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 Recycling

Nth Cycle

Grant in 2022
Nth Cycle is a start-up focused on transforming the electronics manufacturing supply chain through innovative low-cost recycling methods. The company aims to shift the industry from a linear material model to a more efficient circular model, thereby reducing dependence on overseas mining and refining of rare earth and specialty metals. By developing an electrochemical recycling device, Nth Cycle enables the reclamation of valuable metals from end-of-life electronic devices, creating a secure domestic source for these materials. This approach not only supports the manufacturing sector but also contributes to advancements in clean energy, addressing the growing demand for sustainable practices in the recycling and electronics industries.
Rapid Radicals Technology specializes in advanced wastewater treatment solutions aimed at helping municipal sewerage districts manage combined sewer overflows. Founded in 2016 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company has developed a decentralized, high-rate treatment technology that integrates rapid solids removal with a proprietary advanced oxidation process. This fully automated system is versatile, catering to various applications, including municipal wastewater treatment, industrial high-strength waste management, and emergency scenarios requiring mobile or compact solutions. By providing reliable and cost-effective wastewater management options, Rapid Radicals Technology supports clients in fostering a more resilient water infrastructure.
Phoenix Waste Solutions, founded in 2019 and based in Chauvin, Louisiana, specializes in innovative waste disposal technology that is both pollution-free and fuel-free. The company's patented ion generator operates at a molecular level to mitigate pollution, offering effective solutions for waste disposal and plastic pollution. By providing a decentralized waste management system, Phoenix Waste Solutions aims to reduce costs and lower the carbon footprint for the waste management industry, addressing critical environmental challenges with advanced technological approaches.

ZiTechnologies

Grant in 2021
ZiTechnologies provides end product pellets with reduced chlorine content that are suitable for power and heat applications. They offer pellets that can be used to replace coal.
Engineering Technologies provides E-Bin, which encourages recycling, then developed Platypus to produce energy from the ocean and is now working on the Platypus Prowler, an AUV that travels indefinitely under the sea. They released a mobile app, E-Bin, which encourages recycling.

Cruz Foam

Seed Round in 2021
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the global challenge of plastic pollution. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into eco-friendly foam products. These biodegradable alternatives serve as a sustainable solution to traditional petroleum-based foams and are utilized across various sectors, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and B2B applications. By leveraging waste materials from the seafood industry, Cruz Foam offers scalable and compostable options that align with existing supply chains and maintain competitive pricing. The company's innovations aim to empower industry leaders to contribute to a cleaner environment while reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

Recurrent

Grant in 2021
Recurrent Motors, Inc. specializes in analyzing electric vehicle (EV) batteries and providing detailed reports that assist car dealers and private buyers in purchasing used electric cars. Founded in 2020 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company offers tools that assess battery health, life expectancy, and current maximum range of EVs, addressing the complexities involved in understanding these factors as vehicles age. By delivering non-invasive tests and leveraging a national database of vehicle data and history, Recurrent enables informed decision-making for both dealers and consumers. Additionally, the company provides personalized monthly battery analyses for EV owners, enhancing their understanding of their vehicles' performance over time.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2021
Repurpose Energy provide affordable & sustainable energy storage solutions to enable the renewable energy transition.

NALA Membranes

Grant in 2021
NALA Systems provides environmental services. New reverse osmosis membranes are what the industry has been waiting for. Reverse osmosis has been proven to be the most efficient way to purify water.

Aquagga

Grant in 2021
Aquagga is a spinout company from the University of Alaska and the University of Washington, focused on developing innovative wet-waste treatment technology. The company utilizes supercritical water (sH2O) technology in conjunction with advanced additive manufacturing to effectively clean and desalinate various industrial effluents. By reducing environmental contaminants with lower energy consumption, Aquagga aims to provide significant social and environmental benefits. Its approach seeks to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering positive societal impacts through sustainable technological solutions.

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.
Paramount Planet Product is an Orono-based startup that aims to cut ocean pollution with low-cost, compostable plant-based drink lid that resembles plastic but will not harm the ocean environment if littered.

Full Circle Microbes

Grant in 2020
Full Circle Microbes provides a waste disposal service that converts organic waste into fertilizer. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Hinesburg, Vermont.

