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 by minimizing nutrient discharge into waterways but also promotes a circular economy by recycling valuable resources. Brightwater Tools' system comprises three proprietary pieces of equipment, each facilitating key wastewater processes and available for individual or combined sale. The company aims to become a significant equipment provider in this industry, with a strong customer base expected as it completes prototype and beta testing.
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 by minimizing nutrient discharge into waterways but also promotes a circular economy by recycling valuable resources. Brightwater Tools' system comprises three proprietary pieces of equipment, each facilitating key wastewater processes and available for individual or combined sale. The company aims to become a significant equipment provider in this industry, with a strong customer base expected as it completes prototype and beta testing.
Rich Earth Institute
Grant in 2022
Rich Earth Institute, founded in 2012 and based in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on advancing the utilization of human waste as a valuable resource through research, education, and technological development. The organization specializes in the design and manufacture of portable toilets that collect urine, facilitating a clean and sustainable approach to waste management. Its innovative platform enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine within community-scale recycling programs. This process not only promotes environmental sanitation but also encourages communities to repurpose human waste for agricultural applications, thus contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Sunchem specializes in the development of environmentally sustainable nano filters designed for waste and wastewater management. The company's innovative technology focuses on the selective capture of metals from complex water mixtures, offering a superior alternative to existing separation methods. Targeting high-value markets such as water purification, energy, and critical metal extraction, Sunchem's solutions enable industries to enhance water quality in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. Additionally, these filters allow clients to derive value from their waste streams, thereby promoting both economic and environmental benefits.
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.
MFNS specializes in consulting services aimed at the removal of oil and other contaminants from industrial processes and wastewater. The company has developed advanced nanostructured coatings and multifunctional materials, such as an oleophilic and hydrophobic sponge designed to effectively attract oil while repelling water. This innovative sponge can be recycled after its active properties are exhausted, providing a sustainable solution for businesses and communities to address water pollution. Additionally, MFNS offers joint development opportunities for the custom production of its OHM membrane or OHM sponge, tailored to meet specific industry requirements. Through these efforts, MFNS plays a crucial role in minimizing contamination from industrial runoff and enhancing water quality.
Birch Biosciences
Grant in 2022
Birch Biosciences is a company focused on revolutionizing plastic recycling through its proprietary platform that engineers enzymes for efficient plastic breakdown. By utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening techniques, Birch Biosciences develops a sustainable and cost-effective process that produces virgin-quality recycled materials. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of plastic recycling but also supports the creation of a circular plastics economy by offering environmentally sustainable solutions.
Phaxtec specializes in developing and supplying eco-friendly material solutions, primarily focusing on the foodservice packaging, agriculture, and personal care sectors. The company's key product is polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers, which are not only recyclable but also biodegradable in various environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine settings. This makes Phaxtec's offerings an attractive alternative for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact and transition towards more sustainable practices.
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 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.
Beyond The Dome
Grant in 2021
Beyond The Dome specializes in the destruction of organic compounds through advanced waste management technologies. The company develops supercritical water oxidation systems designed to effectively eliminate hard-to-degrade materials, including PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other hazardous wet wastes. Their innovative solutions offer high throughput in compact, turnkey systems, contributing to cleaner water and improved environmental outcomes. By focusing on optimizing waste management processes, Beyond The Dome aims to provide a climate-friendly approach to managing chemically contaminated waste, addressing critical challenges in public health and environmental sustainability.
Phoenix Waste Solutions
Grant in 2021
Phoenix Waste Solutions, established in 2019 and based in Chauvin, Louisiana, specializes in developing innovative technology for waste disposal machines. Their patented ion generator suppresses pollution at a molecular level without requiring external fuel sources, offering pollution-free and fuel-free solutions. This technology enables decentralized waste management systems, reducing costs and carbon footprint for waste management industries.
