National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Biofuel

SIEV

Grant in 2021
SIEV Technologies is a company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, established in 2020. It specializes in developing catalytic membrane technology designed to convert biomass waste into valuable bio-products. The company's innovative approach utilizes a tunable catalyst that replicates the function of natural enzymes, offering high selectivity and conversion rates while maintaining efficiency at elevated temperatures. This technology allows clients to harness a diverse range of biomass sources, facilitating the production of sustainable chemicals and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Caribou Biofuels

Grant in 2021
Caribou Biofuels manufactures biofuels for the conversion of biomass into fuels. The company was established in 2017 and is based in Modesto, California.

Kalion

Grant in 2020
Kalion is an industrial biotechnology company focused on producing glucaric acid and S-3 hydroxybutyrolactone (3-HBL) from renewable feedstocks via traditional, green fermentation using microbes developed with proprietary synthetic biology techniques. Based in Milton, Massachusetts, the company targets chemicals for industrial, material, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, enabling customers to replace oil-based materials with purer, bio-based inputs. Kalion was established in 2010 and operates to scale sustainable fermentation processes that convert renewable resources into valuable specialty chemicals.

Mobius

Grant in 2020
Mobius develops environmental solutions that convert industrial organic waste streams into polymers and materials. The company uses lignin, a waste byproduct from the paper and biofuel industries, to produce a natural, biodegradable polymer. This bio-based polymer is intended for applications in horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging, among others, enabling customers in forestry, paper, biofuel, and biorefining sectors to replace conventional plastics with environmentally friendly alternatives. The approach aims to reduce waste generation and support circular economy goals by turning waste streams from agriculture, forestry, and related industries into new materials and chemicals.

Emvolon

Grant in 2020
Emvolon is a technology company focused on creating a platform for distributed chemical production that utilizes wasted resources. The company's innovative approach involves converting wasted natural gas from flare sites into usable chemicals, which can serve a variety of industrial applications or be transformed into carbon-negative fuels. Emvolon reimagines traditional diesel engines as miniature chemical reactors, allowing for efficient and effective production without the need for large refineries or chemical plants. This process facilitates the establishment of economically viable small-scale production facilities by leveraging the advantages of mass production alongside economies of scale, ultimately providing communities with the essential raw materials they require.

Kalion

Grant in 2018
Kalion is an industrial biotechnology company focused on producing glucaric acid and S-3 hydroxybutyrolactone (3-HBL) from renewable feedstocks via traditional, green fermentation using microbes developed with proprietary synthetic biology techniques. Based in Milton, Massachusetts, the company targets chemicals for industrial, material, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, enabling customers to replace oil-based materials with purer, bio-based inputs. Kalion was established in 2010 and operates to scale sustainable fermentation processes that convert renewable resources into valuable specialty chemicals.

Mobius

Grant in 2018
Mobius develops environmental solutions that convert industrial organic waste streams into polymers and materials. The company uses lignin, a waste byproduct from the paper and biofuel industries, to produce a natural, biodegradable polymer. This bio-based polymer is intended for applications in horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging, among others, enabling customers in forestry, paper, biofuel, and biorefining sectors to replace conventional plastics with environmentally friendly alternatives. The approach aims to reduce waste generation and support circular economy goals by turning waste streams from agriculture, forestry, and related industries into new materials and chemicals.

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.

EntoBio

Grant in 2017
EntoBio is a biotechnology company focused on the development of Liquid Termite™, a proprietary solution that utilizes synthesized insect digestive enzymes to naturally break down difficult compounds, such as tree stumps and various plant materials. By mimicking the digestive processes of termites, EntoBio's technology enhances the efficiency and sustainability of processing products ranging from vegetable oil to wood pulp and biofuels. This innovative approach allows producers to significantly reduce energy consumption and reliance on hazardous chemicals, ultimately lowering both operating and capital costs while minimizing the production of inhibitory byproducts.

Ecovia Renewables

Grant in 2017
Founded in 2014, Ecovia Renewables develops bio-based ingredients through a proprietary fermentation process using renewable biomass. Its product portfolio includes EcoSynth platform for biochemicals and biofuels, Ecovia biopolymers for multi-functional applications, and cellulosic biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass. These products serve the agriculture and personal care sectors.

Xylome

Grant in 2016
Xylome offers solutions that enable first generation biofuel manufacturers to use second generation technology solutions in their manufacturing process. It offers them with advisory, implementation, and support services. Xylome develops a range of non-conventional yeasts and yeast technology solutions for experimental assessments. Xylome was founded by Thomas W Jeffries in 2007. It is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

GlucanBio

Grant in 2016
GlucanBio is a biotechnology company specializing in the conversion of biomass into valuable chemical products. Originating from research at the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State's Center for Biorenewable Chemicals, GlucanBio aims to produce furan derivatives such as furfural, HMF, DMF, THF, and FDCA more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods. The company leverages its team's expertise in catalysis, intellectual property management, engineering scale-up, and early-stage commercialization, led by renowned catalytic chemist Jim Dumesic and industry veteran Brent Shanks. GlucanBio's innovative technology fractionates biomass under mild conditions to generate solvents directly from the feedstock, facilitating a sustainable approach for clients seeking eco-friendly alternatives.