Infinite Cooling

Grant in 2020
Infinite Cooling Inc. is a company focused on water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company employs innovative technology utilizing high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water that evaporates from cooling towers. This process significantly reduces water waste and helps mitigate water scarcity. By implementing its systems, Infinite Cooling enables power plants, data centers, and factories to lower their water consumption and treatment costs, promoting sustainability in industrial operations.

Conox

Grant in 2020
Conox is a research and development company based in Spring, Texas, specializing in the production of alkaline glass made from waste resources. The company's innovative approach utilizes waste concrete to create glass products, which significantly lowers carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process. By requiring less acid sulfate, Conox's glass can be used in a variety of applications, including beverage containers and building materials like fiberglass insulation and mineral wool. This focus on sustainability enables the glass industry to minimize its carbon footprint across the entire 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.

Clean Earth Rovers

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Clean Earth Rovers specializes in innovative technology aimed at addressing the marine debris crisis. The company has developed a system that operates similarly to a robotic vacuum, specifically designed for marinas. This technology autonomously skims for trash, collects oil, and gathers real-time water data, streamlining the cleanup process and reducing the reliance on manual labor. Additionally, it provides predictive analytics to anticipate pollution events, enhancing operational efficiency for waterfront businesses. Clean Earth Rovers focuses on both visible and invisible pollutants, including plastics, oils, and toxins, which contribute to harmful algal blooms. By enabling proactive monitoring and cleanup, the company supports marinas and governments in safeguarding marine ecosystems and maintaining water quality.

Rich Earth Institute

Grant in 2020
Rich Earth Institute conducts research, education, and technological development to advance the use of human waste as a resource. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Ecoclosure

Grant in 2020
Ecoclosure specializes in regenerable building enclosures for commercial, industrial, and residential use. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

EcoLectro

Grant in 2020
Ecolectro makes materials that make clean fuels and chemicals. The company is commercializing a proprietary platform of novel polymers that are best in class, allowing its customers to produce devices that last longer and cost less. Ecolectro has defensible IP, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced personnel, and strong customer traction.

RenewCO2

Grant in 2020
RenewCO2 is a research company established in 2018 and located in Cranford, New Jersey. The company focuses on developing clean electrochemical processes that convert carbon dioxide emissions into useful polymers and chemicals. By specializing in these innovative methods, RenewCO2 aims to assist organizations in the chemical industry in reducing their environmental impact while also creating sustainable products from waste materials. Through its technology, the company seeks to transform CO2 into valuable monomers and other organic chemicals, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly chemical manufacturing landscape.

Mobius

Grant in 2020
Mobius provides environmental solutions that convert waste streams into chemicals and materials. At Mobius, we're creating a world where There’s Wonder in Waste. We’re a mission-driven company focused on eliminating waste by leveraging industrial organic waste streams from agriculture, forestry, paper and biofuel & biorefining industries to create new materials and chemicals. Our first product is a proprietary, biodegradable polymer made from lignin, a natural material found in all grasses and trees that is produced as waste at a rate of over 50 million tons each year by the paper and biofuel industries. With this biopolymer, we are creating a bio-based, biodegradable plastic pellets for applications in horticulture, agriculture, food service packaging, and beyond.

Trash

Grant in 2020
Trash Inc. specializes in developing an artificial intelligence-assisted video editing application that facilitates the creation and editing of short-form videos. Founded in 2017 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company utilizes machine learning technology to enhance user experience, allowing for quick production of high-quality videos directly from mobile devices. Trash Inc. features a platform that includes a stock video repository and employs computer vision to support predictive video editing in real-time. The company operates as a subsidiary of Visual Supply Company and has received backing from the National Science Foundation.

Cruz Foam

Grant in 2020
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the global challenge of plastic pollution. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into eco-friendly foam products. These biodegradable alternatives serve as a sustainable solution to traditional petroleum-based foams and are utilized across various sectors, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and B2B applications. By leveraging waste materials from the seafood industry, Cruz Foam offers scalable and compostable options that align with existing supply chains and maintain competitive pricing. The company's innovations aim to empower industry leaders to contribute to a cleaner environment while reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

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.