Cruz Foam
Seed Round in 2021
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a Santa Cruz, California-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in manufacturing structural foams from chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells. The company addresses the global plastic pollution crisis by providing bio-benign foam solutions that serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based foams. Cruz Foam's products are designed for a variety of applications, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and business-to-business packaging. By utilizing naturally sourced biopolymers, the company creates scalable and compostable materials that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. Cruz Foam collaborates with key industry leaders across various sectors, including consumer electronics, appliances, shipping, and consumer packaged goods, to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Margik is an organic electronic device manufacturing company focused on the research and development of innovative lighting technology. The company specializes in creating thin and customizable printed lighting solutions, including fully recyclable organic light stickers and business cards. These products are designed to enhance brand visibility while promoting sustainability, as they offer elevated thermal, chemical, and electronic stability. Margik's commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions from consumer use positions it as a leader in the development of sustainable consumer electronics.
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a Santa Cruz, California-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in manufacturing structural foams from chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells. The company addresses the global plastic pollution crisis by providing bio-benign foam solutions that serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based foams. Cruz Foam's products are designed for a variety of applications, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and business-to-business packaging. By utilizing naturally sourced biopolymers, the company creates scalable and compostable materials that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. Cruz Foam collaborates with key industry leaders across various sectors, including consumer electronics, appliances, shipping, and consumer packaged goods, to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Paramount Planet Product
Grant in 2020
Paramount Planet Product is an Orono-based startup focused on addressing ocean pollution through the development of environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The company specializes in manufacturing low-cost, compostable plant-based single-use packaging that mimics plastic in appearance but is designed to be safe for marine environments if discarded. By utilizing ocean compostable materials, Paramount Planet Product aims to enhance the performance of its packaging while minimizing environmental impact. The company is dedicated to improving ocean safety through rigorous testing and innovation, allowing customers to adopt packaging solutions that align with sustainable practices.
ReJoule is a company focused on transforming battery management by providing a diagnostic platform that significantly reduces battery testing time from hours to minutes. Recognizing the critical issue of battery health information and its impact on waste, particularly at the end of a battery's life, ReJoule aims to facilitate the repurposing of batteries. Their innovative system tests batteries for second-life applications and offers next-generation testing capabilities for in-vehicle assessments during the battery's first life. By enabling equipment manufacturers to understand battery health better, ReJoule contributes to reducing battery waste and promotes a sustainable, circular economy.
Infinite Cooling
Grant in 2020
Infinite Cooling Inc. is a renewable and environmental technology company that specializes in water recovery systems for industrial-scale facilities, particularly power plants. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company has developed an innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water that evaporates from cooling towers. This advanced method not only mitigates water scarcity but also significantly reduces water consumption and treatment costs for its clients. By focusing on wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling addresses critical environmental challenges while promoting sustainable practices in industries such as power generation and manufacturing.
Conox is a research and development company based in Spring, Texas, specializing in the manufacturing of alkaline glass products derived from waste resources. The company focuses on producing glass from recycled waste concrete, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions during the production process by requiring less added sulfate. Conox's innovative glass products have multiple applications, including beverage containers, bottles, and building materials such as fiberglass insulation and mineral wool. Through its sustainable approach, Conox aims to lower the carbon footprint of the glass industry and contribute to a more environmentally friendly value chain.
Rich Earth Institute
Grant in 2020
Rich Earth Institute, founded in 2012 and based in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on advancing the utilization of human waste as a valuable resource through research, education, and technological development. The organization specializes in the design and manufacture of portable toilets that collect urine, facilitating a clean and sustainable approach to waste management. Its innovative platform enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine within community-scale recycling programs. This process not only promotes environmental sanitation but also encourages communities to repurpose human waste for agricultural applications, thus contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Li Industries
Grant in 2020
Li Industries is a start-up focused on advancing lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. The company specializes in the recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and other energy storage systems. By utilizing innovative direct recycling technology and a scalable electrochemical flow system, Li Industries aims to extract these essential metals efficiently and sustainably. This process not only reduces environmental waste but also supports the production of new batteries from recycled components. By optimizing the recovery and treatment of these materials, Li Industries contributes to lowering energy consumption and emissions in the battery production process, ultimately fostering a more sustainable supply chain for battery manufacturing.
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 by minimizing nutrient discharge into waterways but also promotes a circular economy by recycling valuable resources. Brightwater Tools' system comprises three proprietary pieces of equipment, each facilitating key wastewater processes and available for individual or combined sale. The company aims to become a significant equipment provider in this industry, with a strong customer base expected as it completes prototype and beta testing.
