Rubi Laboratories
Grant in 2024
Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.
Piersica is a battery technology company specializing in the development of safe, solid-state lithium-ion batteries. With proprietary technology, Piersica aims to double the energy density of conventional Li-ion batteries, primarily serving electric vehicle and utility markets.
FR8relay is an Arkansas-based technology company aiming to enhance trucking logistics through innovative routing solutions. It offers automated workflow management and online freight brokerage, connecting shippers with carriers while providing fleet management tools for small to medium-sized trucking companies.
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.
Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine
Grant in 2024
Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, established in 2024, is an accelerator based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Its primary mission is to foster economic growth and regional competitiveness by promoting inclusivity and diversity in the development of sustainable, climate-resilient technologies. The company focuses on investing in and supporting innovative tech startups that align with these goals.
Agrology is an agricultural technology company that provides real-time data and predictive insights to help growers measure and improve the ecological and agronomic effects of regenerative and sustainable farming practices. The company tracks soil health, microbial activity, carbon cycles, nitrous oxide emissions, net ecosystem exchange, and microclimatic conditions to help growers link regenerative practices to verified greenhouse gas reductions and ecological benefits, support soil carbon sequestration, and generate carbon credits. Its system is designed to help farmers resist and adapt to climate change while monitoring greenhouse gases and informing sustainable farming decisions.
WaiHome is a wastewater research and design company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2021. It specializes in onsite wastewater treatment technology, focusing on providing affordable solutions for individuals. The company employs natural systems to deliver compact and effective treatment options that safeguard the environment while remaining cost-efficient. WaiHome's offerings include home water treatment systems, such as cesspools and septic tanks, aimed at simplifying access to reliable wastewater treatment services for its customers.
Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions is a Raleigh-based company that provides sustainable weed-management solutions for organic and industrial agriculture. Harpe Bio's technologies deliver natural crop protection by utilizing a variety of plant extracts. The plant extracts serve as a platform that may be tailored to various weed management circumstances. Harpe's herbicide platform can be used alone or in conjunction with any currently marketed herbicide. Harpe's new modes and areas of action will improve synthetic herbicide efficacy, including the reduction of resistant weed populations.
Map Collective
Grant in 2023
Map Collective is a technology company specializing in AI-driven software solutions that enhance supply chain transparency and sustainability. The company offers a Software-as-a-Service platform that integrates advanced data analytics with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Its primary toolkits—TRACEABILITY, PROCUREMENT, and GHG EMISSIONS—are designed to assist businesses and governments in simplifying traceability and emissions mapping within their supply chains and regions. Additionally, Map Collective provides tools for biodiversity mapping, energy hub planning, and facilitating transitions to a circular economy. By enabling users to visualize the carbon impact on the environment, the company empowers organizations to make informed operational decisions and track sustainability metrics effectively.
Portland State University
Grant in 2023
Founded in 1946, Portland State University is a public research institution located in Oregon's largest city. It offers over 200 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs across various disciplines, including unique majors like Biomedical Informatics and Judaic Studies. Known for its commitment to sustainability, the university conducts extensive environmental research. With nearly 200 student organizations, Portland State fosters a vibrant campus life amidst the city's cultural attractions.
Aquagga specializes in developing and operating advanced technologies for the treatment and remediation of water pollutants, notably focusing on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). They employ their proprietary Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology to destroy PFAS effectively. Aquagga serves both government/municipal markets and industrial wastewater sectors, aiming to mitigate environmental health risks associated with these contaminants.
Cecilia is a startup addressing the global plastic waste crisis. It commercializes a modular microwave-based system that converts plastic waste into clean hydrogen and performance carbon, specifically carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This innovative process is highly energy-efficient and can achieve a carbon-neutral profile when powered by renewable electricity grids.
