National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

James Donlon

Program Director

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Recycling

Brightwater Tools

Grant in 2024
Brightwater Tools, headquartered in Vermont, is a woman-led startup specializing in sustainable sanitation solutions. The company has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system that transforms high-strength wastewater into natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer. This process not only reduces harmful algal blooms in waterways but also promotes a circular economy by recycling nutrients. The system comprises three proprietary pieces of equipment, each facilitating key wastewater processes and available for individual or collective purchase. Brightwater Tools aims to become a significant equipment provider in this sector, with a strong customer base expected upon completion of its prototype and beta testing.

Rich Earth Institute

Grant in 2022
Rich Earth Institute, established in 2012 and located in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on research and education to promote the use of human waste as a valuable resource. The organization develops technologies for urine-collecting portable toilets, facilitating a sustainable approach to waste management. By implementing a community-scale urine recycling program, Rich Earth Institute enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine for agricultural purposes. This innovative platform not only ensures a cleaner environment for communities but also fosters the beneficial use of human waste in farming and gardening practices.

Brightwater Tools

Grant in 2022
Brightwater Tools, headquartered in Vermont, is a woman-led startup specializing in sustainable sanitation solutions. The company has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system that transforms high-strength wastewater into natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer. This process not only reduces harmful algal blooms in waterways but also promotes a circular economy by recycling nutrients. The system comprises three proprietary pieces of equipment, each facilitating key wastewater processes and available for individual or collective purchase. Brightwater Tools aims to become a significant equipment provider in this sector, with a strong customer base expected upon completion of its prototype and beta testing.

Aesir Technologies

Grant in 2022
Æsir Technologies focuses on the development and commercialization of advanced Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn) battery technologies that offer a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to traditional lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Incorporated in 2011, the company operates a research and development facility in Bozeman, Montana, and a low-rate initial production facility in Joplin, Missouri. Æsir's innovative battery solutions are designed to meet the needs of various sectors, including trucking, marine, telecommunications, and industrial storage applications, while ensuring that the materials used are easily recyclable and safe for the environment.

Birch Biosciences

Grant in 2022
Birch Biosciences focuses on developing a proprietary platform that engineers enzymes for an innovative and sustainable plastic recycling process. By utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening techniques, the company creates enzymes that naturally and efficiently break down plastics. This method stands out from traditional recycling by producing virgin-quality, environmentally sustainable, and cost-competitive recycled materials, thereby contributing to a circular plastics economy. Birch Biosciences aims to provide businesses with an effective solution for addressing plastic waste while ensuring economic viability.

Regenerated Textile

Grant in 2022
Regenerated Textile provide a circular economy with continuously renewable resources and an environmentally and socially responsible approach to clothing. They operate with an agile mentality, a neo-sustainable approach to design, and a consumer-facing mindset.

Nth Cycle

Grant in 2022
Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company that focuses on recovering critical minerals through innovative electro-extraction methods. It collaborates with battery recyclers and mining operations to extract production-grade minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings, offering a cleaner and more customizable alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. By utilizing its advanced recycling technology, Nth Cycle aims to reduce reliance on primary mining, thereby creating a sustainable secondary source of rare earth metals in the United States. This approach supports the manufacturing and recycling industries while contributing to advancements in clean energy.

Beyond The Dome

Grant in 2021
Beyond The Dome specializes in the destruction of organic compounds, focusing on challenging materials such as PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The company has developed small, efficient systems that offer significant throughput for waste management. Their supercritical water oxidation technology effectively processes biosolids, sludge, and various organic wastes, presenting an environmentally friendly solution for managing hazardous and chemically contaminated materials. Beyond The Dome aims to contribute to cleaner water and improved waste management practices through its innovative approach.