Mobius is a company dedicated to providing environmental solutions that transform waste streams into valuable chemicals and materials. Focused on reducing waste, Mobius leverages industrial organic waste generated from agriculture, forestry, and the paper and biofuel industries. Its flagship product is a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from lignin, a natural substance produced in large quantities as a byproduct of these industries. This biopolymer is engineered into bio-based, biodegradable plastic pellets suitable for various applications, including horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging. By innovating around waste, Mobius aims to create sustainable alternatives that benefit both industries and the environment.
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a Santa Cruz, California-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in manufacturing structural foams from chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells. The company addresses the global plastic pollution crisis by providing bio-benign foam solutions that serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based foams. Cruz Foam's products are designed for a variety of applications, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and business-to-business packaging. By utilizing naturally sourced biopolymers, the company creates scalable and compostable materials that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. Cruz Foam collaborates with key industry leaders across various sectors, including consumer electronics, appliances, shipping, and consumer packaged goods, to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Phoenix Tailings
Grant in 2019
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.
Infinite Cooling
Grant in 2019
Infinite Cooling Inc. is a renewable and environmental technology company that specializes in water recovery systems for industrial-scale facilities, particularly power plants. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company has developed an innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water that evaporates from cooling towers. This advanced method not only mitigates water scarcity but also significantly reduces water consumption and treatment costs for its clients. By focusing on wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling addresses critical environmental challenges while promoting sustainable practices in industries such as power generation and manufacturing.
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.
Vartega Inc. is a technology development firm based in Golden, Colorado, that specializes in the recycling of carbon fiber, a strong and lightweight material used across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and sporting goods. Founded in 2014, Vartega employs a patented recycling process to transform carbon fiber scrap and waste into low-cost, high-quality products suitable for mass-market applications. The company’s offerings include semi-continuous, chopped, and milled carbon fiber, which can be utilized in thermoplastics, nonwoven fabrics, and molding compounds. By diverting carbon fiber waste from landfills, Vartega aims to enhance the sustainability of these industries, contributing to improved fuel economy and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Beyond The Dome
Grant in 2019
Beyond The Dome specializes in the destruction of organic compounds through advanced waste management technologies. The company develops supercritical water oxidation systems designed to effectively eliminate hard-to-degrade materials, including PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other hazardous wet wastes. Their innovative solutions offer high throughput in compact, turnkey systems, contributing to cleaner water and improved environmental outcomes. By focusing on optimizing waste management processes, Beyond The Dome aims to provide a climate-friendly approach to managing chemically contaminated waste, addressing critical challenges in public health and environmental sustainability.
ReJoule is a company focused on transforming battery management by providing a diagnostic platform that significantly reduces battery testing time from hours to minutes. Recognizing the critical issue of battery health information and its impact on waste, particularly at the end of a battery's life, ReJoule aims to facilitate the repurposing of batteries. Their innovative system tests batteries for second-life applications and offers next-generation testing capabilities for in-vehicle assessments during the battery's first life. By enabling equipment manufacturers to understand battery health better, ReJoule contributes to reducing battery waste and promotes a sustainable, circular economy.
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 is a material science company focused on transforming textile waste into new materials for brands and producers. By creating a centralized ecosystem for used textiles, Ambercycle addresses the challenges of recycling complex fabrics. The company employs a molecular regeneration technique to isolate components from intricate textiles, producing raw materials from streams that are often difficult to recycle. This innovative chemical recycling technology converts end-of-life textiles into polymer powder, facilitating the creation of new yarns. By enabling apparel businesses to utilize renewable feedstocks, Ambercycle not only reduces waste but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Li Industries
Grant in 2018
Li Industries is a start-up focused on advancing lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. The company specializes in the recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and other energy storage systems. By utilizing innovative direct recycling technology and a scalable electrochemical flow system, Li Industries aims to extract these essential metals efficiently and sustainably. This process not only reduces environmental waste but also supports the production of new batteries from recycled components. By optimizing the recovery and treatment of these materials, Li Industries contributes to lowering energy consumption and emissions in the battery production process, ultimately fostering a more sustainable supply chain for battery manufacturing.