Transparent Path
Grant in 2023
Transparent Path develops IoT-based logistics visibility technologies for perishable goods to reduce waste, cost, and risk in supply chains. It provides software and hardware that enable real-time location and condition monitoring through the Visibility Platform, using sensors to track shipments and alert partners when intervention is needed. The portfolio includes FreshScore, a predictive freshness algorithm, ProofScore, a data-transparency scoring system, and ProofTracker, a biodegradable sensor device. These tools support end-to-end visibility, improve decision making, and help buyers and sellers route the best products while reducing spoilage, waste, and disputes. The company serves food, pharmaceuticals, blood and plasma, transplant organs, and high-value hard goods, and works with consortiums to facilitate data sharing among supply chain partners. Strategic collaborations include Intel, T-Mobile, Duke University, and ReFED. Transparent Path has participated in accelerators and secured grants and angel investment to scale growth and feature development. The aim is to cut waste and environmental impact by keeping perishables out of landfills and strengthening trust across the supply chain.
Sylvatex, Inc. develops and scales a cathode manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries to future-proof production, increasing flexibility in material composition, broadening the range of inputs, and aiming to lower costs, capital requirements, and the carbon footprint for electric vehicles and energy storage applications.
FR8relay is an Arkansas-based technology company aiming to enhance trucking logistics through innovative routing solutions. It offers automated workflow management and online freight brokerage, connecting shippers with carriers while providing fleet management tools for small to medium-sized trucking companies.
T-Omega Wind
Grant in 2022
T-Omega Wind is a pioneering developer of floating offshore wind turbines. Unlike traditional designs that fight against water movements, T-Omega's turbines are engineered to ride on top of waves, minimizing resistance and maximizing efficiency. Their innovative structure features a rotor held firmly on both sides, aligned with the wind direction, and can be towed for easy deployment, facilitating global clean energy expansion.
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.
Stoke Space is a company dedicated to developing a fully reusable medium-lift rocket known as Nova, which aims to provide cost-effective and sustainable access to space. The company focuses on creating rockets that deliver satellites in a manner that is low-cost, on-demand, and capable of daily flights. By emphasizing environmental stewardship, Stoke Space seeks to significantly reduce atmospheric impact and facilitate dynamic space operations. With its vertically integrated design and manufacturing capabilities, the company is positioned to accelerate the growth of the space economy while promoting sustainable practices in the aerospace industry.
Ecoclosure, founded in 2019 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in regenerable building enclosures suitable for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. The company focuses on developing technology that enhances indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption in buildings. Its innovative designs incorporate monitoring and automation features tailored to various building programs, climate zones, and orientations. By implementing these regenerable enclosures, Ecoclosure aims to create healthier indoor environments that prioritize occupant well-being and ensure revitalized air quality.
The Emerald Tutu
Grant in 2022
The Emerald Tutu is a company focused on developing floating landscape infrastructure aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. It designs and creates an interconnected system of fibrous floating mats that are infused with biomatter, which serve to absorb and transfer energy across the network. This innovative infrastructure is intended to reduce flooding onshore and protect coastal areas from extreme weather events, thereby enhancing the usability and safety of waterfront amenities. The Emerald Tutu's solutions address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development in vulnerable coastal regions.
Singularity Energy
Grant in 2022
Singularity Energy, Inc. is a technology company focused on developing a platform for real-time carbon tracking and energy optimization. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes artificial intelligence to integrate real-time carbon dioxide signals from the energy grid into its solutions. This enables corporate clients, including climate regulators and sustainability directors, to visualize and co-optimize their energy usage and carbon emissions effectively. Singularity Energy's innovative approach combines data analytics with carbon forecasting and optimization algorithms, allowing organizations to minimize their emissions while maximizing economic benefits. The company's mission is to support entities in achieving their sustainability goals with transparency and confidence.
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.
Maine Shellfish Developers
Grant in 2022
Maine Shellfish Developers is a sustainable aquaculture company specializing in the production of oysters. They offer oyster seedlings and mature oysters, along with other related seafood products.
Birch Biosciences
Grant in 2022
Birch Biosciences develops a proprietary platform that uses artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening techniques to engineer enzymes. These enzymes efficiently break down plastic in a recycling process, producing virgin-quality, sustainable, and cost-competitive recycled outputs. This enables a circular plastics economy.
Yard Stick develops a handheld device that measures soil carbon levels in real-time. This enables evidence-based regenerative farming practices, improving soil health, increasing farmer income, and combating climate change by sequestering carbon.
Arctura specializes in developing innovative wind energy solutions. It aims to enhance sustainability, affordability, and accessibility of energy through technological advancements.
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.
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.
