National Science Foundation

The Geological Society of America gives earth scientists of all skill levels and from all backgrounds academic, governmental, commercial, and industrial access to resources that are critical to their professional development.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a federally funded research and development center devoted to service, research and education in the atmospheric and related sciences. NCAR’s mission is to understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related physical, biological and social systems; to support, enhance and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community – nationally and internationally; and to foster transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth. The National Science Foundation is NCAR's primary sponsor, with significant additional support provided by other U.S. government agencies, other national governments and the private sector.

Stratajam is a company focused on providing a range of geoscience services aimed at enhancing mineral exploration and management for clients, particularly in developing countries. Its offerings include feasibility studies, bulk material procurement, mineral reserves estimation, and advanced geological 3D modeling. The company also specializes in conducting quality assurance and quality control programs, reviewing geological reports, and managing exploration projects. Additionally, Stratajam performs due diligence for mineral operations, develops short and medium-term plans, and conducts periodic material reconciliations to optimize production processes. Through these services, Stratajam aims to deliver rapid and accurate results to its clients, supporting their decision-making and operational efficiency in the mining sector.

TEVERRA is a clean energy technology company focused on providing innovative subsurface solutions aimed at optimizing carbon storage and energy storage. The company specializes in converting oil and gas assets into geothermal resources and offers a range of services, including the design of geothermal systems and power plants. Additionally, TEVERRA provides subsurface monitoring, visualization, and control for both geothermal and oil and gas operations. Through the development of advanced technology and consulting services, TEVERRA is dedicated to supporting international projects that contribute to a low-carbon and sustainable energy mix.

Minerva Lithium, founded in 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina, focuses on advancing critical mineral extraction technologies. The company has developed a proprietary nano mosaic membrane filter system that enhances the extraction of lithium from non-traditional water resources. This innovative approach aims to improve lithium recovery rates and support the clean energy sector, as well as the automotive and technology industries, by providing high-grade pure minerals essential for various applications. In addition to boosting lithium availability, Minerva's methods also facilitate the recovery of usable water, contributing to sustainable practices in mineral extraction.

BirdHabitatBot is a company focused on developing robotic systems for the removal of invasive plant species, particularly in deciduous forest environments. Utilizing unpiloted aerial systems, the company employs drones to capture images that aid in the mapping and monitoring of non-native invasive plants. These invasive species pose a significant threat to forest habitats, contributing to their degradation. By providing tools that assist natural resource professionals in managing understory invasive shrubs, BirdHabitatBot aims to enhance the habitat for native plants and wildlife, thereby promoting ecological health and biodiversity.

Comon provides species identification, ecological monitoring, and geological assessment services. They offer unpiloted aerial systems' images for mapping, monitoring, and identifying rare and invasive species and provide reports on water loggers, soil samples, temperature, historic weather, and tidal data, enabling natural resource managers and conservation organizations to determine practices for sites.

SpadXTech specializes in developing microbe-based materials aimed at preserving natural resources and addressing environmental challenges. The company employs green fermentation techniques and proprietary biotechnology to create cellulose-based materials derived from fast-growing microbes. These materials are characterized by their strength, flexibility, and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. By offering innovative solutions, SpadXTech contributes to mitigating climate change, reducing air and water pollution, and tackling the issue of plastic waste.

Natrx is an innovative company focused on enhancing coastal resilience and protection through advanced technology and a nature-based approach. By integrating geospatial software and advanced manufacturing solutions, Natrx promotes harmony between natural ecosystems and urban infrastructure. The company's solutions are designed to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods that are often costly and ecologically harmful. Natrx aims to set a new standard for sustainable resilience, delivering high-performance solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also contribute positively to economic outcomes. Through its technology-first approach, Natrx empowers builders, architects, and ecologists to create infrastructure that enhances both functionality and aesthetic value.

MineraLogic is a geochemistry consultancy firm based in Duluth, Minnesota, established in 2016. The company specializes in identifying risks and opportunities associated with geochemical reactions among minerals, water, and the atmosphere. By providing a coherent framework for understanding the distribution and mobility of chemical elements within geological systems, MineraLogic enables its clients to effectively manage geochemical relationships that influence the success of their projects.

Heirloom is a company specializing in direct air capture technology aimed at enhancing the natural process of CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. Its innovative system accelerates limestone's ability to capture carbon dioxide, which is then stored permanently underground. The process operates using renewable energy, making it an environmentally friendly solution for carbon removal. Heirloom's technology is designed to capture and remove atmospheric CO2 at a gigaton scale, significantly reducing second-order impacts and minimizing extraction efforts. This approach allows clients to restore the atmosphere through natural processes, contributing to global efforts against climate change.

