Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

BlueShift is a climate technology company that specializes in electrochemical processes. It develops systems to capture carbon dioxide directly from the ocean and convert industrial waste into valuable minerals, such as nickel and carbonates. This process not only provides sustainable sources for these materials but also significantly reduces atmospheric carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.

River Otter Renewables is a recycling comany that produced biocrude oil from plant and waste as well as sewage and plastic waste.

MacroCycle Technologies is a company developing a chemical recycling process to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester-fiber waste into virgin-grade plastics. Their proprietary technology, based on synthesizing cyclic macromolecules, enables the production of recycled PET with lower energy use than traditional methods. This process offers a sustainable, zero-carbon, and cost-competitive solution for plastic upcycling, contributing to a circular economy.

Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company focused on recovering critical minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings. Utilizing its innovative electro-extraction technology, Nth Cycle offers a cleaner and customizable alternative to traditional methods such as hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. This technology allows for the efficient reclamation of valuable metals, thereby reducing reliance on primary mining and establishing a secure secondary source of these essential materials within the United States. By enabling the manufacturing and recycling industries to access new metal sources, Nth Cycle plays a crucial role in supporting the transition to clean energy.

Takachar is a company focused on transforming agricultural waste into valuable products, particularly eco-friendly cooking fuel. Operating primarily in Kenya, it has developed low-cost technologies that enable the conversion of unmanaged agricultural residues into charcoal, a non-toxic and affordable energy source for low-income households. Over the past three years, Takachar has established or assisted seven locally run waste-to-charcoal enterprises, some of which have achieved operational profitability. The company has successfully created approximately 100 jobs and sold 50 tons of its eco-char product. By utilizing oxygen-lean torrefaction reactors, Takachar helps farmers reduce waste through recycling, allowing them to generate additional income while preventing open burning of agricultural residues. The company aims to demonstrate the financial sustainability of these enterprises as a foundation for expanding its franchise network in the future.

Ascend Elements is a manufacturer of advanced battery materials, specializing in the reclamation of valuable elements from spent lithium-ion batteries. The company employs hydroprocess recycling and direct recycling techniques to deconstruct old cathode materials to the atomic level, allowing for the creation of new cathode materials. This innovative approach not only facilitates the recycling of battery components but also supports clients in maximizing their returns on investments, promoting the economic viability of recycling and the production of low-cost battery materials.

Takachar is a company focused on transforming agricultural waste into valuable products, particularly eco-friendly cooking fuel. Operating primarily in Kenya, it has developed low-cost technologies that enable the conversion of unmanaged agricultural residues into charcoal, a non-toxic and affordable energy source for low-income households. Over the past three years, Takachar has established or assisted seven locally run waste-to-charcoal enterprises, some of which have achieved operational profitability. The company has successfully created approximately 100 jobs and sold 50 tons of its eco-char product. By utilizing oxygen-lean torrefaction reactors, Takachar helps farmers reduce waste through recycling, allowing them to generate additional income while preventing open burning of agricultural residues. The company aims to demonstrate the financial sustainability of these enterprises as a foundation for expanding its franchise network in the future.

Littoral Power Systems is a developer of hydropower and renewable energy equipment focused on addressing the challenges of cost, environmental impact, and regulatory complexity in the ocean energy sector. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of products that streamline the construction of energy projects, thereby reducing time, cost, and risk. Littoral Power Systems produces equipment made from recycled materials, which can be deployed in both small configurations suitable for tight waterways and larger setups for energy farms. This innovative approach enables clients to harness energy at a low cost while minimizing environmental impacts.

Alkemy Environmental is a cleantech company based in Massachusetts, founded in 2008 by Sofia Bethani and Peter Kombouras. The company specializes in recycling industrial waste streams into concrete aggregate, providing solutions that include expandable lightweight aggregate, ultra lightweight aggregate, and high strength lightweight aggregate. In addition to its recycling services, Alkemy Environmental offers waste management solutions to help clients efficiently dispose of toxic waste. By converting industrial waste into structural grade lightweight concrete aggregate, including LEED-certified synthetic aggregate, Alkemy Environmental enables businesses to minimize their environmental impact while reducing construction costs.

