National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Chemical

Octet Scientific

Grant in 2022
Octet Scientific, founded in 2017, specializes in developing organic electrolyte chemicals designed to enhance the performance of zinc batteries. The company focuses on addressing the specific needs of the zinc battery industry by providing solutions that improve efficiency and extend the cycle life of these batteries. Its products are designed to be integrated seamlessly into existing electrolytes, thereby improving battery functionality across various applications, including backup power, grid storage, portable devices, and mobility solutions. By offering innovative enhancements to battery performance, Octet Scientific enables its customers to deliver more efficient and cost-effective energy storage products.

Indrio Technologies

Grant in 2022
Developer of chemical detection sensors designed to sample and measure the trace-level concentration of gases in harsh industrial environments. The company's sensors help in calibration-free sensing, have an internal pump, are portable and rugged, and require low power consumption, enabling clients to have laser-based sensing that helps in leak detection and exhaust monitoring.

ChloBis Water

Grant in 2021
ChloBis Water specializes in innovative electrochemical technologies, specifically the development of a desalination battery. This technology integrates energy storage with the removal of sodium and chlorine from saltwater. The battery is constructed using bismuth as a chloride-storage electrode and sodium as a sodium-storage electrode, allowing it to efficiently desalinate water while simultaneously storing and releasing energy through the manipulation of salt ions. By addressing the challenges at the intersection of water and energy, ChloBis Water offers a solution that enhances energy efficiency and contributes to sustainable water management.

AvantGuard

Grant in 2021
Our first product, HaloFilm turns any surface into an antimicrobial surface by holding chlorine from store-bought disinfectants on surfaces in a safe and effective manner for as long as a month. HaloFilm contains a novel polymer that when sprayed on creates a thin transparent film that binds to the surface and to chlorine, at levels equivalent to what you would find in a pool. Chlorine is a universally used as a disinfectant against bacteria, virus and fungi, but has a short effective life. We extend the lifetime and overall utility of chlorine to protect surfaces continuously. Our focus is on high touch surfaces in hospitals, mass transit systems, schools, and more; wherever pathogens spread and endanger human health.

Pyran

Grant in 2021
Pyran LLC specializes in developing a starting compound for the production of paints and plastic chemicals. Founded in 2017 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company creates a diol product derived from renewable wood and crop waste resources. This diol serves as a raw material for various applications, including digital versatile discs, paints, bottles, coatings, plastics, ropes, glues, and adhesives. Pyran primarily caters to the chemical industries, focusing on sustainable solutions for paint and plastic manufacturing.

Tethys Research

Grant in 2021
Developer of industrial enzymes intended to provide high value enzymes and chemical entities to businesses. The company develops combination of disparate disciplines to overcome problems that are not amenable to throughput screening methodologies in order to discover new, high value enzymes and chemical entities, enabling organizations to produce and market chemical products and processes through contract or in partnership .

Cypris Materials

Grant in 2021
Manufacturer and distributor of paint color intended to offer sustainable color that broadens the color gamut. The company's platform is developing a new generation of sustainable colors as well as creating paintable heat-reflective coatings as a roofing retrofit for both residential and commercial buildings, enabling customers to get environmentally friendly and sustainable color options.

MedChem Partners

Grant in 2021
MedChem Partners is a medicinal chemistry CRO that specializes in developing small molecule therapeutics. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts.

CelluDot

Grant in 2021
CelluDot is a biopolymer company that is working to solve the problem of agrochemical drift. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Sunthetics

Grant in 2021
Sunthetics specializes in developing advanced electrochemical reactors that significantly enhance the efficiency of process chemists in the pharmaceutical industry. By utilizing smart electrochemical equipment and machine-learning software, Sunthetics enables the rapid development of lead molecules, reducing the typical process development time by 90%. This innovative approach not only cuts energy consumption by 40% but also eliminates the use of toxic chemicals and waste, promoting sustainability in chemical manufacturing. While the initial focus is on pharmaceuticals, the technology has the potential to expand into other sectors such as agrochemicals and specialty chemicals, positioning Sunthetics at the forefront of the electrification movement within the chemical industry.

Molten Salt Solutions

Grant in 2021
Molten Salt Solutions develops a technology platform to commercialize molten salt synthesis and purification technology. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

NUMiX Materials

Grant in 2020
NUMiX Materials is a specialized water treatment company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company focuses on the development and supply of patented sorbents designed to effectively remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. Its innovative approach enhances water treatment processes by minimizing the need for treatment additives, simplifying operational procedures, and reducing costs associated with hazardous waste disposal. NUMiX Materials aims to help clients achieve compliance with process and regulatory standards, regardless of the initial water chemistry, thereby addressing complex liquid stream challenges.

Indrio Technologies

Grant in 2020
Developer of chemical detection sensors designed to sample and measure the trace-level concentration of gases in harsh industrial environments. The company's sensors help in calibration-free sensing, have an internal pump, are portable and rugged, and require low power consumption, enabling clients to have laser-based sensing that helps in leak detection and exhaust monitoring.

