology has the potential for major data centers like those operated by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. They also fit with visionary missions like Elon Musk’s efforts to colonize Mars. Additionally, we see huge potential in supporting the next generation of aviation for electric passenger aircraft from companies like Boeing, Airbus, and Eviation.

Your engineering background helped you to develop your innovations and become CTO at two innovative startups. Could you share the key milestones that shaped your path? 

My journey as an engineer was instrumental in shaping my approach to innovation. Early in my career, I had several project ideas, but I focused on gaining hands-on experience as a design engineer. This phase allowed me to build a strong technical foundation while honing my problem-solving skills. Later, I ventured into entrepreneurship by launching an additive manufacturing business, further deepening my expertise in innovation and scalability. These endeavors reinforced my ability to devise creative and practical solutions, even under complex constraints. Over time, I recognized the transformative potential of advanced technologies in addressing global challenges. Later, I moved to the U.S., where I developed patent applications for advanced technologies, two of which evolved into startups: SkyForge and TorusFusion.

You have participated in the 4th Global Webinar on 3D Printing and the National Business Aviation Association’s Convention in October 2024. How do such events benefit your startups? 

Such events provide invaluable opportunities for our startup. They allow us to connect with a global network of industry leaders and innovators, creating fertile ground for strategic partnerships.

The conventions serve as a platform to showcase our technology to potential collaborators in aerospace, manufacturing, and beyond. Engaging with decision-makers who are actively seeking innovative solutions opens doors for joint ventures and pilot projects that align with our vision.

Beyond partnerships, the events enable us to gain insights into emerging trends and challenges faced by our target industries, helping us fine-tune our offerings. Networking in such a dynamic environment also helps solidify our presence as a forward-thinking player in the market.

Besides public events, you are a member of the International Association of Engineers (IAENG), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). How do these memberships reflect your achievements and support your professional growth?

Membership in these organizations reflects both my dedication to innovation and my commitment to professional growth. Being a part of the engineering associations keep me connected with advancements in engineering, while the NBAA supports our collaboration with aviation companies, enhancing strategic partnerships and scaling solutions.

Your startups and your vision are not just about technology but also about your strong leadership and proactive points. How do you envision scaling these innovations globally? 

Scaling is central to our mission. For SkyForge, the main focus is to certify the technology and launch pilot projects in collaboration with leading airlines and environmental organizations. We have received a proposal from a U.S. airline offering their aircraft for real-world testing, which marks an exciting opportunity to demonstrate our ozone generation systems in operational conditions.

For TorusFusion, the next step is finalizing a market-ready prototype and showcasing it at international forums and conferences. This step will validate the technology and attract strategic investors who share our vision for sustainable and innovative energy solutions. Ultimately, our mission is to bring these groundbreaking technologies to a global stage, ensuring they contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient world.

As someone who transitioned from engineering to deep-tech entrepreneurship, what advice would you give to aspiring innovators? 

Focus on solving real problems and don’t be afraid to try new things. Innovation isn’t just about coming up with ideas — it’s about turning those ideas into actions that make a difference. Most importantly, don’t give up. The road may not always be easy, but the chance to make a real impact is worth overcoming any challenge.

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