In addition to strong global emission cuts, experts see the rapid upscaling of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) as paramount for reaching the Paris agreement target. A comprehensive view of research and innovation dynamics is crucial for the rigorous assessment of the potentials of CDR options and for guiding strategies to close knowledge gaps. Here, we investigate funding patterns in CDR research across time, geographies and fields of research and identify key organizations and actors in collaboration networks. We use comprehensive search queries and machine learning to identify more than 6000 research grants on twelve different CDR options. Research funding increased strongly over the past 30 years (21% p.a.), more than funding for climate science and technology. In comparison to carbon capture and storage, CDR receives a higher number of grants, but less total funding, estimated at 4.2 bn$. Funding is highly concentrated in Europe and North America and mostly directed towards natural, engineering and agricultural science, with little but increasing support for social science. European funding seems to encourage research in larger consortia. However, our analysis finds little funding specifically targeted at CDR, highlighting potentials for strategic initiatives for accelerating innovation in CDR.