SynMatter

Grant in 2020
Synmatter, founded in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, specializes in the development of anticorrosive pigments designed for the production of smart particles that enhance metal protection and antifouling coatings. These pigments can be integrated into a variety of polymers, including coatings, varnishes, plastics, resins, caulks, putties, sealants, and adhesives. Synmatter's innovations serve multiple industries, particularly automotive, aerospace, and marine, providing effective solutions to protect vehicles, aircraft, and ships from corrosion.

Curie Co

Grant in 2020
Curie Co. Inc. is a life science company based in New York that specializes in the production of engineered enzymes and biopolymers, primarily for the personal care, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Founded in 2017, the company aims to replace harmful and banned chemicals with sustainable alternatives derived from recycled marine biomaterials, branded as OceanSafe. These innovative materials are designed to eliminate the need for preservatives and are utilized to create biodegradable bioplastics for various applications, including microbeads, packaging, and films. Curie Co. focuses on providing eco-friendly solutions that do not compromise product quality or performance, allowing consumers to access familiar products at competitive prices while minimizing environmental impact.

Metalmark

Grant in 2020
Metalmark creates nanostructured materials that destroy submicron scale airborne pollutants and toxins to support healthy indoor air quality. It aims to address the challenges associated with air pollution and climate change. The company's air cleaning technology utilizes catalytic materials to filter the air with nanoscale precision. It was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Soliyarn

Grant in 2020
Developer of sustainable textile finishing technologies intended to reduce pollution in the textile industry. The company's platform utilizes chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and organic polymers to create functional fabrics with conductivity, water repellency, and dyeing capabilities, all without using water or harmful chemicals, enabling the textile industry to make eco-friendly clothing with improved performance and reduced environmental impact.

ACatechol

Grant in 2020
ACatechol, founded in 2016 and based in Pasadena, California, specializes in the development of biological-protein-based adhesives and biomimetic surface technologies. The company's innovative products are designed to prevent the spread of diseases by utilizing nanocomposite coatings and surface modifications applicable to various materials such as medical devices, implants, and textiles. These advanced coatings are effective in eliminating a wide range of bacteria and viruses, even in moist conditions. This capability enables the production of underwater glues, adhesives, coatings, and primers, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional silane-based grafting methods, which can be slow, toxic, and inconsistent.

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.

Pheronym

Grant in 2020
Pheronym is creating an all-natural highly effective insect control for agriculture. By leveraging pheromone spray they double nematode’s effectiveness as an organic insecticide to rival chemicals, without any of the negative health or environmental impact.

Octet Scientific

Grant in 2020
Octet Scientific, founded in 2017, specializes in developing organic electrolyte chemicals designed to enhance the performance of zinc batteries. The company focuses on addressing the specific needs of the zinc battery industry by providing solutions that improve efficiency and extend the cycle life of these batteries. Its products are designed to be integrated seamlessly into existing electrolytes, thereby improving battery functionality across various applications, including backup power, grid storage, portable devices, and mobility solutions. By offering innovative enhancements to battery performance, Octet Scientific enables its customers to deliver more efficient and cost-effective energy storage products.

PhotoCide Protection

Grant in 2020
PhotoCide Protection develops self-disinfecting materials such fabrics, plastics, and coatings based on a disruptive technology that combines engineered cellulose (NFC) with photosensitizers (PS, compounds that react with room light and oxygen from the air) to emit an environmentally-friendly biocidal agent called ‘singlet’ oxygen that simultaneously destroys a wide range of harmful pathogens on surfaces.

AvantGuard

Grant in 2020
Our first product, HaloFilm turns any surface into an antimicrobial surface by holding chlorine from store-bought disinfectants on surfaces in a safe and effective manner for as long as a month. HaloFilm contains a novel polymer that when sprayed on creates a thin transparent film that binds to the surface and to chlorine, at levels equivalent to what you would find in a pool. Chlorine is a universally used as a disinfectant against bacteria, virus and fungi, but has a short effective life. We extend the lifetime and overall utility of chlorine to protect surfaces continuously. Our focus is on high touch surfaces in hospitals, mass transit systems, schools, and more; wherever pathogens spread and endanger human health.

Celadyne Technologies

Grant in 2020
Celadyne Technologies develops membranes for use in electrolyzers and fuel cells that require minimal heat and water management. The company is founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, IL
Environmental Protective Coatings manufactures coatings designed to keep surfaces free of dust and algae. The company was founded in 1983 by Bob Stone and is based in Ostrander, Ohio.