Biko Biolabs

Grant in 2021
Biko Biolabs is a research company founded in 2020 and located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that focuses on the intersection of plastic waste and regenerative agriculture. The company aims to address research and development gaps related to sustainability and self-sufficiency in traditionally marginalized communities. By providing resources to innovators, Biko Biolabs fosters the creation of new economic opportunities and trains emerging local scientists and engineers. The company emphasizes impactful research that is closely aligned with the specific needs of the communities involved, enabling tailored scientific practices and technologies that directly address fundamental community challenges.

Cruz Foam

Seed Round in 2021
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the issue of plastic pollution by providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into biodegradable packaging materials. Cruz Foam's products are used across various industries, including consumer packaging, electronics, automotive, and shipping, offering scalable and compostable solutions that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. By focusing on sustainability, Cruz Foam aims to empower industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Margik

Grant in 2021
Margik is a manufacturer of organic electronic devices that specializes in the research and development of sustainable lighting technology. The company focuses on creating thin, customizable printed lighting solutions, including fully recyclable organic light stickers and business cards. These innovative products not only enhance brand visibility but also offer elevated thermal, chemical, and electronic stability. By providing environmentally friendly options, Margik aims to help clients reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumer use, contributing to a more sustainable future in the consumer electronics industry.

Cruz Foam

Grant in 2021
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the issue of plastic pollution by providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into biodegradable packaging materials. Cruz Foam's products are used across various industries, including consumer packaging, electronics, automotive, and shipping, offering scalable and compostable solutions that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. By focusing on sustainability, Cruz Foam aims to empower industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Paramount Planet Product

Grant in 2020
Paramount Planet Product is a startup based in Orono focused on reducing ocean pollution through the development of low-cost, compostable plant-based packaging. The company's innovative products mimic the characteristics of plastic while being environmentally safe, as they are designed to break down in ocean environments without causing harm. By utilizing ocean compostable materials, Paramount Planet Product aims to enhance packaging performance while minimizing environmental impact. Their commitment to creating fish-friendly packaging addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions in single-use items, allowing customers to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their operations.

ReJoule

Grant in 2020
ReJoule is focused on addressing the challenges associated with battery health information, which often leads to significant waste, especially at the end of a battery's life. The company has developed a battery diagnostic platform that significantly reduces testing time from hours to minutes, allowing for quick and accurate assessments of batteries for second-life applications. By testing batteries in-vehicle during their initial use, ReJoule enables equipment manufacturers to extend the useful life of batteries, facilitating their repurposing to store energy multiple times. This approach promotes sustainability and contributes to a circular economy by minimizing battery waste and lowering costs for manufacturers.

Infinite Cooling

Grant in 2020
Infinite Cooling Inc. specializes in water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company focuses on mitigating water scarcity by employing innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water evaporating from cooling towers. This approach allows power plants, data centers, and factories to significantly reduce water consumption and treatment costs, thereby promoting more sustainable operations. Through its efforts in wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling aims to address environmental challenges related to water waste in industrial processes.

Rich Earth Institute

Grant in 2020
Rich Earth Institute, established in 2012 and located in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on research and education to promote the use of human waste as a valuable resource. The organization develops technologies for urine-collecting portable toilets, facilitating a sustainable approach to waste management. By implementing a community-scale urine recycling program, Rich Earth Institute enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine for agricultural purposes. This innovative platform not only ensures a cleaner environment for communities but also fosters the beneficial use of human waste in farming and gardening practices.

Li Industries

Grant in 2020
Li Industries is a start-up dedicated to advancing lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. The company focuses on reclaiming materials from end-of-life batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and various energy storage systems. By utilizing direct recycling technology, Li Industries specializes in recovering valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for battery production. Their innovative electrochemical flow system allows for non-destructive lithiation and optimizes the post-treatment of recovered materials, enhancing the efficiency of the recycling process. Through its efforts, Li Industries aims to minimize environmental waste, lower emissions, and reduce the costs associated with lithium-ion battery manufacturing, thereby promoting a more sustainable supply chain for battery materials.