Minerva Lithium, founded in 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina, focuses on advancing critical mineral extraction technologies. The company has developed a proprietary nano mosaic membrane filter system that enhances the extraction of lithium from non-traditional water resources. This innovative approach aims to improve lithium recovery rates and support the clean energy sector, as well as the automotive and technology industries, by providing high-grade pure minerals essential for various applications. In addition to boosting lithium availability, Minerva's methods also facilitate the recovery of usable water, contributing to sustainable practices in mineral extraction.

NUMiX MATERIALS is a water treatment company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying sorbents to remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. It focuses on RCRA, Water, Sorbents, Pretreatment, and Metals. It was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Eden is focused on developing a sustainable platform for natural resource recovery, aiming to create a carbon-neutral future. The company has introduced a novel method known as Pulsed Electrical Well Stimulation (PEWS), which is a patent-pending technology designed to replace traditional hydraulic fracturing. This innovative approach eliminates the need for water injection and addresses the logistical challenges and environmental risks associated with conventional fracking methods. By utilizing high-voltage electricity and proprietary modeling techniques, Eden enhances rock permeability with precision, facilitating effective resource extraction across various geological settings. This technology not only reduces costs but also minimizes the negative impacts typically associated with hydraulic fracturing, positioning Eden as a leader in environmentally responsible resource recovery.

Biomineral Systems is a company focused on environmental biochemical research and technology aimed at addressing global environmental challenges. It offers a range of services, including phosphorus management, soil organic carbon management, and enhancement of soil quality. The company specializes in biogeochemical modeling for forest management, carbon trading and capture, as well as mineral synthesis and characterization. Additionally, Biomineral Systems provides consulting services and environmental policy advice to government agencies and medium to large enterprises. By equipping scientists and engineers with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle issues related to food security, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity, Biomineral Systems plays a vital role in promoting ecological health and resilience.

Environmental Quality Operations (EQO) is a company focused on advancing environmental management through innovative molecular biology techniques. Its primary goal is to detect, monitor, and eradicate invasive species using a blend of bioengineering and diagnostic development expertise. EQO's services include highly sensitive assays for early detection of nuisance species, providing detailed analytics on population dynamics and activity. The company has developed a pioneering automated sampling platform that can be deployed at critical sites vulnerable to infestations, allowing for programmable sampling and rapid analysis of results upon submission. In addition to detection and monitoring, EQO conducts research and development aimed at creating targeted biopesticides designed to eliminate invasive species while minimizing adverse effects on native ecosystems, ultimately reducing costs associated with remediation efforts.

TCarta is a geospatial remote sensing company based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in seabed mapping and bathymetric data for various maritime applications. The company offers a range of hydro spatial products, including inland, coastal, and offshore hydrostatic mapping solutions. Its services encompass Earth observation analysis and Satellite-Derived Bathymetry data, primarily focused on near-shore areas worldwide. By providing these advanced mapping systems, TCarta enables research institutions and government agencies to conduct hydrographic surveys effectively, supporting coastal engineering, environmental monitoring, and global mapping initiatives.

Algenesis is a material science and technology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. The company focuses on producing renewable and biodegradable polyurethane materials derived from algae and non-food plant oils. Algenesis develops biodegradable foam products, including soft foams suitable for footwear and hard foams designed for surfboards. By partnering with various companies, Algenesis aims to address the global plastic pollution crisis by offering sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. Through its innovative approach, the company contributes to environmental recovery efforts while promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in everyday products.

Gadusol Laboratories is a startup based in Corvallis, Oregon, focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through innovative synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, a compound utilized by aquatic creatures to protect against sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of traditional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to address these issues by offering safe, effective, and comfortable sunscreen options for consumers. The company's approach not only prioritizes human safety but also seeks to mitigate harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

Phoenix Tailings Inc. is a company focused on producing primary metal products from mining tailings, with a commitment to sustainability and economic efficiency. Founded in 2019 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company specializes in the recycling and re-mining of hazardous by-products, particularly Bauxite Residue, from the aluminum industry. By treating mining and refining waste as a new source of ore, Phoenix Tailings aims to extract strategic materials essential for various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, biotechnology, and more. The company's innovative approach not only facilitates the recovery of valuable metals but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing hazardous waste and providing carbon-free alternatives for metal sourcing.