ZwitterCo specializes in advanced membrane solutions for the treatment of highly impaired wastewater, enabling the reuse and recycling of water resources in industrial applications. The company's innovative reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technologies address the challenges of treating historically unfilterable streams by preventing fouling caused by organic molecules. ZwitterCo's membranes are chlorine-tolerant, back-washable, and resistant to irreversible fouling, which enhances their longevity and performance. By transforming wastewater from a liability into a valuable resource, ZwitterCo helps clients manage their water treatment needs more economically and sustainably, reducing chemical demands and improving operational efficiency.

Harvest Power is a company focused on transforming organic waste materials into renewable energy and high-value soil products, including mulch and organic fertilizers. With facilities across North America, including locations in British Columbia, Ontario, California, and various states in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Northeastern regions, Harvest Power operates energy gardens that recycle nutrients and energy back into local communities. The company's services facilitate the conversion of discarded organic materials into environmentally beneficial products, such as natural gas and engineered fuels, thereby promoting sustainability and enhancing soil quality. Through its innovative approach, Harvest Power enables communities to effectively manage waste while contributing to ecological health.

CleanFiber, LLC is a manufacturer of cellulose insulation materials designed for use in attics, walls, and floors of both residential and commercial buildings. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, the company specializes in producing high-performance, carbon-negative insulation from recycled corrugated cardboard. This innovative approach not only promotes sustainability but also enables construction companies to build fire-resistant structures while maintaining cost competitiveness. CleanFiber has transitioned from its former name, UltraCell Insulation, LLC, in September 2018, and is currently focused on rapidly scaling up production to meet growing demand in the insulation market.

Infinium Metals, based in Natick, Massachusetts, specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced metallurgical processes for producing lightweight and magnetic materials. The company manufactures essential metals including magnesium, titanium, tantalum, neodymium, dysprosium, and solar-grade silicon using innovative techniques such as solid oxide membrane electrolysis. This low-energy process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact. Infinium Metals provides magnesium for fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft components, neodymium for magnets used in wind turbines and hybrid vehicles, and elements for high power-to-weight generators. Additionally, the company offers recycling solutions for magnesium and rare earth elements. Infinium serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer technology, defense, energy, and mass transit. Originally founded in 2008 as Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc., the company rebranded in 2013 to reflect its broader focus on clean metals.

CleanFiber, LLC is a manufacturer of cellulose insulation materials designed for use in attics, walls, and floors of both residential and commercial buildings. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, the company specializes in producing high-performance, carbon-negative insulation from recycled corrugated cardboard. This innovative approach not only promotes sustainability but also enables construction companies to build fire-resistant structures while maintaining cost competitiveness. CleanFiber has transitioned from its former name, UltraCell Insulation, LLC, in September 2018, and is currently focused on rapidly scaling up production to meet growing demand in the insulation market.

SolidEnergy Systems Corp. develops and manufactures rechargeable lithium metal batteries primarily for applications in drones, wearables, smartphones, and electric vehicles. Founded in 2012 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company focuses on producing high-performance lithium metal batteries and supplying essential materials, such as anodes and electrolytes, to major lithium-ion cell manufacturers. These materials can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes, allowing for scalability without significant infrastructure investments. SolidEnergy's pilot-scale production caters to prototype demonstrations and specialized aerospace markets, while its future growth is aimed at mainstream sectors like consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Additionally, the company is involved in developing AI-powered safety algorithms and recycling solutions, positioning itself as an integrated battery manufacturer with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Takachar is a company focused on transforming agricultural waste into valuable products, particularly eco-friendly cooking fuel. Operating primarily in Kenya, it has developed low-cost technologies that enable the conversion of unmanaged agricultural residues into charcoal, a non-toxic and affordable energy source for low-income households. Over the past three years, Takachar has established or assisted seven locally run waste-to-charcoal enterprises, some of which have achieved operational profitability. The company has successfully created approximately 100 jobs and sold 50 tons of its eco-char product. By utilizing oxygen-lean torrefaction reactors, Takachar helps farmers reduce waste through recycling, allowing them to generate additional income while preventing open burning of agricultural residues. The company aims to demonstrate the financial sustainability of these enterprises as a foundation for expanding its franchise network in the future.