Brightwater Tools

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Brightwater Tools, headquartered in Vermont, is a woman-led startup specializing in sustainable sanitation solutions. The company has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system that transforms high-strength wastewater into natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer. This process not only reduces harmful algal blooms in waterways but also promotes a circular economy by recycling nutrients. The system comprises three proprietary pieces of equipment, each facilitating key wastewater processes and available for individual or collective purchase. Brightwater Tools aims to become a significant equipment provider in this sector, with a strong customer base expected upon completion of its prototype and beta testing.

Mobius

Grant in 2020
Mobius specializes in transforming industrial organic waste streams into environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The company focuses on utilizing waste generated by the agriculture, forestry, paper, and biofuel industries to develop sustainable solutions. Its flagship product is a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from lignin, a natural byproduct produced in large quantities by the paper and biofuel sectors. This biopolymer is designed to replace conventional plastics, offering biodegradable plastic pellets suitable for various applications, including horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging. By promoting the concept of eliminating waste, Mobius aims to create a more sustainable future through innovative material solutions.

Cruz Foam

Grant in 2020
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the issue of plastic pollution by providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into biodegradable packaging materials. Cruz Foam's products are used across various industries, including consumer packaging, electronics, automotive, and shipping, offering scalable and compostable solutions that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. By focusing on sustainability, Cruz Foam aims to empower industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Phoenix Tailings

Grant in 2019
Phoenix Tailings Inc. is a Massachusetts-based company that focuses on the recycling and re-mining of mining tailings and hazardous by-products, such as Bauxite Residue, to produce essential metal products. Founded in 2019, the company aims to extract strategic materials critical to various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, biotechnology, and electronics. By treating mining and refining waste as new ore, Phoenix Tailings provides an innovative solution to eliminate hazardous environmental waste while creating primary metals sustainably and economically. This approach not only addresses the demand for metals in multiple sectors but also promotes environmentally friendly practices by offering carbon-free alternatives.

Infinite Cooling

Grant in 2019
Infinite Cooling Inc. specializes in water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company focuses on mitigating water scarcity by employing innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water evaporating from cooling towers. This approach allows power plants, data centers, and factories to significantly reduce water consumption and treatment costs, thereby promoting more sustainable operations. Through its efforts in wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling aims to address environmental challenges related to water waste in industrial processes.

Nth Cycle

Grant in 2019
Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company that focuses on recovering critical minerals through innovative electro-extraction methods. It collaborates with battery recyclers and mining operations to extract production-grade minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings, offering a cleaner and more customizable alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. By utilizing its advanced recycling technology, Nth Cycle aims to reduce reliance on primary mining, thereby creating a sustainable secondary source of rare earth metals in the United States. This approach supports the manufacturing and recycling industries while contributing to advancements in clean energy.

Vartega

Grant in 2019
Vartega Inc. specializes in recycling carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and lightweight properties, primarily serving the aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and sporting goods sectors. Founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado, Vartega has developed a patented recycling process that produces low-cost carbon fiber suitable for various applications, including thermoplastic pellets, nonwoven fabrics, yarns, and three-dimensional printing filament. The company’s technology effectively diverts carbon fiber scrap and waste from landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing fuel economy in vehicles. Vartega's carbon fiber is available in multiple forms, including semi-continuous, chopped, and milled, making it adaptable for mass-market use.

ZwitterCo

Grant in 2019
ZwitterCo specializes in advanced membrane solutions for the treatment of highly impaired wastewater, focusing on the development of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technologies. These innovations enable the effective reuse and recycling of water resources by addressing challenges such as fouling and chemical demands. ZwitterCo's membranes are designed to treat historically unfilterable streams, allowing customers to transform waste into a valuable resource. With features such as chlorine tolerance and resistance to irreversible fouling, the company's technology supports steady performance and durability, making wastewater treatment economically viable for industrial applications.