Savengy

Grant in 2019
Manufacturer of desalination systems intended to recover potable water from treated wastewater. The company's systems perform water distillation which can distill brackish and seawater and is adaptable to a wide range of environments, enabling industries to use systems in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way.

Phoenix Tailings

Grant in 2019
Phoenix Tailings Inc. is a Massachusetts-based company that focuses on the recycling and re-mining of mining tailings and hazardous by-products, such as Bauxite Residue, to produce essential metal products. Founded in 2019, the company aims to extract strategic materials critical to various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, biotechnology, and electronics. By treating mining and refining waste as new ore, Phoenix Tailings provides an innovative solution to eliminate hazardous environmental waste while creating primary metals sustainably and economically. This approach not only addresses the demand for metals in multiple sectors but also promotes environmentally friendly practices by offering carbon-free alternatives.
Rapid Radicals Technology specializes in advanced wastewater treatment solutions aimed at helping municipal sewerage districts manage combined sewer overflows. Founded in 2016 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company has developed a decentralized, high-rate treatment technology that integrates rapid solids removal with a proprietary advanced oxidation process. This fully automated system is versatile, catering to various applications, including municipal wastewater treatment, industrial high-strength waste management, and emergency scenarios requiring mobile or compact solutions. By providing reliable and cost-effective wastewater management options, Rapid Radicals Technology supports clients in fostering a more resilient water infrastructure.

Infinite Cooling

Grant in 2019
Infinite Cooling Inc. is a company focused on water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company employs innovative technology utilizing high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water that evaporates from cooling towers. This process significantly reduces water waste and helps mitigate water scarcity. By implementing its systems, Infinite Cooling enables power plants, data centers, and factories to lower their water consumption and treatment costs, promoting sustainability in industrial operations.

Nth Cycle

Grant in 2019
Nth Cycle is a start-up focused on transforming the electronics manufacturing supply chain through innovative low-cost recycling methods. The company aims to shift the industry from a linear material model to a more efficient circular model, thereby reducing dependence on overseas mining and refining of rare earth and specialty metals. By developing an electrochemical recycling device, Nth Cycle enables the reclamation of valuable metals from end-of-life electronic devices, creating a secure domestic source for these materials. This approach not only supports the manufacturing sector but also contributes to advancements in clean energy, addressing the growing demand for sustainable practices in the recycling and electronics industries.

Vartega

Grant in 2019
Vartega is a technology development company focused on recycling carbon fiber reinforced plastics, specifically through its innovative patent-pending processes. Established in 2014 and located in Golden, Colorado, Vartega aims to provide low-cost carbon fiber for various mass market applications across several industries, including aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and sporting goods. The company produces recycled carbon fiber suitable for use in nonwoven fabrics, thermoplastic pellets, yarns, and 3D printing filaments. By developing alternative recycling technologies and equipment, Vartega seeks to contribute to the sustainability of carbon fiber materials and enhance their accessibility for broader applications.

Litterati

Grant in 2019
Litterati is an app that encourages users to pick up and track litter.The app plans to let users join groups, so that schools, clubs, and other communities can track their collective efforts rather than having to go solo. It will also introduce maps, so litter-pickers can see what else is being picked up in their neighborhoods.

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.

ZwitterCo

Grant in 2019
ZwitterCo provides revolutionary membrane solutions for the treatment of highly-impaired wastewater.

Beyond The Dome

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

Cleancult

Grant in 2019
Cleancult is a company focused on creating sustainable cleaning products that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. It manufactures refillable items in aluminum bottles and offers all-natural laundry detergents in the form of cleaning pods. These pods contain powerful stain-fighting ingredients and a non-toxic formula, making them suitable for customers with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. By promoting eco-friendly practices and providing effective cleaning solutions, Cleancult aims to support a sustainable lifestyle for its consumers.

NALA Membranes

Grant in 2018
NALA Systems provides environmental services. New reverse osmosis membranes are what the industry has been waiting for. Reverse osmosis has been proven to be the most efficient way to purify water.

Trash

Grant in 2018
Trash Inc. specializes in developing an artificial intelligence-assisted video editing application that facilitates the creation and editing of short-form videos. Founded in 2017 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company utilizes machine learning technology to enhance user experience, allowing for quick production of high-quality videos directly from mobile devices. Trash Inc. features a platform that includes a stock video repository and employs computer vision to support predictive video editing in real-time. The company operates as a subsidiary of Visual Supply Company and has received backing from the National Science Foundation.