New Iridium

Grant in 2020
Manufacturer of industrial chemicals intended for replacement of precious metals. The company utilizes photocatalysts and light instead of heat to produce chemicals, offering features like low-energy consumption and the ability to upcycle captured carbon dioxide into valuable products, enabling the chemical industry to reduce its environmental footprint and potentially create new pathways for carbon capture and utilization.
Boydston Chemicals Innovations, Inc. manufactures resins and polymers. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Federal Way, Washington. As of July 8, 2019, Boydston Chemicals Innovations, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of 3D Systems Corporation.

Swift Coat

Grant in 2020
Swift Coat is an Arizona-based manufacturing company that provides nanoparticle coatings. Swift Coat technology can coat any surface—be it hard or soft, smooth or rough, flat or curved—with nanoparticles of any composition and size, enabling new products ranging from gas sensors to antimicrobial garments. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Peoria, Arizona.

Cypris Materials

Grant in 2019
Manufacturer and distributor of paint color intended to offer sustainable color that broadens the color gamut. The company's platform is developing a new generation of sustainable colors as well as creating paintable heat-reflective coatings as a roofing retrofit for both residential and commercial buildings, enabling customers to get environmentally friendly and sustainable color options.

Respondic

Grant in 2019
Respondic is a manufacturer of smart adhesive products, founded in 2019 and located in Champaign, Illinois. The company specializes in producing robust, reusable adhesives designed to meet diverse fastening needs. Respondic's adhesives utilize a unique polymer formulation that enables them to achieve a strong and permanent hold on various surfaces. This versatility allows users to employ these adhesives for a wide range of applications, making them suitable for both industrial and consumer use.

New Iridium

Grant in 2019
Manufacturer of industrial chemicals intended for replacement of precious metals. The company utilizes photocatalysts and light instead of heat to produce chemicals, offering features like low-energy consumption and the ability to upcycle captured carbon dioxide into valuable products, enabling the chemical industry to reduce its environmental footprint and potentially create new pathways for carbon capture and utilization.

Cyclopure

Series B in 2019
CycloPure, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of polymer adsorbents designed to effectively remove micropollutants from water. The company's innovative products are utilized in residential and assisted living drinking water treatment, as well as portable water filtration projects. CycloPure serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of consumer point-of-use products, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. In addition to its adsorbents, the company offers water testing kits for online purchase. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, CycloPure also operates a research and technology center in Skokie, Illinois. The company is recognized for pioneering the use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents, contributing to advancements in water treatment and ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water.

Belmont Scientific

Grant in 2019
Belmont Scientific is a chemical and battery safety technology company that specializes in process safety and risk management. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Phase Two Chemicals

Grant in 2019
Phase Two Chemicals is a clean chemistry company developing breakthrough technology for on-site hydrogen peroxide production.

Diatomix

Grant in 2019
Diatomix, Inc. is a technology company focused on manufacturing a bio-engineered air-purifying additive designed to enhance indoor air quality. Established in 2013 and based in Beaverton, Oregon, Diatomix's patented additive can be incorporated into various products, including paints, coatings, and portable purification devices. This innovative additive works by adsorbing and degrading airborne toxins and volatile organic compounds, effectively reducing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and butanol. The company aims to provide a solution for the pollutants often emitted from common household items like laminate flooring, carpets, and cleaning supplies, thereby contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Fullmoon

Grant in 2019
Fullmoon Sensors designs and deploys intelligent chemical sensing networks for continuous monitoring of airborne chemicals. The company develops solutions for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Their patented microfabricated sensors can differentiate, speciate, and quantify VOCs while operating at low power (USB connection). Fullmoon Senors was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA.

Lygos

Grant in 2019
Lygos is a biotechnology company focused on providing sustainable solutions for renewable chemical production. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, Lygos engineers microbes to convert sugars into high-value industrial chemicals, emphasizing cost-effectiveness compared to traditional petrochemical processes. By utilizing advanced throughput screening and strain construction techniques, the company rapidly optimizes biological pathways to transform inexpensive and renewable feedstock into valuable chemical products. Lygos aims to replace persistent and often toxic chemicals with cleaner, more efficient alternatives, catering to business-to-business customers and fostering high-performing, sustainable solutions across the chemical industry.
Chromatic 3D Materials specializes in developing advanced 3D printing materials that enhance the durability and functionality of manufactured goods. The company focuses on an additive manufacturing platform that produces robust rubber parts using innovative elastomer materials, including polyurethanes. This technology employs reactive extrusion additive manufacturing, which leverages chemical reactions to create industrial-strength elastomeric components. As a result, manufacturers gain access to materials that exhibit adaptability, resilience, flexibility, and sustainability, allowing for a wide range of novel product designs. Chromatic 3D Materials aims to transform the landscape of 3D printing by providing the necessary materials for creating durable and functional designs.

Cyclopure

Grant in 2019
CycloPure, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of polymer adsorbents designed to effectively remove micropollutants from water. The company's innovative products are utilized in residential and assisted living drinking water treatment, as well as portable water filtration projects. CycloPure serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of consumer point-of-use products, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. In addition to its adsorbents, the company offers water testing kits for online purchase. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, CycloPure also operates a research and technology center in Skokie, Illinois. The company is recognized for pioneering the use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents, contributing to advancements in water treatment and ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water.