Beyond The Dome

Grant in 2019
Beyond The Dome specializes in the destruction of organic compounds, focusing on challenging materials such as PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The company has developed small, efficient systems that offer significant throughput for waste management. Their supercritical water oxidation technology effectively processes biosolids, sludge, and various organic wastes, presenting an environmentally friendly solution for managing hazardous and chemically contaminated materials. Beyond The Dome aims to contribute to cleaner water and improved waste management practices through its innovative approach.

ReJoule

Grant in 2019
ReJoule is focused on addressing the challenges associated with battery health information, which often leads to significant waste, especially at the end of a battery's life. The company has developed a battery diagnostic platform that significantly reduces testing time from hours to minutes, allowing for quick and accurate assessments of batteries for second-life applications. By testing batteries in-vehicle during their initial use, ReJoule enables equipment manufacturers to extend the useful life of batteries, facilitating their repurposing to store energy multiple times. This approach promotes sustainability and contributes to a circular economy by minimizing battery waste and lowering costs for manufacturers.

TG Companies

Grant in 2018
TG Companies is a solar technology company that specializes in the long-term deployment of solar energy. The company's technologies help to sustain the solar industry by offering recycling services and equipment for used solar cells and modules.

Ambercycle

Grant in 2018
Ambercycle is a material science company focused on transforming textile waste into new materials for brands and producers. It creates a centralized ecosystem for the recycling of used textiles, including complex fabrics and worn-out garments. Utilizing a molecular regeneration technique, Ambercycle isolates components from intricate textiles to produce raw materials, addressing the challenges associated with recycling such materials. The company's innovative chemical recycling technology converts end-of-life textiles into polymer powder, making the recycling process more cost-effective. This enables apparel businesses to manufacture clothing from renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. Through its efforts, Ambercycle facilitates the integration of recycled materials back into supply chains for both regional and international players.

Li Industries

Grant in 2018
Li Industries is a start-up dedicated to advancing lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. The company focuses on reclaiming materials from end-of-life batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and various energy storage systems. By utilizing direct recycling technology, Li Industries specializes in recovering valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for battery production. Their innovative electrochemical flow system allows for non-destructive lithiation and optimizes the post-treatment of recovered materials, enhancing the efficiency of the recycling process. Through its efforts, Li Industries aims to minimize environmental waste, lower emissions, and reduce the costs associated with lithium-ion battery manufacturing, thereby promoting a more sustainable supply chain for battery materials.

Mobius

Grant in 2018
Mobius specializes in transforming industrial organic waste streams into environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The company focuses on utilizing waste generated by the agriculture, forestry, paper, and biofuel industries to develop sustainable solutions. Its flagship product is a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from lignin, a natural byproduct produced in large quantities by the paper and biofuel sectors. This biopolymer is designed to replace conventional plastics, offering biodegradable plastic pellets suitable for various applications, including horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging. By promoting the concept of eliminating waste, Mobius aims to create a more sustainable future through innovative material solutions.

Anactisis

Grant in 2017
Anactisis focuses on researching, developing, and implementing technologies for the cost-effective treatment of industrial waste, specifically through the recovery of valuable materials using selective adsorbents. The company specializes in the transformation of industrial waste into scandium, a key element that plays a critical role in the advancement of next-generation technologies across various sectors, including energy, transportation, defense, and space. By providing innovative solutions for the management of large volumes of challenging industrial waste, Anactisis enables its clients to achieve both economic and environmental benefits.

Corumat

Grant in 2017
Corumat is a materials science company dedicated to addressing plastic waste and combating climate change. The company specializes in micro-engineering bioplastics to create lightweight, strong, and cost-effective products. Utilizing a patented process, Corumat develops innovative thermoplastic structures that provide insulation and cushioning while remaining recyclable. Its biopolymer-based packaging products are designed to be lightweight, grease-proof, and food-grade, offering sustainable alternatives for various applications, including food containers. By focusing on the development of starch-based plastics, Corumat aims to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of eco-friendly materials across industries.

Ascend Elements

Grant in 2017
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.