Re-Synth International
Grant in 2022
Re-Synth International is a developer of advanced environmental technologies focused on enhancing fuel efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The company utilizes patented methods to eliminate contaminants from hydrocarbon fuels, significantly reducing the cost of clean fuel without generating harmful by-products or altering fuel viscosity. By improving the quality and efficiency of fuel, Re-Synth International enables users to lower their fuel consumption and overall carbon footprint, contributing to more sustainable energy 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.
PureBiomass specializes in sustainable algae cultivation systems, offering innovative solutions that include waste water remediation, live feeds for shellfish, and omega-3 production. The company has developed a photo-bioreactor system designed to optimize algae growth, featuring a metal support cage, a plastic bladder for culture volume, and a sterile harvest apparatus for efficient collection of pre-concentrated culture. This system incorporates pH and temperature control options, allowing production facilities to minimize water consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Through these services, PureBiomass aims to support sustainable fish production while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
LeapFrog Design
Grant in 2022
LeapFrog Design specializes in creating natural water treatment and reuse systems tailored for residential use. These systems focus on enhancing water conservation and improving living conditions by providing households with greater water security, flexibility, and abundance. The company's innovative approach involves treating and recycling greywater using plants and natural materials, thereby promoting sustainable practices that benefit both users and the environment.
KineticCore Solutions
Grant in 2022
Founded in Loveland, Colorado, KineticCore Solutions specializes in manufacturing innovative energy storage systems. Its flagship product is an all-composite structural battery designed for modular, utility-scale use, offering a safe and sustainable solution with no hazardous materials.
Eco-Shelter is a social enterprise founded in 2017 by Alexa Bednar, based in Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on providing safe and affordable roofing solutions for low-income households in India. It specializes in sustainable building materials, offering an eco-roof panel made from resin-coated bamboo mats. These panels are pressed and sealed to create a strong, lightweight, water-resistant, and flame-resistant roofing option. Through its innovative products, Eco-Shelter aims to improve living conditions for underprivileged communities by delivering accessible and environmentally friendly building solutions.
UNIGRID develops sustainable and affordable sodium-based batteries using abundant materials. They aim to put a battery into every home, the grid, and other distributed energy storage applications. They use dense Na-alloy and a non-flammable electrolyte, which led to high energy density and improved safety.
SkyNano is a science-based technology company dedicated to commercializing solutions that address carbon pollution. The firm develops innovative carbon materials that utilize carbon emissions as a feedstock for manufacturing functional materials. Leveraging proprietary electrochemistry, SkyNano offers a low-cost, scalable, and sustainable approach to producing advanced carbon materials suitable for various applications. By transforming carbon emissions into valuable products, the company aims to help clients mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Ryp Labs is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies aimed at reducing food waste. It offers a range of products, including food-safe labels known as Shelf-Defense and stickers called StixFresh. These products are designed to be applied directly to fresh produce or its packaging, effectively prolonging shelf life and freshness by up to two times. By preventing spoilage and over-ripening, Ryp Labs' solutions provide a practical approach for clients to combat the global issue of food waste while extending the usability of their fresh products.
Farther Farms
Grant in 2021
Farther Farms is a food company focused on sustainable produce and innovative preservation. It provides locally sourced, organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables and uses technology to improve environmental impact and flavor. The company also develops shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods by applying high-pressure processing with dense carbon dioxide at moderate temperatures, a method designed to prevent spoilage without preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This approach aims to reduce costs across the food system, including processing, distribution, and retail, while ensuring convenient, high-quality products for consumers.
ChloBis Water
Grant in 2021
ChloBis Water is a manufacturer of advanced electrochemical technologies focused on providing innovative solutions for desalination and energy storage. The company has developed a desalination battery that integrates energy storage with the removal of sodium and chloride from water. This technology utilizes bi-metallic electrodes, specifically combining bismuth for chloride storage and sodium for energy storage, to facilitate the efficient extraction of salt from seawater while simultaneously generating and releasing energy. By addressing the critical challenges at the intersection of water and energy, ChloBis Water enables clients to access a more sustainable and energy-efficient approach to water desalination and selective chloride removal.
Rubi Laboratories
Grant in 2021
Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.