Metalmark

Grant in 2019
Metalmark creates nanostructured materials that destroy submicron scale airborne pollutants and toxins to support healthy indoor air quality. It aims to address the challenges associated with air pollution and climate change. The company's air cleaning technology utilizes catalytic materials to filter the air with nanoscale precision. It was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Curie Co

Grant in 2019
Curie Co. Inc. is a life science company based in New York that specializes in the production of engineered enzymes and biopolymers, primarily for the personal care, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Founded in 2017, the company aims to replace harmful and banned chemicals with sustainable alternatives derived from recycled marine biomaterials, branded as OceanSafe. These innovative materials are designed to eliminate the need for preservatives and are utilized to create biodegradable bioplastics for various applications, including microbeads, packaging, and films. Curie Co. focuses on providing eco-friendly solutions that do not compromise product quality or performance, allowing consumers to access familiar products at competitive prices while minimizing environmental impact.

SynMatter

Grant in 2019
Synmatter, founded in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, specializes in the development of anticorrosive pigments designed for the production of smart particles that enhance metal protection and antifouling coatings. These pigments can be integrated into a variety of polymers, including coatings, varnishes, plastics, resins, caulks, putties, sealants, and adhesives. Synmatter's innovations serve multiple industries, particularly automotive, aerospace, and marine, providing effective solutions to protect vehicles, aircraft, and ships from corrosion.

Pyran

Grant in 2019
Pyran LLC specializes in developing a starting compound for the production of paints and plastic chemicals. Founded in 2017 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company creates a diol product derived from renewable wood and crop waste resources. This diol serves as a raw material for various applications, including digital versatile discs, paints, bottles, coatings, plastics, ropes, glues, and adhesives. Pyran primarily caters to the chemical industries, focusing on sustainable solutions for paint and plastic manufacturing.

Molecular Glasses

Grant in 2019
Molecular Glasses, Inc. focuses on non-crystallized molecular glasses for stable and long lived OLED and other organic electronics. It develops hole-transporting, electron-transporting, ambipolar, fluorescent, phosphorescent, cross linkable, water/alcohol soluble, green solvent soluble, vacuum-coatable, and solution-coatable products. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Rochester, New York.

Dimensional Energy

Grant in 2018
Dimensional Energy is a chemistry company focused on advancing artificial photosynthesis to produce sustainable polymers and chemical intermediates. The company develops innovative technology that efficiently captures and converts carbon dioxide, utilizing waveguides to distribute sunlight evenly throughout scalable reactors. By enhancing the reactivity of carbon dioxide molecules, Dimensional Energy aims to create hydrocarbon fuels that address significant energy requirements while promoting environmental responsibility. Their approach positions them at the forefront of solar fuel viability, leveraging novel, functionalized catalysts to transform energy production.

Avium

Grant in 2018
Avium develops fuels and chemicals from CO2, water, and renewable energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lawrence, Kansas.

Swift Coat

Grant in 2018
Swift Coat is an Arizona-based manufacturing company that provides nanoparticle coatings. Swift Coat technology can coat any surface—be it hard or soft, smooth or rough, flat or curved—with nanoparticles of any composition and size, enabling new products ranging from gas sensors to antimicrobial garments. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Peoria, Arizona.

Kalion

Grant in 2018
Kalion, Inc. is an early-stage industrial biotechnology company based in Milton, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of glucaric acid and S-3 hydroxybutyrolactone (3-HBL) derived from renewable sources. Founded in 2010, the company employs green fermentation technology and advanced fermentation methods utilizing patented microbes to produce these valuable chemicals. Glucaric acid and 3-HBL are recognized as significant value-added chemicals from biomass, with applications in the industrial, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. Kalion aims to transform the traditional chemical industry by offering cost-effective access to these compounds, addressing limitations related to their availability and pricing in multi-billion dollar markets.

Chemeleon

Grant in 2017
Developer of a chemical sensor designed to rapidly detect chemical compounds. The company's sensor materials combine highly selective molecular receptors with colorimetric nanomaterial reporters to provide an autonomous and inert means of optically detecting hazardous chemicals in virtually any environment, from clinical to third-world settings, enabling clients to accurately and quickly identify chemicals, obviating the need for slow, complex and expensive lab analysis.

Octet Scientific

Grant in 2017
Octet Scientific, founded in 2017, specializes in developing organic electrolyte chemicals designed to enhance the performance of zinc batteries. The company focuses on addressing the specific needs of the zinc battery industry by providing solutions that improve efficiency and extend the cycle life of these batteries. Its products are designed to be integrated seamlessly into existing electrolytes, thereby improving battery functionality across various applications, including backup power, grid storage, portable devices, and mobility solutions. By offering innovative enhancements to battery performance, Octet Scientific enables its customers to deliver more efficient and cost-effective energy storage products.
Boydston Chemicals Innovations, Inc. manufactures resins and polymers. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Federal Way, Washington. As of July 8, 2019, Boydston Chemicals Innovations, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of 3D Systems Corporation.