Mobius is a company dedicated to providing environmental solutions that transform waste streams into valuable chemicals and materials. Focused on reducing waste, Mobius leverages industrial organic waste generated from agriculture, forestry, and the paper and biofuel industries. Its flagship product is a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from lignin, a natural substance produced in large quantities as a byproduct of these industries. This biopolymer is engineered into bio-based, biodegradable plastic pellets suitable for various applications, including horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging. By innovating around waste, Mobius aims to create sustainable alternatives that benefit both industries and the environment.
Anactisis specializes in the research, development, and deployment of innovative technologies aimed at the cost-effective treatment of industrial waste. The company focuses on recovering valuable materials through the use of highly selective adsorbents, particularly targeting the transformation of industrial waste into scandium. This critical element plays a pivotal role in advancing next-generation technologies across various sectors, including energy, transportation, defense, and space. By providing solutions that facilitate the efficient management of large volumes of challenging industrial waste, Anactisis aims to contribute significantly to sustainable practices and resource recovery.
Corumat is a materials science company dedicated to eliminating plastic waste and addressing climate change through innovative solutions. The company specializes in the micro-engineering of bioplastics, creating lightweight, strong, and cost-effective products. Utilizing a patent-pending process, Corumat develops a unique insulating structure in thermoplastics, which enhances the properties of its bio-plastic offerings. These products are designed to be recyclable and are composed of bio-polymers that provide insulation and cushioning benefits. Corumat's focus on biopolymer-based packaging includes lightweight, grease-proof, and food-grade solutions aimed at reducing environmental waste and promoting the use of sustainable alternatives in food containers.
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.
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 is a material science company focused on transforming textile waste into new materials for brands and producers. By creating a centralized ecosystem for used textiles, Ambercycle addresses the challenges of recycling complex fabrics. The company employs a molecular regeneration technique to isolate components from intricate textiles, producing raw materials from streams that are often difficult to recycle. This innovative chemical recycling technology converts end-of-life textiles into polymer powder, facilitating the creation of new yarns. By enabling apparel businesses to utilize renewable feedstocks, Ambercycle not only reduces waste but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
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.
Amriton is a water treatment technology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in developing innovative solutions to remove harmful pollutants from water, utilizing a unique method that incorporates polymer-coated sand to effectively eliminate organic contaminants. Amriton's focus is on creating efficient water treatment processes that facilitate the recycling and reuse of water, thereby promoting sustainability. By providing clients with novel, low-cost, reusable filters, Amriton aims to enhance water purification efforts and contribute to environmental improvement.
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 is a company focused on recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste to establish a sustainable domestic supply of these critical resources. By recovering valuable materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium from discarded Neodymium iron boron magnets, REEcycle aims to mitigate supply uncertainties faced by industries that depend on rare earth elements. The company’s recycling services support the production of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, smartphones, medical imaging devices, and defense systems. Through its efforts, REEcycle contributes to both environmental sustainability and the stability of the supply chain for essential materials.
Connora Technologies
Grant in 2016
Connora Technologies, Inc. is a chemistry company based in Hayward, California, that specializes in the design and manufacture of recyclable thermoset resin systems for fiber-reinforced composites. Founded in 2011, the company offers innovative products, including Recyclamine® hardeners, which are used in applications such as recyclable composites, removable coatings, and adhesives. Connora Technologies serves large manufacturers across various sectors, including transportation, sports, wind energy, and civil infrastructure. Its products enable the development of sustainable materials by allowing for the easy removal and recycling of composite components, thereby reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in manufacturing. Through strategic partnerships and direct collaboration with customers, Connora ensures that its epoxy solutions meet stringent manufacturing and product design requirements, positioning its clients as leaders in the environmentally conscious fiber-reinforced plastics industry.
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.
Corumat is a materials science company dedicated to eliminating plastic waste and addressing climate change through innovative solutions. The company specializes in the micro-engineering of bioplastics, creating lightweight, strong, and cost-effective products. Utilizing a patent-pending process, Corumat develops a unique insulating structure in thermoplastics, which enhances the properties of its bio-plastic offerings. These products are designed to be recyclable and are composed of bio-polymers that provide insulation and cushioning benefits. Corumat's focus on biopolymer-based packaging includes lightweight, grease-proof, and food-grade solutions aimed at reducing environmental waste and promoting the use of sustainable alternatives in food containers.