Emerging Futures
Grant in 2021
Emerging Futures is a research and analysis consultancy focused on climate change mitigation and the commercial expansion of humanity into space. The firm provides forward-looking research and analysis on technology developments with the promise of a positive future, using deep subject matter expertise to understand, characterize, and forecast potential futures. Its work helps clients transform economic systems and advance humanity's presence in the solar system.
Two Bears Environmental Consulting
Grant in 2021
Two Bears Environmental Consulting, founded in 2015 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, specializes in providing environmental services that assess the impact of climate change on various projects. The company offers climate impact statements that evaluate how projected climatic conditions might affect these initiatives. Additionally, Two Bears assists clients in accessing grants from different levels of government and organizations. The firm also provides unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services, including drone-based data collection, which helps companies ensure regulatory compliance and promote sustainable practices.
InsectaPel is a company specializing in biobased insect repellent textiles. It develops and manufactures fabrics treated with its proprietary, long-lasting repellent technology, aiming to protect users from biting insects that may transmit diseases. The company focuses on creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions that meet regulatory compliance standards, thereby offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional repellents.
Spekciton Biosciences
Grant in 2021
Spekciton Biosciences specializes in biophotonic measurement systems and services aimed at enhancing agricultural performance and sustainability. The company develops innovative technologies that enable the rapid and precise detection of plant stress and viability, providing farmers with essential insights for improving crop management. Additionally, Spekciton offers biosensors designed to quickly identify soil and water contamination, supporting environmental health and agricultural productivity. Through its advanced measurement solutions, the company contributes to a better understanding of bioprocesses, ultimately aiding in the cultivation of resilient and sustainable crops.
Beyond The Dome
Grant in 2021
Beyond The Dome is a developer of wastewater treatment systems that aim to provide clean water and improve waste management by destroying organic compounds, including hard-to-degrade substances such as PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other wet wastes. The company offers small turnkey systems with high throughput and specializes in supercritical water oxidation to destroy biosolids, sludge, and hazardous organic contaminants, enabling climate-friendly waste management for firms dealing with chemically contaminated waste.
Huue is a company specializing in sustainable dyeing solutions for the fashion and textile industries, particularly focusing on the denim supply chain. It employs innovative biotechnology to produce bio-synthesized dyes through a fermentation process involving naturally occurring microorganisms. This method not only eliminates the need for toxic chemicals traditionally used in dye production but also utilizes renewable resources, making it an eco-friendly alternative. By offering greener options for color production, Huue aims to support the industry's transition towards more sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to fashion.
Green Sun Medical
Grant in 2021
Green Sun Medical, LLC is a medical device company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of orthotic braces for the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and Kyphosis. Founded in 2013 and based in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company is focused on creating innovative solutions to correct spinal deformities. Its flagship product is a dynamic spinal alignment brace that applies continuous corrective pressure to the spine, facilitating effective treatment for conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis. This technology-enabled brace not only aids in the physical correction of spinal issues but also allows physicians to remotely monitor its performance in real-time, enhancing patient care and recovery outcomes.
SunDensity Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in the research, design, and development of innovative Photonic Smart Coating (PSC™) technology. Established in 2016, the company focuses on enhancing efficiencies in photonics through the up and down conversion of light wavelengths, addressing various inefficiencies in the field. SunDensity's PSC™ technology is designed to lower electricity costs generated by solar photovoltaic applications, optimize the thermal and optical properties of architectural glass, and improve the quantum efficiency of optoelectronic instruments. The company also maintains an office in Rochester, New York, where it continues to advance its groundbreaking technologies.
Godwit Key Company
Grant in 2021
Godwit Key Company specializes in environmental services aimed at combating biodiversity loss. The company offers data-driven insights that empower governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to address environmental challenges effectively. By providing tools and resources, Godwit Key enables clients to identify recurring issues and global support gaps related to biodiversity. Through rigorous research and analysis, the company facilitates informed decision-making, fostering real change in environmental conservation efforts.
Ryp Labs is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies aimed at reducing food waste. It offers a range of products, including food-safe labels known as Shelf-Defense and stickers called StixFresh. These products are designed to be applied directly to fresh produce or its packaging, effectively prolonging shelf life and freshness by up to two times. By preventing spoilage and over-ripening, Ryp Labs' solutions provide a practical approach for clients to combat the global issue of food waste while extending the usability of their fresh products.