Ambercycle

Grant in 2017
Ambercycle is a material science company focused on transforming textile waste into new materials for brands and producers. It creates a centralized ecosystem for the recycling of used textiles, including complex fabrics and worn-out garments. Utilizing a molecular regeneration technique, Ambercycle isolates components from intricate textiles to produce raw materials, addressing the challenges associated with recycling such materials. The company's innovative chemical recycling technology converts end-of-life textiles into polymer powder, making the recycling process more cost-effective. This enables apparel businesses to manufacture clothing from renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. Through its efforts, Ambercycle facilitates the integration of recycled materials back into supply chains for both regional and international players.

TG Companies

Grant in 2017
TG Companies is a solar technology company that specializes in the long-term deployment of solar energy. The company's technologies help to sustain the solar industry by offering recycling services and equipment for used solar cells and modules.

Infinium Metals

Grant in 2016
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.

REEcycle

Grant in 2016
REEcycle specializes in recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste, focusing on recovering valuable materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium. By extracting these elements from discarded Neodymium iron boron magnets, the company contributes to creating a sustainable and domestic supply of resources essential for the production of advanced technologies, which include electric vehicles, smartphones, medical imaging devices, and defense systems. REEcycle's services help mitigate supply uncertainties faced by industries that rely on rare earth elements, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Mallinda

Grant in 2016
Mallinda LLC, based in Aurora, Colorado, specializes in the development and supply of advanced composite materials. The company has created Pliashell, a platform technology that features intrinsically recyclable and malleable self-healing polymers. These advanced thermoset prepreg laminates allow for the production of lightweight, strong, and remoldable composite materials, significantly enhancing manufacturing efficiency. Pliashell composites can be molded at relatively low temperatures and eliminate the need for a curing step, resulting in reduced manufacturing cycle times. This innovative approach not only streamlines production processes but also supports the circular economy, enabling clients in the automotive and aerospace industries to lower vehicle weight and improve efficiency. Overall, Mallinda is poised to transform product development across various market segments.

Connora Technologies

Grant in 2016
Connora Technologies, Inc. is a chemistry company based in Hayward, California, specializing in the design and manufacturing of recyclable thermoset resin systems for fiber-reinforced composites. Founded in 2011, the company offers innovative products, including Recyclamine® hardeners, which enable the creation of recyclable composites, removable coatings, and adhesives. Connora's solutions promote a circular economy by facilitating the easy removal of components from composite structures, thereby reducing waste and landfill costs. The company serves major manufacturers across various industries, including transportation, sports and recreation, wind energy, and civil infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and direct collaboration with clients, Connora aims to meet stringent manufacturing and design requirements while supporting a sustainable future in the fiber-reinforced plastics sector.

Corumat

Grant in 2016
Corumat is a materials science company dedicated to addressing plastic waste and combating climate change. The company specializes in micro-engineering bioplastics to create lightweight, strong, and cost-effective products. Utilizing a patented process, Corumat develops innovative thermoplastic structures that provide insulation and cushioning while remaining recyclable. Its biopolymer-based packaging products are designed to be lightweight, grease-proof, and food-grade, offering sustainable alternatives for various applications, including food containers. By focusing on the development of starch-based plastics, Corumat aims to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of eco-friendly materials across industries.

REEcycle

Grant in 2016
REEcycle specializes in recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste, focusing on recovering valuable materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium. By extracting these elements from discarded Neodymium iron boron magnets, the company contributes to creating a sustainable and domestic supply of resources essential for the production of advanced technologies, which include electric vehicles, smartphones, medical imaging devices, and defense systems. REEcycle's services help mitigate supply uncertainties faced by industries that rely on rare earth elements, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

AMP

Grant in 2016
AMP Robotics Corporation specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic systems for material recovery facilities and recycling operations, focusing on automating the identification, sorting, and processing of complex waste streams. The company's flagship product, AMP Cortex, utilizes advanced robotics and computer vision technology to efficiently pick and sort recyclable materials, significantly lowering sorting costs. Additionally, AMP Neuron, a software solution, captures and analyzes material data to identify features in a manner similar to human perception. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, AMP Robotics enhances recycling processes for various waste types, including municipal solid waste and e-waste. The modular design of its systems allows for easy integration into existing infrastructure, minimizing disruption and capital investment. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, AMP Robotics has formed strategic partnerships to further its mission of improving recycling rates and economic recovery of recyclables.