Zymochem

Grant in 2017
ZymoChem, Inc. develops microbes and bioprocesses that enable production of chemicals from renewable sources, such as sugars. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Emeryville, California.

Diatomix

Grant in 2017
Diatomix, Inc. is a technology company focused on manufacturing a bio-engineered air-purifying additive designed to enhance indoor air quality. Established in 2013 and based in Beaverton, Oregon, Diatomix's patented additive can be incorporated into various products, including paints, coatings, and portable purification devices. This innovative additive works by adsorbing and degrading airborne toxins and volatile organic compounds, effectively reducing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and butanol. The company aims to provide a solution for the pollutants often emitted from common household items like laminate flooring, carpets, and cleaning supplies, thereby contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Twelve

Grant in 2017
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.
Chromatic 3D Materials specializes in developing advanced 3D printing materials that enhance the durability and functionality of manufactured goods. The company focuses on an additive manufacturing platform that produces robust rubber parts using innovative elastomer materials, including polyurethanes. This technology employs reactive extrusion additive manufacturing, which leverages chemical reactions to create industrial-strength elastomeric components. As a result, manufacturers gain access to materials that exhibit adaptability, resilience, flexibility, and sustainability, allowing for a wide range of novel product designs. Chromatic 3D Materials aims to transform the landscape of 3D printing by providing the necessary materials for creating durable and functional designs.

Cyclopure

Grant in 2017
CycloPure, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of polymer adsorbents designed to effectively remove micropollutants from water. The company's innovative products are utilized in residential and assisted living drinking water treatment, as well as portable water filtration projects. CycloPure serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of consumer point-of-use products, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. In addition to its adsorbents, the company offers water testing kits for online purchase. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, CycloPure also operates a research and technology center in Skokie, Illinois. The company is recognized for pioneering the use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents, contributing to advancements in water treatment and ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water.

Phase Two Chemicals

Grant in 2017
Phase Two Chemicals, operating under Peroxygen Systems, Inc., is focused on developing innovative electrochemical systems for on-site production of low-cost chemical oxidizers, primarily hydrogen peroxide. Founded in 2014 and based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company’s technology allows for a significant reduction in production costs—over 50%—while addressing safety concerns related to the transportation and handling of high-concentration hydrogen peroxide. The electrochemical process not only enhances energy efficiency in hydrogen peroxide production but also minimizes the environmental waste typically generated by traditional chemical synthesis methods. Through these advancements, Phase Two Chemicals aims to promote cleaner and more sustainable chemical practices.

Dimensional Energy

Grant in 2017
Dimensional Energy is a chemistry company focused on advancing artificial photosynthesis to produce sustainable polymers and chemical intermediates. The company develops innovative technology that efficiently captures and converts carbon dioxide, utilizing waveguides to distribute sunlight evenly throughout scalable reactors. By enhancing the reactivity of carbon dioxide molecules, Dimensional Energy aims to create hydrocarbon fuels that address significant energy requirements while promoting environmental responsibility. Their approach positions them at the forefront of solar fuel viability, leveraging novel, functionalized catalysts to transform energy production.

Alchemie

Grant in 2017
Alchemie Solutions, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Michigan that focuses on enhancing the learning experience in organic chemistry through mobile games. Founded in 2016, Alchemie develops interactive digital tools that combine game design with machine learning and data analytics. Their flagship game, Chairs, features puzzles aimed at improving spatial reasoning, an essential skill for mastering organic chemistry. The platform is designed to facilitate a deep understanding of various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and math, by providing immediate feedback and real-time assessment. Through its innovative approach, Alchemie aims to make learning engaging and accessible for students.

ISCA

Grant in 2017
Developer of a pest control management tool designed to offer effective, natural and environmentally friendly services. The company's tool specializes in the research and development of pest control management systems comprising a tool that species-specific insect lures made with semiochemicals such as pheromones and natural attractants, insect traps and proprietary semiochemicals, enabling clients to get effective crop protection with a small amount of insecticide that do contact food and minimize the risk to the environment.

Snapdragon Chemistry

Grant in 2016
Snapdragon Chemistry, Inc. engages in developing continuous flow chemistry solutions for the discovery and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and materials. It offers process development, reactor design and build, portfolio optimization, and GMP manufacturing services. The company develops processes to solve chemistry problems of pharmaceutical, chemical, animal care, and material science companies. Snapdragon Chemistry, Inc. was formerly known as Firefly Chemistry, Inc. and changed its name to Snapdragon Chemistry, Inc. in April 2015. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Picoyune

Grant in 2016
Picoyune is a chemical sensing company that specializes in portable mercury analysis. Utilizing patented plasmonic film technology, Picoyune has developed a robust detector that simplifies the analysis process, allowing individuals to operate it without the need for extensive laboratory equipment. The company aims to address the significant issue of mercury contamination, a potent neurotoxin and global pollutant, by adapting its technology to analyze soil and sediment samples from contaminated sites. By employing gold nanoparticles with peak absorption capabilities, Picoyune provides high-performance solutions in a compact format, meeting the demands of clients in environmental monitoring and remediation.