SIEV Technologies is a company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, established in 2020. It specializes in developing catalytic membrane technology designed to convert biomass waste into valuable bio-products. The company's innovative approach utilizes a tunable catalyst that replicates the function of natural enzymes, offering high selectivity and conversion rates while maintaining efficiency at elevated temperatures. This technology allows clients to harness a diverse range of biomass sources, facilitating the production of sustainable chemicals and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
Map Collective
Grant in 2021
Map Collective is a technology company specializing in AI-driven software solutions that enhance supply chain transparency and sustainability. The company offers a Software-as-a-Service platform that integrates advanced data analytics with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Its primary toolkits—TRACEABILITY, PROCUREMENT, and GHG EMISSIONS—are designed to assist businesses and governments in simplifying traceability and emissions mapping within their supply chains and regions. Additionally, Map Collective provides tools for biodiversity mapping, energy hub planning, and facilitating transitions to a circular economy. By enabling users to visualize the carbon impact on the environment, the company empowers organizations to make informed operational decisions and track sustainability metrics effectively.
Biko Biolabs
Grant in 2021
Biko Biolabs is a research company founded in 2020 in Somerville, Massachusetts, that explores the intersection of plastic waste and regenerative agriculture. The organization develops biodegradable alternatives to non‑recyclable plastics, investigates the environmental impact of microplastics, and employs fungi‑based processes to upcycle textile waste. Its work supports circular economy practices and seeks to enhance sustainability and self‑sufficiency for traditionally marginalized communities.
Cypris Materials
Grant in 2021
Cypris Materials develops sustainable color solutions through a structural coating platform that enables tunable color effects using non-toxic, plant-based materials. The company manufactures and distributes metal-free colors and heat-reflective coatings suitable for roofing retrofit projects in residential and commercial buildings, targeting applications across paints, coatings, and packaging. The approach emphasizes environmentally friendly color options and product versatility for manufacturers seeking sustainable color solutions.
Green Light Labs
Grant in 2021
Green Light Labs is a San Jose-based technology company founded in 2017 that develops software enabling virtual test drives and vehicle comparison tools. Its platform measures the cost of mobility, analyzes users’ driving trips, and calculates potential savings and electric range for different vehicles. By providing data-driven recommendations and a marketing framework, the company helps organizations reduce operating costs, improve employee retention, and lower CO2 emissions while encouraging consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
Susteon is a company focused on developing innovative energy transition technologies aimed at addressing environmental challenges. It specializes in direct air capture (DAC) technology, which captures carbon dioxide directly from high-emission sources. Susteon’s proprietary Dual-Functional Materials (DFM) not only capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also convert it into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). This capability allows clients to produce various fuels, including diesel and aviation fuel, from the captured carbon dioxide. Through its projects, including support from the Department of Energy, Susteon is committed to advancing sustainable solutions for carbon management and fuel production.
SusMaX is a construction company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2020. It specializes in the production of lightweight aggregate for the construction industry, utilizing innovative thermodynamics-based technology to convert waste coal combustion products into structural lightweight concrete. This process enhances the workability and extends the service life of concrete, offering a sustainable solution to the industry's demand for efficient building materials.
Modular Science
Grant in 2021
Modular Science is a company focused on revolutionizing vegetable farming through the development of specialized modular machines. These machines are designed to automate a vast majority of processes involved in agriculture, aiming to enhance food production while promoting health benefits for both humans and the environment. By leveraging advanced automation technology, Modular Science seeks to streamline farming operations, ultimately making vegetable farming more efficient and sustainable.
WaiHome is a wastewater research and design company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2021. It specializes in onsite wastewater treatment technology, focusing on providing affordable solutions for individuals. The company employs natural systems to deliver compact and effective treatment options that safeguard the environment while remaining cost-efficient. WaiHome's offerings include home water treatment systems, such as cesspools and septic tanks, aimed at simplifying access to reliable wastewater treatment services for its customers.