Water Planet

Grant in 2015
Water Planet is a Los Angeles-based company that specializes in water treatment solutions aimed at addressing significant challenges in water reuse. The organization is committed to advancing global water sustainability by facilitating the commercialization and market adoption of innovative water technologies. Water Planet assists various sectors, including industrial, municipal, and agricultural clients, in managing their water treatment needs effectively. Through its efforts, the company plays a crucial role in conserving freshwater resources and promoting sustainable practices in water management.

Minnepura Technologies

Grant in 2015
Minnepura Technologies offers a revolutionary process for removing pollutants and other impurities from water and other waste streams. The company is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and specializes in biotechnology.

CleanFiber

Grant in 2015
CleanFiber, LLC specializes in producing high-performance cellulose insulation materials made from recycled corrugated cardboard for residential and commercial construction. Founded in 2013 and based in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, CleanFiber transitioned from its previous name, UltraCell Insulation, in September 2018. The company focuses on providing sustainable, carbon-negative insulation solutions that can be applied in attics, walls, and floors, catering to both new construction and retrofit projects. CleanFiber's products not only enhance fire resistance in buildings but also offer a cost-competitive alternative for construction companies, supporting environmentally friendly building practices. The company is currently expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Ascend Elements

Grant in 2015
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.

Mallinda

Grant in 2015
Mallinda LLC, based in Aurora, Colorado, specializes in the development and supply of advanced composite materials. The company has created Pliashell, a platform technology that features intrinsically recyclable and malleable self-healing polymers. These advanced thermoset prepreg laminates allow for the production of lightweight, strong, and remoldable composite materials, significantly enhancing manufacturing efficiency. Pliashell composites can be molded at relatively low temperatures and eliminate the need for a curing step, resulting in reduced manufacturing cycle times. This innovative approach not only streamlines production processes but also supports the circular economy, enabling clients in the automotive and aerospace industries to lower vehicle weight and improve efficiency. Overall, Mallinda is poised to transform product development across various market segments.

Blue Planet Ink

Grant in 2015
Blue Planet Ink is a manufacturer of innovative printer ink, specializing in self-erasing inkjet ink designed to enhance paper reusability. The company focuses on research and development, production, and sales of its unique ink, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, causing the ink to become colorless. This technology allows consumers to recycle and reuse the same paper multiple times, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. By offering a practical solution for paper conservation, Blue Planet Ink aims to transform the printing industry and support environmentally friendly practices.

Connora Technologies

Grant in 2015
Connora Technologies, Inc. is a chemistry company based in Hayward, California, specializing in the design and manufacturing of recyclable thermoset resin systems for fiber-reinforced composites. Founded in 2011, the company offers innovative products, including Recyclamine® hardeners, which enable the creation of recyclable composites, removable coatings, and adhesives. Connora's solutions promote a circular economy by facilitating the easy removal of components from composite structures, thereby reducing waste and landfill costs. The company serves major manufacturers across various industries, including transportation, sports and recreation, wind energy, and civil infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and direct collaboration with clients, Connora aims to meet stringent manufacturing and design requirements while supporting a sustainable future in the fiber-reinforced plastics sector.

OnTo Technology

Grant in 2014
OnTo develops and patents advanced battery recycling innovations that yield high-quality electrode materials made from recycled batteries. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Bend, Oregon.