TG Companies

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

NovolBio

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Totally vertically integrated B2C eyewear, no plastic waste. Better, faster, cheaper, greener.

Ambercycle

Grant in 2018
Ambercycle is a chemical technology company focused on creating a closed-loop ecosystem for apparel by converting end-of-life textiles into new yarns. The company's innovative recycling technology transforms complex textile waste into a polymer powder, facilitating the recycling process and making it more cost-effective. This approach allows apparel businesses to produce and market clothing using renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. By addressing the challenges associated with textile waste, Ambercycle aims to promote a more sustainable fashion industry.
Cykloburn Technologies LLC develops combustion systems that convert poultry waste to energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

EcoLectro

Grant in 2018
Ecolectro makes materials that make clean fuels and chemicals. The company is commercializing a proprietary platform of novel polymers that are best in class, allowing its customers to produce devices that last longer and cost less. Ecolectro has defensible IP, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced personnel, and strong customer traction.

Litterati

Grant in 2018
Litterati is an app that encourages users to pick up and track litter.The app plans to let users join groups, so that schools, clubs, and other communities can track their collective efforts rather than having to go solo. It will also introduce maps, so litter-pickers can see what else is being picked up in their neighborhoods.

Mobius

Grant in 2018
Mobius provides environmental solutions that convert waste streams into chemicals and materials. At Mobius, we're creating a world where There’s Wonder in Waste. We’re a mission-driven company focused on eliminating waste by leveraging industrial organic waste streams from agriculture, forestry, paper and biofuel & biorefining industries to create new materials and chemicals. Our first product is a proprietary, biodegradable polymer made from lignin, a natural material found in all grasses and trees that is produced as waste at a rate of over 50 million tons each year by the paper and biofuel industries. With this biopolymer, we are creating a bio-based, biodegradable plastic pellets for applications in horticulture, agriculture, food service packaging, and beyond.

Anactisis

Grant in 2017
Designer and developer of solutions designed for the recovery of high-value materials using highly-selective adsorbents. The company enables clients cost-effective management of challenging large volume industrial wastes through transformation to scandium which are used in next-generation technologies in energy, transportation, defense, space and beyond.

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.

Battery Resourcers

Grant in 2017
Founded in 2015, based on a technology out of Professor Wang's group at WPI, Battery Resourcers, is committed to changing the dynamics for processing end of life lithium ion batteries. Currently most lithium ion batteries are landfilled. If they are recycled only the metal value from the batteries is recovered. Battery Resourcers proprietary process allows one to directly synthesize new cathode materials from spent lithium ion cells. Battery Resourcers will be able to deliver low cost cathode materials to the lithium ion battery market enabling green technologies and resulting in less landfilled material a more sustainable pathway forward.

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.

Ambercycle

Grant in 2017
Ambercycle is a chemical technology company focused on creating a closed-loop ecosystem for apparel by converting end-of-life textiles into new yarns. The company's innovative recycling technology transforms complex textile waste into a polymer powder, facilitating the recycling process and making it more cost-effective. This approach allows apparel businesses to produce and market clothing using renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. By addressing the challenges associated with textile waste, Ambercycle aims to promote a more sustainable fashion industry.

TG Companies

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

Cycladex

Grant in 2017
Cycladex has now developed a cheaper process which will reduce operating costs by approximately 30-50% and capital costs by 35-50%. It also has the advantage of using environmentally friendly chemicals eliminating the need to use the expensive Sodium Cyanide.

NovolBio

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Totally vertically integrated B2C eyewear, no plastic waste. Better, faster, cheaper, greener.

Connora Technologies

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

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.

REEcycle

Grant in 2016
By recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste, REEcycle is creating a sustainable, domestic supply of the resources necessary to produce next-generation technologies, including everything from electric cars and iPhones to MRI machines and missile guidance systems.