Lotic Labs specializes in developing software aimed at enhancing the efficiency of water markets and fostering innovation in environmental finance. The company integrates fragmented data sets with advanced environmental science models and financial simulations, allowing for rigorous analysis of the interconnections between financial, operational, and environmental decisions, particularly in the water utility and heavy industrial sectors. Its technology supports the creation of novel financial products that facilitate risk management, conservation efforts, and investments in green infrastructure. Additionally, Lotic Labs provides tools for climate risk assessment that help water utilities minimize revenue fluctuations and budget variances, offering solutions for environmental modeling, analytics, contract simulation, impact tracking, and opportunity identification. Through these offerings, Lotic Labs enables industrial and resource-intensive businesses to better navigate the challenges posed by volatile environmental conditions.

Gadusol Laboratories is a startup based in Corvallis, Oregon, focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through innovative synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, a compound utilized by aquatic creatures to protect against sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of traditional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to address these issues by offering safe, effective, and comfortable sunscreen options for consumers. The company's approach not only prioritizes human safety but also seeks to mitigate harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

NanoSUR, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative, eco-friendly crop protection solutions. The company's core product line is based on RNA technology, aiming to minimize environmental impact while ensuring effective crop cultivation for farmers.

Algenesis is a material science and technology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. The company focuses on producing renewable and biodegradable polyurethane materials derived from algae and non-food plant oils. Algenesis develops biodegradable foam products, including soft foams suitable for footwear and hard foams designed for surfboards. By partnering with various companies, Algenesis aims to address the global plastic pollution crisis by offering sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. Through its innovative approach, the company contributes to environmental recovery efforts while promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in everyday products.

Eden is focused on developing a sustainable platform for natural resource recovery, aiming to create a carbon-neutral future. The company has introduced a novel method known as Pulsed Electrical Well Stimulation (PEWS), which is a patent-pending technology designed to replace traditional hydraulic fracturing. This innovative approach eliminates the need for water injection and addresses the logistical challenges and environmental risks associated with conventional fracking methods. By utilizing high-voltage electricity and proprietary modeling techniques, Eden enhances rock permeability with precision, facilitating effective resource extraction across various geological settings. This technology not only reduces costs but also minimizes the negative impacts typically associated with hydraulic fracturing, positioning Eden as a leader in environmentally responsible resource recovery.

TCarta is a geospatial remote sensing company based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in seabed mapping and bathymetric data for various maritime applications. The company offers a range of hydro spatial products, including inland, coastal, and offshore hydrostatic mapping solutions. Its services encompass Earth observation analysis and Satellite-Derived Bathymetry data, primarily focused on near-shore areas worldwide. By providing these advanced mapping systems, TCarta enables research institutions and government agencies to conduct hydrographic surveys effectively, supporting coastal engineering, environmental monitoring, and global mapping initiatives.

risQ is a National Science Foundation-funded firm run by a team of data and physical science specialists with extensive experience in climate change and private sector innovation. risQ uses economic and physical sciences to accelerate climate adaptation.

Gadusol Laboratories is a startup based in Corvallis, Oregon, focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through innovative synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, a compound utilized by aquatic creatures to protect against sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of traditional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to address these issues by offering safe, effective, and comfortable sunscreen options for consumers. The company's approach not only prioritizes human safety but also seeks to mitigate harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

Biomineral Systems is a company focused on environmental biochemical research and technology aimed at addressing global environmental challenges. It offers a range of services, including phosphorus management, soil organic carbon management, and enhancement of soil quality. The company specializes in biogeochemical modeling for forest management, carbon trading and capture, as well as mineral synthesis and characterization. Additionally, Biomineral Systems provides consulting services and environmental policy advice to government agencies and medium to large enterprises. By equipping scientists and engineers with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle issues related to food security, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity, Biomineral Systems plays a vital role in promoting ecological health and resilience.

Lotic Labs specializes in developing software aimed at enhancing the efficiency of water markets and fostering innovation in environmental finance. The company integrates fragmented data sets with advanced environmental science models and financial simulations, allowing for rigorous analysis of the interconnections between financial, operational, and environmental decisions, particularly in the water utility and heavy industrial sectors. Its technology supports the creation of novel financial products that facilitate risk management, conservation efforts, and investments in green infrastructure. Additionally, Lotic Labs provides tools for climate risk assessment that help water utilities minimize revenue fluctuations and budget variances, offering solutions for environmental modeling, analytics, contract simulation, impact tracking, and opportunity identification. Through these offerings, Lotic Labs enables industrial and resource-intensive businesses to better navigate the challenges posed by volatile environmental conditions.