AMP

Grant in 2014
AMP Robotics Corporation specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic systems for material recovery facilities and recycling operations, focusing on automating the identification, sorting, and processing of complex waste streams. The company's flagship product, AMP Cortex, utilizes advanced robotics and computer vision technology to efficiently pick and sort recyclable materials, significantly lowering sorting costs. Additionally, AMP Neuron, a software solution, captures and analyzes material data to identify features in a manner similar to human perception. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, AMP Robotics enhances recycling processes for various waste types, including municipal solid waste and e-waste. The modular design of its systems allows for easy integration into existing infrastructure, minimizing disruption and capital investment. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, AMP Robotics has formed strategic partnerships to further its mission of improving recycling rates and economic recovery of recyclables.

Watershed Materials

Grant in 2014
Watershed Materials develops technology to produce masonry with less cement using recycled materials.

Green SulfCrete

Grant in 2013
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.

Watershed Materials

Grant in 2013
Watershed Materials develops technology to produce masonry with less cement using recycled materials.

Infinium Metals

Grant in 2013
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.

EnSolve Biosystems

Grant in 2012
EnSolve Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, that focuses on developing and manufacturing solutions for filtering and cleaning maritime and industrial waste. The company's product lineup includes PetroLiminator, which effectively separates oil from water, and GF 2010, a liquid detergent designed to dissolve and biologically consume grease and oils. Additionally, EnSolve offers EnCell, which eliminates organic wastes from water, and EnFlow, a technology that employs catalytic and biotechnological processes for air filtration. The company was founded in 1995 and is committed to providing innovative solutions for environmental cleanup and waste management.

Ecovative Design

Grant in 2012
Ecovative Design LLC, established in 2007, is a biomaterials company based in Green Island, New York, with manufacturing facilities in Troy and Paradise, California. The company specializes in developing and producing sustainable materials derived from mushroom roots, known as mycelium. Ecovative's product portfolio includes Myco board, used for furniture components and work surfaces; Myco foam, employed in packaging, insulation, and acoustics; and Myco make, used in toys and other consumer goods. The company's innovative process, inspired by the natural bonding of wood chips by mycelium, aims to replace conventional plastics and foams with eco-friendly alternatives. Ecovative's products perform comparably to existing synthetics while offering a lower environmental impact. The company has received numerous awards and grants, including support from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Environmental Protection Agency, enabling its growth and continued innovation in sustainable materials.

Cerahelix

Seed Round in 2012
Cerahelix, Inc. is a company based in Orono, Maine, that specializes in the design and manufacture of ceramic membrane filters for a variety of applications, including water purification, resource recycling, and biomass processing. Founded in 2011, Cerahelix develops bio-derived products utilizing patented DNA template technology to create sub-nanometer pores in ceramic membranes. This innovative approach allows for the effective filtration of minute particles, enabling the separation of salts, metal ions, and other impurities at the molecular level. The company offers a range of products, including single-channel elements for laboratory and small pilot studies, multi-channel elements for commercial applications, and filter element housings. Additionally, Cerahelix provides laboratory test systems for research and development purposes. Its products serve multiple industries, including food and beverage, mining, pharmaceuticals, and waste-to-energy.

ecoATM

Grant in 2012
ecoATM, LLC specializes in the recycling of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and MP3 players, through a network of automated kiosks located throughout the United States. Founded in 2008 and based in San Diego, California, ecoATM simplifies the process of selling unwanted electronics by offering consumers cash on the spot for their devices. The kiosks evaluate the worth of these used items, transforming them into valuable materials such as copper, silver, gold, or palladium. In 2015, ecoATM expanded its services by acquiring Gazelle, enhancing the customer experience with both online and kiosk options for trading in pre-owned electronics. Positioned in high-traffic areas like malls and grocery stores, ecoATM kiosks provide a convenient, safe, and efficient means for consumers to engage in responsible recycling while receiving immediate compensation for their used devices. Additionally, Gazelle.com offers certified pre-owned devices, providing consumers with quality options at competitive prices.
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