AMP

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

Renuvix

Grant in 2016
Renuvix is a manufacturer of bio-based resins and polymers, catering to formulators in various industries including paints, coatings, composites, adhesives, cosmetics, and personal care products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, the company focuses on developing innovative resin and synthetic rubber solutions. Renuvix's products enable formulators to achieve lower volatile organic compound emissions in paints and coatings, while also enhancing the performance characteristics of thermosets through high cross-link density.

Ascend Elements

Grant in 2015
Ascend Elements specializes in the sustainable manufacturing of battery materials by utilizing elements extracted from discarded lithium-ion batteries. The company employs advanced hydro process recycling and direct recycling techniques to deconstruct old cathode materials at the atomic level, facilitating the creation of new cathode materials. This innovative approach allows clients to achieve a favorable return on assets while promoting economically viable recycling and affordable battery materials. Ascend Elements' patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology enhances the efficiency of producing new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells compared to traditional methods, leading to reduced costs, improved performance, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2015, Ascend Elements is positioned as a leader in transforming battery resource processing and sustainability in the industry.

EcoLectro

Grant in 2015
Ecolectro makes materials that make clean fuels and chemicals. The company is commercializing a proprietary platform of novel polymers that are best in class, allowing its customers to produce devices that last longer and cost less. Ecolectro has defensible IP, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced personnel, and strong customer traction.

Plastic Flow

Grant in 2015
Plastic Flow is a computer software company that specializes in polymer extrusion software.

Blue Planet Ink

Grant in 2015
Operator of a self-erasing inkjet ink brand intended to make paper reusable without disposing and recycling. The company's ink absorbs and reacts with carbon dioxide present in the air which makes the ink colorless, enabling consumers to recycle and reuse the same paper multiple times.

Connora Technologies

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

OnTo Technology

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

Arbsource

Grant in 2014
Arbsource is developing wastewater treatment systems for the food & beverage industry, cutting painfully expensive water and power bills with biotechnology.

cycleWood Solutions

Grant in 2014
CycleWood Solutions Inc. specializes in producing biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic bags, catering to consumers, governments, and retailers worldwide. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company employs patented technology to create its products, including Xylobag® consumer trash bags and Xylomer® sustainable resins. These offerings are designed to serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. The Xylobag®, for instance, decomposes into humus within 150 days, contributing to reducing plastic waste. By utilizing lignin-based materials, CycleWood Solutions aims to provide cost-comparable options that support a more sustainable society while addressing the growing concerns of plastic pollution.

Renuvix

Grant in 2014
Renuvix is a manufacturer of bio-based resins and polymers, catering to formulators in various industries including paints, coatings, composites, adhesives, cosmetics, and personal care products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, the company focuses on developing innovative resin and synthetic rubber solutions. Renuvix's products enable formulators to achieve lower volatile organic compound emissions in paints and coatings, while also enhancing the performance characteristics of thermosets through high cross-link density.

Green SulfCrete

Grant in 2013
SulfCrete™ is an innovative, New York-based company that utilizes recycled materials from the oil and coal industries to produce its keystone product: a high-strength, ultra-impermeable, corrosion-resistant, low-CO2 emission, waterless, sulfur-polymer concrete. We have transformed a previously unworkable product developed in the 1980s by the U.S. Bureau of Mines into one with both commercial viability and enormous market potential. For the past 30 years, years, sulfur-polymer concrete has required the use of a high-cost additive that has made it commercially infeasible. SulfCrete's patented innovations, emerging out of the Environmental and Climate Sciences Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, have changed this-- making use of alternative, organic additives, over 100x less expensive, to manufacture an all-around superior product.
Syzygy Memory Plastics was founded in 2007

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.

Mango Materials

Grant in 2013
Mango Materials, Inc., founded in 2010 and based in Albany, California, specializes in producing biodegradable biopolymers from waste biogas, specifically methane. The company focuses on converting polyhydroxyalkanoate into a range of eco-friendly plastic products, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional oil-based plastics. By leveraging waste materials, Mango Materials aims to provide manufacturers with economically viable options for creating sustainable products. Their innovative approach positions them as a competitive player in the bioplastics market, emphasizing both environmental responsibility and economic feasibility.

cycleWood Solutions

Grant in 2012
CycleWood Solutions Inc. specializes in producing biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic bags, catering to consumers, governments, and retailers worldwide. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company employs patented technology to create its products, including Xylobag® consumer trash bags and Xylomer® sustainable resins. These offerings are designed to serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. The Xylobag®, for instance, decomposes into humus within 150 days, contributing to reducing plastic waste. By utilizing lignin-based materials, CycleWood Solutions aims to provide cost-comparable options that support a more sustainable society while addressing the growing concerns of plastic pollution.