RedLeaf Biologics, Inc. is a producer of natural food colors, antioxidants, and antimicrobials for both human and livestock applications. Established in 2015 and based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company focuses on creating high-performance bioactive substances that serve as alternatives to synthetic dyes and chemical additives. RedLeaf collaborates with local farmers to source ingredients, emphasizing sustainable agriculture practices to ensure supply chain security and promote social responsibility. Their product offerings are designed to be natural, scalable, and safe, providing clients with versatile solutions that maintain quality and effectiveness.

Loci Controls, Inc. specializes in developing and commercializing automated landfill gas collection systems. The company has created the Loci WellWatcher, which consists of wellhead-mounted hardware and a cloud-based monitoring platform that collects crucial data to enhance landfill gas production. Loci Controls provides real-time monitoring and control of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and flow, resulting in an increase in gas collection efficiency by 20% or more. The company aims to improve safety and reduce operational costs for landfill operators and energy utility customers across the United States. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts, Loci Controls combines innovative technology with field service personnel to optimize gas collection and mitigate environmental, health, and safety risks associated with landfill operations.

risQ is a National Science Foundation-funded firm run by a team of data and physical science specialists with extensive experience in climate change and private sector innovation. risQ uses economic and physical sciences to accelerate climate adaptation.

RedLeaf Biologics, Inc. is a producer of natural food colors, antioxidants, and antimicrobials for both human and livestock applications. Established in 2015 and based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company focuses on creating high-performance bioactive substances that serve as alternatives to synthetic dyes and chemical additives. RedLeaf collaborates with local farmers to source ingredients, emphasizing sustainable agriculture practices to ensure supply chain security and promote social responsibility. Their product offerings are designed to be natural, scalable, and safe, providing clients with versatile solutions that maintain quality and effectiveness.

The Actives Factory is a wholesale supplier of natural actives and compounds. They provide cosmetics care, personal care, pharmaceutical drugs, and research dietary supplements. The birch tree is a source of their natural triterpenes compounds such as betulin, betulinic acid, lupeol, and betulin caffeates.

Loci Controls, Inc. specializes in developing and commercializing automated landfill gas collection systems. The company has created the Loci WellWatcher, which consists of wellhead-mounted hardware and a cloud-based monitoring platform that collects crucial data to enhance landfill gas production. Loci Controls provides real-time monitoring and control of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and flow, resulting in an increase in gas collection efficiency by 20% or more. The company aims to improve safety and reduce operational costs for landfill operators and energy utility customers across the United States. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts, Loci Controls combines innovative technology with field service personnel to optimize gas collection and mitigate environmental, health, and safety risks associated with landfill operations.

SulfCrete™ is an innovative, New York-based company that utilizes recycled materials from the oil and coal industries to produce its keystone product: a high-strength, ultra-impermeable, corrosion-resistant, low-CO2 emission, waterless, sulfur-polymer concrete. We have transformed a previously unworkable product developed in the 1980s by the U.S. Bureau of Mines into one with both commercial viability and enormous market potential. For the past 30 years, years, sulfur-polymer concrete has required the use of a high-cost additive that has made it commercially infeasible. SulfCrete's patented innovations, emerging out of the Environmental and Climate Sciences Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, have changed this-- making use of alternative, organic additives, over 100x less expensive, to manufacture an all-around superior product.

EarthClean develops corn-starch based retardants used on supressing and retarding fires. The company provides services for wildland firefighting, home protection, urban firefighting, and railway grinding. EarthClean was established in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Budding Biologist is a company dedicated to creating scientifically accurate educational tools designed to engage children in science both at school and at home. The company produces illustrated books and is expanding its offerings to include interactive video games. Their current project, supported by an NSF SBIR Phase I grant, focuses on developing an ecologically-themed video game for children in grades 1-5. This game will be released as three tablet apps and accompanied by lesson plans, worksheets, and assessment tools aligned with Common Core Standards for educational use. Collaborating with top ecologists from UC-Davis, Budding Biologist is committed to using real-life data and scientific principles to create a unique product that teaches scientific process skills in a fun and entertaining manner, addressing a notable gap in the market for ecology-focused educational video games.

NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, early stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of new drugs from natural sources.

Azavea is a developer of geospatial web applications and data analytics tools that aim to enhance decision-making across various sectors, including education, health services, natural resources, and politics. The company harnesses the power of both open source and commercial technologies to create solutions that facilitate the access and visualization of geographic data. Azavea's offerings include geospatial data processing, earth imagery, and collaborative redistricting tools, as well as capabilities in big data processing, machine learning, and software engineering. By integrating these diverse technologies, Azavea provides clients with a comprehensive geospatial technology ecosystem designed to improve communities and the planet.