Polnox

Grant in 2016
Polnox is a company focused on the development of advanced antioxidants aimed at prolonging the service life of various consumer products and materials. Utilizing its proprietary DT-mPM Antioxidants and environmentally friendly McIn Corrosion Inhibitors, Polnox offers solutions that significantly outperform traditional additives. The company's macromolecular antioxidants are specifically designed to provide strong resistance against the damaging effects of heat and oxygen, ensuring enhanced durability and performance for a wide range of applications.

Defiant Technologies

Grant in 2016
Defiant Technologies manufactures portable gas chromatograph GC chemical detectors and sensors for VOC analysis in water, soil, and air. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Orochem Technologies

Grant in 2016
Established in 1996, Orochem Technologies Inc. started as a Biotech and Chromatography company to manufacture unique Sample Prep Technology Products for the Bioanalysis, Drug Discovery, and the Genomics and Proteomics markets. Backed with unique expertise in high throughput formats, membranes and surface chemistries, Orochem was one of the first companies to translate the concept of pre-filters from single to high throughput formats, a concept now widely implemented for sample prep plates in the biotech and analytical markets. In the year 2001 Orochem manufactured the first commercially available Protein Crash and Precipitation 96-well plate for Bioanalytical processes. By the year 2006, with the acquisition of Column Engineering Inc, Orochem evolved to become a “full-service” provider for silica manufacturing utilized for analytical and preparatory chromatography. Orochem invests heavily into R&D in-house and owns strong intellectual property in stationary phases for achiral and Chiral Chromatography.

Twelve

Grant in 2016
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.

Pyrochem Catalyst

Grant in 2016
Developer of catalysts and specialty materials for automotive exhaust and reforming applications designed to help in high-temperature catalytic processes. The company's materials help in natural gas conversion to synthesis gas in high aromatic, high sulfur, and high-temperature environments, enabling businesses to save capital and operating costs by providing uninterrupted performance for extended periods.

Alchemie

Grant in 2015
Alchemie Solutions, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Michigan that focuses on enhancing the learning experience in organic chemistry through mobile games. Founded in 2016, Alchemie develops interactive digital tools that combine game design with machine learning and data analytics. Their flagship game, Chairs, features puzzles aimed at improving spatial reasoning, an essential skill for mastering organic chemistry. The platform is designed to facilitate a deep understanding of various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and math, by providing immediate feedback and real-time assessment. Through its innovative approach, Alchemie aims to make learning engaging and accessible for students.

Kalion

Grant in 2015
Kalion, Inc. is an early-stage industrial biotechnology company based in Milton, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of glucaric acid and S-3 hydroxybutyrolactone (3-HBL) derived from renewable sources. Founded in 2010, the company employs green fermentation technology and advanced fermentation methods utilizing patented microbes to produce these valuable chemicals. Glucaric acid and 3-HBL are recognized as significant value-added chemicals from biomass, with applications in the industrial, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. Kalion aims to transform the traditional chemical industry by offering cost-effective access to these compounds, addressing limitations related to their availability and pricing in multi-billion dollar markets.

iMicrobes

Grant in 2015
Industrial Microbes designs and builds microbes that produce better chemicals with lower costs and lower carbon emissions. We use greenhouse gases as the raw materials, including biogas, natural gas, and carbon dioxide. We scale our process with global chemical producers.

Liquid X

Grant in 2015
Liquid X is a company specializing in the development of innovative metallic inks that enable the printing of functional components for various electronic devices. Their inks, which contain actual metal atoms rather than nanoparticles or metal flakes, offer superior properties such as high conductivity, thin and precise features, and excellent adhesion. This unique formulation allows for low-temperature processing and short production times, making it possible to use a wide range of substrates, including paper, gauze, and flexible plastics. Liquid X collaborates with manufacturers in the electronics industry to create applications such as sensors, heating elements, and smart textiles. The versatility of their inks supports various deposition methods, including inkjet, flexography, and gravure, positioning Liquid X as a key player in the emerging market for advanced electronic materials.

Polnox

Grant in 2015
Polnox is a company focused on the development of advanced antioxidants aimed at prolonging the service life of various consumer products and materials. Utilizing its proprietary DT-mPM Antioxidants and environmentally friendly McIn Corrosion Inhibitors, Polnox offers solutions that significantly outperform traditional additives. The company's macromolecular antioxidants are specifically designed to provide strong resistance against the damaging effects of heat and oxygen, ensuring enhanced durability and performance for a wide range of applications.

