The first Portuguese startup to merge conscious luxury with materials engineering. From Alcanena to the global impact.
Mara Santos had the idea to create diamonds from CO2 in New York's Diamond District during a trip to the USA.
After two years of independent research, she presents the theoretical process of capturing CO2 and transforming it into diamonds at the Lisbon Green Capital event held at FCUL, Portugal.
Summa Cum Climate Distinction at ClimateLaunchPad (European Climate Kic/UPTEC), Winner of the Cross-Border for Local Value Program from SERS Community (Carleton University, Canada) and Winner of the Best Business Idea 2021 Go Green Go Social (Nova FCSH, Portugal).
International partnerships in the United States and India, participation in a Round Table at EHL Switzerland and a Guest Lecture at IGG South India, finalist of the 928 Challenge at the World Trade Center Macau.
CO2 Diamonds is a startup legalized through the activities of Mara Rute Feliciano Santos (Sole Proprietor), a Certified Portuguese SME. Tops of the "European Carbon Capture and Utilization Market Study" by BCNP Consultants (Frankfurt, Deutschland)
Inaugural member of the LGDinTech consortium - Focus on the application of lab-grown diamonds in semiconductors, optics, energy, nanomedicine, and quantum applications. CO2 Diamonds is recognized as "Leading Pioneers in Sustainable Jewellery Design" by LUXlife Magazine (UK).
Participation in POEMS network events (INL). Creation of the UnicornIA platform. Best Lab-Grown Diamond Company 2025 - Portugal (Wealth & Finance International) and one of the Best Portuguese Climate Tech Companies by F6S.
Entrepreneurship program for vulnerable communities in Kenya, Africa. Winner of Global Wedding Awards 2026 by LuxLife Magazine (UK): Best Sustainable Jewellery Collection 2026 – Portugal; Sustainability Excellence Award 2026
R&D focused on positive impact through carbon capture and 100% ethical processes.
We work with elite partners. Each diamond is authenticated by GIA or IGI, with options for GCAL forensic grading (ISO 17025).
Ability to produce and select diamonds in large-scale laboratories according to the needs of each project.
The perfect balance between traditional luxury and the quantum physics of cutting-edge materials.
Visionary and strategic, Mara Santos is the driving force behind CO2 Diamonds. With a career that combines a passion for Chemistry with technological curiosity, she transformed the Alcanena-based startup into an internationally recognized player. Today, she builds the bridge between ethical luxury and Deep Tech applications.
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