Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

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

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

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

Nth Cycle is a company specializing in metal processing technology. It collaborates with battery recyclers and miners to recover critical minerals from electronic waste and low-grade mine tailings using its proprietary electro-extraction method, offering an alternative to traditional hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy processes.

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

Ascend Elements specializes in manufacturing advanced battery materials using recycled lithium-ion batteries. It employs hydroprocess recycling and direct recycling methods to create new cathode materials from old ones, contributing to a more sustainable electric vehicle industry.

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

Littoral Power Systems develops, manufactures, and installs hydropower and ocean energy products. These products aim to reduce the time, cost, and risk associated with building renewable energy projects while minimizing environmental impact.

Founded in 2008, Alkemy Environmental specializes in recycling industrial waste streams into concrete aggregates. Its primary products are expandable lightweight aggregate, ultra-lightweight aggregate, and high-strength lightweight aggregate. The company also offers waste management services to its clients.

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

Harvest Power provides waste-to-resource solutions that convert organic materials into renewable energy and value-added soil, mulch, and organic fertilizer products. Through its energy gardens and related facilities, it recycles energy and nutrients to produce locally consumed products, including fertilizers, soil amendments, natural gas, and engineered fuels. The company operates facilities across North America, including British Columbia, Ontario, California, and the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Northeastern United States, transforming discarded organics into sustainable materials for communities.

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

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

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

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

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