Phoenix Waste Solutions
Grant in 2021
Phoenix Waste Solutions develops technology for waste disposal machines that are pollution-free and fuel-free. Founded in 2019 and based in Chauvin, Louisiana, the company provides advanced solutions for waste disposal and plastic pollution. Its patented ion generator operates at a molecular level to suppress pollution without external fuel, enabling a decentralized waste management system that lowers costs and reduces the carbon footprint of the industry.
ZiTechnologies
Grant in 2021
ZiTechnologies is a company based in Hancock, Michigan, specializing in the production of end product pellets designed for power and heat applications. These pellets feature reduced chlorine content, making them an environmentally friendlier alternative for traditional coal usage. By offering a sustainable solution, ZiTechnologies aims to address the growing demand for cleaner energy sources in various industries.
Generate is a company focused on the sustainable development of urban environments, specializing in the design and delivery of mass timber structures. It operates a technology-driven architecture platform that offers pre-vetted building solutions and generative systems aimed at enhancing efficiency in mass timber construction. By streamlining communication and project management among architects, engineers, and builders, Generate facilitates the adoption of generative design principles. This approach enables stakeholders in the construction industry to pursue sustainable methods for designing and delivering mass wood structures, ultimately contributing to the creation of environmentally responsible urban spaces.
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.
Earthshot Labs
Grant in 2021
Earthshot Labs is a developer of a climate mitigation platform focused on ecological restoration on a global scale. The company utilizes an AI-powered platform to connect investors, carbon buyers, and land stewards, facilitating the financing of projects that promote ecological restoration while ensuring equity for local communities. Its comprehensive tool allows users to algorithmically identify specific regenerative strategies tailored to individual land parcels, ultimately enabling clients to maximize both the natural and economic potential of their land. Through its innovative approach, Earthshot Labs aims to enhance ecosystem regeneration and contribute to climate solutions worldwide.
Margik specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of organic electronic devices, focusing on sustainable lighting technology. They offer customizable, recyclable organic light stickers and business cards that enhance brand visibility while reducing environmental impact.
RePurpose Energy
Grant in 2021
RePurpose Energy is a company that specializes in developing sustainable energy storage systems utilizing recycled electric vehicle (EV) batteries. By repurposing battery waste, the company enhances the value of these batteries while promoting resilience and sustainability within battery supply chains. RePurpose Energy provides innovative hardware and software solutions that monitor and manage critical factors such as temperature, charge, and balance, thereby addressing the complexities associated with second-life energy storage. Through its efforts, the company supports the global transition to renewable energy by creating effective and eco-friendly energy storage options.
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.
Jet-Set Offset
Grant in 2021
Jet-Set Offset is a donation-based carbon-offsetting platform focused on air travel, providing a consumer-friendly alternative to conventional carbon marketplaces. The company enables travelers and businesses to automatically contribute to environmental nonprofit organizations by donating one cent per mile for every flight taken. This innovative approach not only raises awareness of the environmental impact of air travel but also motivates eco-conscious individuals and companies to support local climate solutions. Jet-Set Offset partners with nonprofits engaged in various initiatives, including certified carbon offset projects, advocacy, education, renewable energy, reforestation, and conservation efforts. Through its platform, Jet-Set Offset connects travelers concerned about climate change with opportunities to make a positive impact every time they fly.
Rebel Research
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2020 and based in Torrance, California, Rebel Research specializes in developing innovative technologies to tackle challenges in energy and the environment. The company operates an environmental technology laboratory, providing service assistance to clients aiming to contribute to a sustainable society.
Drought Diet Prouducts
Grant in 2021
Drought Diet Products is a manufacturer focused on creating innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The company has developed a climate-resilient tool designed to efficiently apply water to crops while minimizing waste from evaporation and deep percolation. This tool features sub-irrigation zone pipes that utilize greywater and rainwater catchment systems. Additionally, Drought Diet Products incorporates post-consumer film plastic feedstock in its irrigation piping, addressing both water conservation needs and the challenges associated with film plastic recycling. Through these efforts, the company aims to support farmers in enhancing water efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability.
Kepley BioSystems
Grant in 2021
Kepley BioSystems is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative solutions to address critical challenges in ocean health and public safety. It specializes in ocean restorative technology aimed at combating the depletion of wild fish populations. Additionally, the company has created a life science platform that offers accurate methods for testing dangerous endotoxins. This platform enables advancements in healthcare by providing rapid and sensitive diagnostics for blood-borne pathogens, assisting physicians in the detection of bloodstream infections. Through its dual focus on environmental restoration and healthcare innovation, Kepley BioSystems aims to contribute significantly to both marine ecosystems and public health.