Porifera

Grant in 2012
Provider of membrane concentration equipment catering to the food and beverage industry. The company's product concentrates waste and purifies water to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, enabling industries to efficiently remove water and retain all of the components of their products to create concentrates.

Sustainability A to Z

Grant in 2012
Sustainability A to Z specializes in sustainability science including the implementation of green chemistry and engineering principles towards benign chemicals and formulations, carbon and water footprinting. The company provides research through implementation of a wide range of innovation services for its clients. The services they provide include green chemistry and engineering, computational toxicology, operational footprints, and stakeholder engagements. Sustainability A to Z was founded in 2007 by Dr. Julie Beth Zimmerman in Guilford, Connecticut.

Cambrian Innovation

Grant in 2012
Cambrian Innovation Inc. specializes in wastewater treatment systems that utilize innovative technologies to recover resources from wastewater, enabling cleaner water and energy generation. The company's primary offerings include the EcoVolt Reactor, which employs electrically active microbes, and the EcoVolt Mini, a compact system designed for smaller facilities to manage biological oxygen demand and total suspended solids. Additionally, Cambrian provides the EcoVolt MBR, a membrane bioreactor that integrates membrane filtration for effective contaminant removal, particularly for the food and beverage sector. Founded in 2006 and based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Cambrian Innovation initially received a grant from NASA to explore bioelectricity applications for water management, and has since developed a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that assist industrial, agricultural, and municipal clients in efficiently managing and reusing their resources while significantly reducing treatment costs.

Cambrian Innovation

Grant in 2012
Cambrian Innovation Inc. specializes in wastewater treatment systems that utilize innovative technologies to recover resources from wastewater, enabling cleaner water and energy generation. The company's primary offerings include the EcoVolt Reactor, which employs electrically active microbes, and the EcoVolt Mini, a compact system designed for smaller facilities to manage biological oxygen demand and total suspended solids. Additionally, Cambrian provides the EcoVolt MBR, a membrane bioreactor that integrates membrane filtration for effective contaminant removal, particularly for the food and beverage sector. Founded in 2006 and based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Cambrian Innovation initially received a grant from NASA to explore bioelectricity applications for water management, and has since developed a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that assist industrial, agricultural, and municipal clients in efficiently managing and reusing their resources while significantly reducing treatment costs.

Dioxide Materials

Grant in 2012
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.

Ecovative

Grant in 2012
Ecovative Design LLC is a biomaterials company based in Green Island, New York, with manufacturing facilities in Troy and Paradise, California. Founded in 2007 by Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre, the company creates sustainable materials inspired by the natural bonding properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Its product line includes Myco board for furniture components, Myco foam for packaging and insulation, Myco make for various consumer goods, and Myco flex and grow materials. Ecovative aims to replace conventional plastics and foams with eco-friendly alternatives that are both high-performing and cost-effective. The company has received multiple grants from organizations such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency, which have supported its development of innovative materials that align with sustainability goals. Through its research and development, Ecovative continues to pioneer the use of natural composites in various applications, contributing to a more sustainable future.

ecoATM

Grant in 2012
ecoATM, LLC specializes in the recycling of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and MP3 players, through automated kiosks located throughout the United States. Founded in 2008 and based in San Diego, the company provides a convenient platform for consumers to sell unwanted electronics, offering cash on the spot for devices they no longer use. The kiosks, strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as malls and grocery stores, evaluate the worth of the devices and facilitate the transformation of used electronics into valuable materials like copper, silver, gold, and palladium. In 2015, ecoATM expanded its services by acquiring Gazelle, enhancing both online and kiosk experiences for consumers. Through its services, ecoATM promotes responsible consumption by providing an easy, safe, and fast way for individuals to trade in their devices while also offering certified pre-owned electronics at competitive prices.
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