Lygos

Grant in 2015
Lygos is a biotechnology company focused on providing sustainable solutions for renewable chemical production. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, Lygos engineers microbes to convert sugars into high-value industrial chemicals, emphasizing cost-effectiveness compared to traditional petrochemical processes. By utilizing advanced throughput screening and strain construction techniques, the company rapidly optimizes biological pathways to transform inexpensive and renewable feedstock into valuable chemical products. Lygos aims to replace persistent and often toxic chemicals with cleaner, more efficient alternatives, catering to business-to-business customers and fostering high-performing, sustainable solutions across the chemical industry.

Arzeda

Grant in 2015
Arzeda Corporation, founded in 2008 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative enzymes and specialty chemical products. The company leverages advanced computational enzyme design technology to create designer proteins and enzymes tailored for diverse applications in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. By focusing on biocatalysis, Arzeda aims to provide clients with high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that enhance their products. The company's expertise in synthetic biology positions it as a leader in the field, enabling the development of a robust portfolio that addresses the growing demand for advanced chemical products.

Picoyune

Grant in 2014
Picoyune is a chemical sensing company that specializes in portable mercury analysis. Utilizing patented plasmonic film technology, Picoyune has developed a robust detector that simplifies the analysis process, allowing individuals to operate it without the need for extensive laboratory equipment. The company aims to address the significant issue of mercury contamination, a potent neurotoxin and global pollutant, by adapting its technology to analyze soil and sediment samples from contaminated sites. By employing gold nanoparticles with peak absorption capabilities, Picoyune provides high-performance solutions in a compact format, meeting the demands of clients in environmental monitoring and remediation.

SupraSensor

Grant in 2014
Supramolecular chemistry, the study of the interactions between molecules, provides insight into the processes dictating the spontaneous assembly of discrete molecules in to well-ordered structures. SupraSensor Technologies is an Oregon company founded in 2012 to bring Nature’s own strategy of direct molecular identification to improve sensor technologies in agriculture and industry. Our vision is to develop a scalable, high growth business by applying our technology to solve unmet needs for detecting and directly monitoring critical molecular components in agriculture and industrial processes. These technologies are based on intellectual property coming out of fundamental research conducted at the University of Oregon and others worldwide.

ATRP Solutions

Grant in 2014
ATRP SOLUTIONS develops and manufactures specialty polymers that meet their needs. It recognizes the polymeric materials for improving the performance of commercial products in the areas of personal care and cosmetics, detergents and surfactants, paints, pigments, coatings, and biocompatible materials. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

NuMat Technologies

Grant in 2014
NuMat Technologies, based in Skokie, Illinois, specializes in the design and integration of atomically engineered materials, specifically metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), into systems for gas delivery, separation, and purification. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating programmable chemistries that facilitate precision engineering and unlock new capabilities in resource management. NuMat's product portfolio includes ION-X, a solution for the safe storage and delivery of hazardous gases. The company offers a comprehensive platform for product commercialization that combines advanced material discovery software with rapid prototyping and system integration. This approach enables various industries, such as chemicals, electronics, and life sciences, to address sustainability and innovation goals through enhanced performance and cost-effective production methods.

Pyrochem Catalyst

Grant in 2014
Developer of catalysts and specialty materials for automotive exhaust and reforming applications designed to help in high-temperature catalytic processes. The company's materials help in natural gas conversion to synthesis gas in high aromatic, high sulfur, and high-temperature environments, enabling businesses to save capital and operating costs by providing uninterrupted performance for extended periods.

Voltaic Coatings

Grant in 2014
Voltaic Coatings owns the exclusive license to a pending composition of matter patent for a new material created at the University of Delaware. The material transforms the way electronic displays, touch screens, organic lighting, and thin film solar devices are produced. The customizability of our product will enable our clients to replace the current materials used in the transparent conductor and hole injection layers of their devices.

Vaporsens

Grant in 2014
Vaporsens develops advanced chemical sensors designed for law enforcement, military, and public safety applications. The company is focused on creating a detector that can effectively identify explosives and narcotics, utilizing a patent-pending sensor that boasts enhanced sensitivity and selectivity compared to existing technologies. Vaporsens is also pursuing several additional patents for next-generation sensors intended for various detection methods, including handheld, ambient, and checkpoint use. By prioritizing innovation in sensor technology, Vaporsens aims to improve the capabilities of safety officials in their efforts to combat threats.

Cirtemo

Grant in 2013
Cirtemo specializes in the development of advanced optical filter technology aimed at enhancing chemical detection capabilities. The company's innovative multivariate optical elements utilize microscopic sensors to provide increased sensitivity and specificity in analyte detection, surpassing the limitations of traditional narrow band pass filters. By partnering with Optical Filter Manufacturers and Optical Component and System Manufacturers, Cirtemo enables these partners to offer differentiated products while maintaining a strong intellectual property position. This collaboration empowers clients to address new applications in chemical measurement that were previously unattainable, ultimately improving detection limits and minimizing crosstalk in their analytical processes.