SusTerea Biorenewables

Grant in 2016
SusTerea Biorenewables is a chemical company that specializes in developing and providing sustainable, bio-based solutions. It focuses on harnessing the power of chemistry to convert naturally-occurring sugars into high-yielding, tailored aromatics in a one-pot cascade reaction, without the need for transition metals. This process enables clients to access useful materials derived from renewable feedstocks, promoting a greener and more sustainable chemical industry.

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.

EntoBio

Grant in 2015
EntoBio is a biotechnology company focused on the development of Liquid Termite™, a proprietary solution that utilizes synthesized insect digestive enzymes to naturally break down difficult compounds, such as tree stumps and various plant materials. By mimicking the digestive processes of termites, EntoBio's technology enhances the efficiency and sustainability of processing products ranging from vegetable oil to wood pulp and biofuels. This innovative approach allows producers to significantly reduce energy consumption and reliance on hazardous chemicals, ultimately lowering both operating and capital costs while minimizing the production of inhibitory byproducts.

Kalion

Grant in 2015
Kalion is an industrial biotechnology company focused on producing glucaric acid and S-3 hydroxybutyrolactone (3-HBL) from renewable feedstocks via traditional, green fermentation using microbes developed with proprietary synthetic biology techniques. Based in Milton, Massachusetts, the company targets chemicals for industrial, material, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, enabling customers to replace oil-based materials with purer, bio-based inputs. Kalion was established in 2010 and operates to scale sustainable fermentation processes that convert renewable resources into valuable specialty chemicals.

Xylome

Grant in 2015
Xylome offers solutions that enable first generation biofuel manufacturers to use second generation technology solutions in their manufacturing process. It offers them with advisory, implementation, and support services. Xylome develops a range of non-conventional yeasts and yeast technology solutions for experimental assessments. Xylome was founded by Thomas W Jeffries in 2007. It is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

GlucanBio

Grant in 2015
GlucanBio is a biotechnology company specializing in the conversion of biomass into valuable chemical products. Originating from research at the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State's Center for Biorenewable Chemicals, GlucanBio aims to produce furan derivatives such as furfural, HMF, DMF, THF, and FDCA more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods. The company leverages its team's expertise in catalysis, intellectual property management, engineering scale-up, and early-stage commercialization, led by renowned catalytic chemist Jim Dumesic and industry veteran Brent Shanks. GlucanBio's innovative technology fractionates biomass under mild conditions to generate solvents directly from the feedstock, facilitating a sustainable approach for clients seeking eco-friendly alternatives.

Ecovia Renewables

Grant in 2015
Founded in 2014, Ecovia Renewables develops bio-based ingredients through a proprietary fermentation process using renewable biomass. Its product portfolio includes EcoSynth platform for biochemicals and biofuels, Ecovia biopolymers for multi-functional applications, and cellulosic biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass. These products serve the agriculture and personal care sectors.

Greenyug

Grant in 2014
Greenyug is a technology development company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing the production of commodity chemicals, specialty chemicals, polymers, and fuels derived from renewable sources. The company possesses expertise in all stages of technology development, starting from initial concepts at the lab scale and progressing through piloting to full commercialization. By harnessing renewable resources, Greenyug aims to provide sustainable solutions for the chemical industry, ultimately enabling clients to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their operations.

Elcriton

Grant in 2013
Elcriton is a developer of biochemical technologies focused on replacing fossil fuel consumption and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The company specializes in commercializing innovative solutions that address immediate renewable energy needs, thereby contributing to the growth of the cleantech industry in the United States. Through its advancements, Elcriton aims to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable energy practices.

GrassRoots Biotechnology

Grant in 2013
GrassRoots Biotechnology is a Durham, North Carolina-based company that specializes in developing genomic technologies for agricultural applications. The firm focuses on gene expression and other innovative agricultural technologies aimed at improving crop productivity and sustainability. It conducts research to enhance biofuel feedstocks, particularly biomass crops like switchgrass and sorghum, enabling farmers to cultivate more efficient and sustainable crops. Through its advancements in agricultural biotechnology, GrassRoots Biotechnology aims to contribute to the development of more productive farming practices.

GlucanBio

Grant in 2013
GlucanBio is a biotechnology company specializing in the conversion of biomass into valuable chemical products. Originating from research at the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State's Center for Biorenewable Chemicals, GlucanBio aims to produce furan derivatives such as furfural, HMF, DMF, THF, and FDCA more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods. The company leverages its team's expertise in catalysis, intellectual property management, engineering scale-up, and early-stage commercialization, led by renowned catalytic chemist Jim Dumesic and industry veteran Brent Shanks. GlucanBio's innovative technology fractionates biomass under mild conditions to generate solvents directly from the feedstock, facilitating a sustainable approach for clients seeking eco-friendly alternatives.

Elcriton

Grant in 2012
Elcriton is a developer of biochemical technologies focused on replacing fossil fuel consumption and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The company specializes in commercializing innovative solutions that address immediate renewable energy needs, thereby contributing to the growth of the cleantech industry in the United States. Through its advancements, Elcriton aims to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable energy practices.
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