Canopii provides end-to-end labor automation and energy management for farming, automating the entire food-growing process and remotely controlling each farm. By reducing unpredictability, inefficiencies, and the need for specialized expertise in traditional agriculture, the company aims to create a reliable, sustainable network of local farms. It produces locally grown products and seeks to make produce more affordable and accessible through environmentally conscious methods. Canopii enables turnkey urban farming solutions by deploying automated processes and energy management across farm operations, with the goal of lowering costs and enabling communities to grow their own food.
SiTration, founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2020 by Brendan Smith, specializes in developing ultra-durable filtration membrane technology. This technology is designed to efficiently separate substances in harsh and challenging industrial environments while reducing energy consumption compared to conventional methods. The company's membranes combine the advantages of various state-of-the-art commercial membranes, offering users resource-efficient operations even in unpleasant industrial settings.
NALA Membranes
Grant in 2021
NALA Membranes develops reverse osmosis membranes that are chlorine-stable and chlorine-resistant, designed to enhance water purification efficiency while reducing waste, energy use, and operating costs. The membranes are durable and resistant to fouling and biofouling, enabling longer service life even in challenging industrial wastewater applications and allowing operation at lower pressures. By lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the technology supports more sustainable and cost-effective water treatment across industries.
Panda Industries
Grant in 2021
Panda Industries Inc. was founded in 2020 with the goal of disrupting the construction industry with more sustainable and efficient technologies. Currently we are looking to develop two projects, a reinforced concrete 3D printer and a bamboo based OSB. Our 3D printer will make construction times much faster and much more inexpensive by automating much of the process. Bamboo Strand Board (BSB) is our patent pending alternative OSB product that is much stronger and more sustainable than current OSBs.
Seaspire Skincare
Grant in 2021
Seaspire Skincare specializes in developing multifunctional colorants and actives inspired by ocean biodiversity. Its flagship product, Xanthochrome, offers broader UV protection and aims to replace harmful ingredients in skincare products, promoting sustainability and reduced adverse effects on human and marine health.
SpadXTech employs microbial fermentation techniques and proprietary biotechnology to produce sustainable materials. Their products aim to mitigate climate change, reduce air and water pollution, and tackle 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.
Sunthetics accelerates pharmaceutical process development using electrochemical methods. Its smart reactors and machine-learning platform enable chemists to create lead molecules ten times faster, using less energy and reducing waste. While initially focused on pharma, Sunthetics' technology can be applied across chemical industries.
Aquagga specializes in developing and operating advanced technologies for the treatment and remediation of water pollutants, notably focusing on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). They employ their proprietary Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology to destroy PFAS effectively. Aquagga serves both government/municipal markets and industrial wastewater sectors, aiming to mitigate environmental health risks associated with these contaminants.
Fybraworks Foods
Grant in 2021
Fybraworks Foods, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, focused on developing alternative meat substitutes through innovative fermentation techniques. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in creating animal-free meat structural proteins and synthetic meat, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat products. By leveraging its advanced technological solutions, Fybraworks Foods enables both industry leaders and individual consumers to access sustainable meat alternatives, thus promoting humane practices and reducing environmental impact associated with animal agriculture.
Verdox is dedicated to reversing climate change through the development and deployment of advanced technology. The company’s proprietary electro-swing process, developed at MIT, enables carbon dioxide and other acid gases to be captured with up to 80% less energy and 70% less cost than conventional approaches.
Biomilitus is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and headquartered in Sacramento, California. The company focuses on utilizing insect larvae to produce animal feed, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient food sources. By using low-cost agricultural by-products as feed for the larvae, Biomilitus offers an alternative ingredient that is high in protein and fat, as well as rich in essential amino acids. This innovative approach not only helps companies reduce transportation costs associated with waste products but also significantly lowers their carbon footprint, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.