Lygos

Grant in 2013
Lygos is a biotechnology company focused on providing sustainable solutions for renewable chemical production. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, Lygos engineers microbes to convert sugars into high-value industrial chemicals, emphasizing cost-effectiveness compared to traditional petrochemical processes. By utilizing advanced throughput screening and strain construction techniques, the company rapidly optimizes biological pathways to transform inexpensive and renewable feedstock into valuable chemical products. Lygos aims to replace persistent and often toxic chemicals with cleaner, more efficient alternatives, catering to business-to-business customers and fostering high-performing, sustainable solutions across the chemical industry.

Dioxide Materials

Grant in 2013
Dioxide Materials is focused on advancing sustainable technology by developing systems that recycle waste carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals, thereby addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. The company offers a range of products, including Sustainion membranes and ionomers, which serve as catalysts and electrolytes in various electrochemical applications. These include carbon dioxide and water electrolyzers that generate renewable syngas and systems that convert air, water, and renewable energy into renewable gasoline. By providing efficient solutions for the production of clean energy, Dioxide Materials aims to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy and promote the utilization of waste carbon dioxide in the creation of valuable products.

pH Matter

Grant in 2013
pH Matter focuses on the research and development of engineered electrode materials aimed at addressing emerging needs in alternative energy and catalysis. The company specializes in the creation and commercialization of materials for advanced energy and aerospace applications. By offering tailored fuel processing catalysts and custom testing solutions, pH Matter provides its clients with innovative products designed to enhance performance and efficiency in their respective fields. Through its expertise in materials science and manufacturing, the company is positioned to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of sustainable energy solutions.

Active Motif

Grant in 2013
Active Motif Chromeon provides innovative fluorescent reagents for Life Science research applications including several lines of fluorescent chromophores the Chromeo Dyes, RuLabels and Py-Dyes. Chromeo Dye excitation and emission properties match common excitation sources and filter sets, ideal for microscopy and plate-based assays. RuLabels are phosphorescent ruthenium probes that emit strongly polarized light with a long decay time, which enhances sensitivity and reduces background. The Py-Dyes possess unique physical and spectral properties that make conjugation simple, while reatly reducing background. As alternative to organic dyes, a set of bright and biocompatible fluorescent nanoparticles is offered. They represent excellent tools for increasing the sensitivity of your assays.

NuMat Technologies

Grant in 2013
NuMat Technologies, based in Skokie, Illinois, specializes in the design and integration of atomically engineered materials, specifically metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), into systems for gas delivery, separation, and purification. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating programmable chemistries that facilitate precision engineering and unlock new capabilities in resource management. NuMat's product portfolio includes ION-X, a solution for the safe storage and delivery of hazardous gases. The company offers a comprehensive platform for product commercialization that combines advanced material discovery software with rapid prototyping and system integration. This approach enables various industries, such as chemicals, electronics, and life sciences, to address sustainability and innovation goals through enhanced performance and cost-effective production methods.

Arzeda

Grant in 2013
Arzeda Corporation, founded in 2008 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative enzymes and specialty chemical products. The company leverages advanced computational enzyme design technology to create designer proteins and enzymes tailored for diverse applications in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. By focusing on biocatalysis, Arzeda aims to provide clients with high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that enhance their products. The company's expertise in synthetic biology positions it as a leader in the field, enabling the development of a robust portfolio that addresses the growing demand for advanced chemical products.

OmegaChea

Grant in 2013
OmegaChea is a biotechnology company that creates a scalable technology based on microbial engineering to generate bio-based specialty chemicals such as lubricants, surfactants, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

Tethys Research

Grant in 2013
Developer of industrial enzymes intended to provide high value enzymes and chemical entities to businesses. The company develops combination of disparate disciplines to overcome problems that are not amenable to throughput screening methodologies in order to discover new, high value enzymes and chemical entities, enabling organizations to produce and market chemical products and processes through contract or in partnership .
EigenChem Technologies provides chemistry and process research and manufacturing in a spectrum of synthetic organic chemistry projects. EigenChem Technologies Inc. develops disruptive technologies for the cleantech and biotech business sectors. EigenChem Technologies was established in 2011 in Alachua, Florida.

Arzeda

Grant in 2013
Arzeda Corporation, founded in 2008 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative enzymes and specialty chemical products. The company leverages advanced computational enzyme design technology to create designer proteins and enzymes tailored for diverse applications in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. By focusing on biocatalysis, Arzeda aims to provide clients with high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that enhance their products. The company's expertise in synthetic biology positions it as a leader in the field, enabling the development of a robust portfolio that addresses the growing demand for advanced chemical products.
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