REEcycle is a company focused on recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste to establish a sustainable domestic supply of these critical resources. By recovering valuable materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium from discarded Neodymium iron boron magnets, REEcycle aims to mitigate supply uncertainties faced by industries that depend on rare earth elements. The company’s recycling services support the production of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, smartphones, medical imaging devices, and defense systems. Through its efforts, REEcycle contributes to both environmental sustainability and the stability of the supply chain for essential materials.
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.
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, 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.
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.
Blue Planet Ink
Grant in 2015
Blue Planet Ink is a manufacturer focused on producing innovative printer inks, specifically self-erasing inkjet ink. The company's research and development efforts aim to create ink that allows paper to be reused multiple times, thereby reducing waste associated with traditional printing. By absorbing and reacting with carbon dioxide in the air, Blue Planet Ink's product becomes colorless, making it possible for consumers to recycle and repurpose the same paper. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also provides a practical solution for both individuals and businesses looking to minimize their environmental impact.
Connora Technologies
Grant in 2015
Connora Technologies, Inc. is a chemistry company based in Hayward, California, that specializes in the design and manufacture of recyclable thermoset resin systems for fiber-reinforced composites. Founded in 2011, the company offers innovative products, including Recyclamine® hardeners, which are used in applications such as recyclable composites, removable coatings, and adhesives. Connora Technologies serves large manufacturers across various sectors, including transportation, sports, wind energy, and civil infrastructure. Its products enable the development of sustainable materials by allowing for the easy removal and recycling of composite components, thereby reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in manufacturing. Through strategic partnerships and direct collaboration with customers, Connora ensures that its epoxy solutions meet stringent manufacturing and product design requirements, positioning its clients as leaders in the environmentally conscious fiber-reinforced plastics industry.
Amriton is a water treatment technology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in developing innovative solutions to remove harmful pollutants from water, utilizing a unique method that incorporates polymer-coated sand to effectively eliminate organic contaminants. Amriton's focus is on creating efficient water treatment processes that facilitate the recycling and reuse of water, thereby promoting sustainability. By providing clients with novel, low-cost, reusable filters, Amriton aims to enhance water purification efforts and contribute to environmental improvement.
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 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.
Silicon Solar Solutions
Grant in 2012
Silicon Solar Solutions is an Arkansas-based startup focused on addressing the high material costs in the solar industry, which hinder market adoption. The company specializes in developing silicon-based solar cells using a patented large grain polysilicon technology. This innovation aims to reduce material usage while increasing power generation efficiency, applicable to both wafer-based and thin-film devices. Their approach emphasizes the use of abundant, non-toxic materials that are environmentally friendly and easily recyclable, offering a cost-effective solution for manufacturing solar cells and thin-film modules.
Cerahelix
Seed Round in 2012
Cerahelix, Inc. is a manufacturer of ceramic membrane filters designed for high-quality water purification and resource recycling. Established in 2011 and based in Orono, Maine, the company specializes in bio-derived products that utilize patented DNA template technology to create sub-nanometer pores in ceramic membranes. This innovative design enables the filtration of minute particles, allowing water purification agencies to effectively separate salts, metal ions, and other impurities at the molecular level. Cerahelix offers a range of filtration products, including single-channel elements for laboratory and pilot-scale studies, as well as multi-channel elements for commercial applications. Additionally, the company provides filter element housings and laboratory test systems to support small-scale research and development. Its products serve various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, and waste-to-energy.
ecoATM, LLC specializes in the recycling of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, and tablets, through a network of automated kiosks located across the United States. Founded in 2008 and based in San Diego, California, the company allows consumers to conveniently sell their unwanted devices for cash on the spot. The kiosks evaluate the worth of these used electronics, facilitating a quick and secure transaction process. In 2015, ecoATM expanded its services by acquiring Gazelle, enhancing its offerings to include both in-person kiosk transactions and online sales options through Gazelle.com. Consumers can trade in their devices for immediate cash and access certified pre-owned electronics at competitive prices. Through its commitment to convenience and sustainability, ecoATM promotes smart consumption by providing a reliable platform for recycling and purchasing electronic devices.