Heirloom is a carbon capture company developing direct air capture technology that accelerates the natural absorption of carbon dioxide. Its approach uses a limestone-based process to increase CO2 uptake and stores the captured carbon permanently underground, powered by renewable energy. The company also applies carbon capture and utilization techniques to enhance natural CO2 removal. By offering a scalable, renewable-energy driven solution, Heirloom aims to help businesses meet sustainability goals with a cost-effective path to significant carbon removal.
Sustainable Road Engineering
Grant in 2020
Specializing in road infrastructure, Sustainable Road Engineering offers comprehensive services including construction, engineering, and maintenance of roads, parking lots, and driveways. They provide pavement management solutions, engineering consultations, pavement evaluations, construction inspections, and material testing to ensure longevity and efficiency.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
Founded in 2018, Symbrosia is a cleantech company based in California that produces cattle feed supplements. It specializes in developing contained symbiotic systems to cultivate methane-reducing macroalgae, specifically seaweed, for use as livestock feed additives.
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 specializes in extending the lifespan of batteries through its innovative diagnostic platform. By reducing testing time from hours to minutes, ReJoule enables repurposing of batteries for second-life applications, thereby minimizing waste and promoting a sustainable, circular economy.
Tortuga AgTech
Grant in 2020
Tortuga AgTech specializes in agricultural automation, using robotics and AI to perform labor-intensive tasks such as harvesting. Their mission is to enhance farming methods for a healthier society and ecosystem by enabling growers to produce better, more sustainable crops.
Spira is a company focused on developing sustainable, algae-based ingredients that aim to replace petroleum and animal-derived compounds in various industries. Through extensive product development, Spira has created food-safe dyes and industrial ingredients that contribute to both human and planetary health. The company collaborates with a global network of farming partners to manufacture raw materials that support beverage, alcohol, cosmetics, textiles, and confectionery brands. Additionally, Spira's services include carbon capture and wastewater management solutions, which not only aid in reducing carbon footprints but also support farmers in developing countries. By promoting the use of healthier materials, Spira is committed to fostering a more sustainable future.
Curie Co is a life science company dedicated to developing sustainable alternatives to harmful chemicals by engineering enzymes and marine biomaterials. The company focuses on replacing petrochemical-based ingredients with biodegradable, biobased materials, branded as OceanSafe, derived from recycled marine sources. Curie Co aims to provide consumers with everyday products available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS, ensuring that these items remain affordable while minimizing environmental impact. By integrating advanced design methodologies, the company enables businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions without sacrificing quality or performance. Through its innovative approach, Curie Co aspires to become a trusted supplier and leader in the field of engineered enzymes and biopolymers.
The Emerald Tutu
Grant in 2020
The Emerald Tutu is a company focused on developing floating landscape infrastructure aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. It designs and creates an interconnected system of fibrous floating mats that are infused with biomatter, which serve to absorb and transfer energy across the network. This innovative infrastructure is intended to reduce flooding onshore and protect coastal areas from extreme weather events, thereby enhancing the usability and safety of waterfront amenities. The Emerald Tutu's solutions address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development in vulnerable coastal regions.
Soliyarn is a company that specializes in developing sustainable textile finishing technologies aimed at reducing pollution in the textile industry. Utilizing chemical vapor deposition technology and organic polymers, Soliyarn transforms ordinary fabrics into ultrathin, electrically conductive, and waterproof textiles. This innovative approach enhances textiles with advanced functionalities such as heating, sensing, and water repellency, all while maintaining the garment's feel, breathability, comfort, and performance. Crucially, Soliyarn's processes do not utilize water or harmful chemicals, allowing for the production of eco-friendly clothing that improves performance and minimizes environmental impact.
Founded in 2013, Sunthru specializes in manufacturing aerogel-based daylighting windows. These innovative windows offer superior insulation, enhanced light transmission, and improved optical transparency for various large buildings such as schools, gymnasiums, workshops, and department stores.
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.
Resource Chemical
Grant in 2020
ReSource Chemical is a company based in Berkeley, California, focused on developing high-performance plastics derived from carbon dioxide. The company utilizes a proprietary bio-based platform to create chemicals that enable the production of environmentally friendly plastics with superior physical properties compared to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. By converting CO2 into these innovative materials, ReSource Chemical aims to provide sustainable alternatives that do not contribute to environmental pollution.
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.