Aquagga specializes in developing and operating advanced technologies for the treatment and remediation of water pollutants, notably focusing on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). They employ their proprietary Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology to destroy PFAS effectively. Aquagga serves both government/municipal markets and industrial wastewater sectors, aiming to mitigate environmental health risks associated with these contaminants.
Octet Scientific
Grant in 2022
Octet Scientific produces organic electrolyte chemicals, notably its OctoLyte products. These enhance efficiency and extend cycle life for batteries, particularly in emerging markets such as grid storage, data centers/AI, and small mobility.
QSimulate is a Boston-based company that specializes in developing cloud-based quantitative simulation tools focused on quantum molecular simulations. By leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, QSimulate aims to address significant industrial-scale challenges primarily within the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Its innovative platform automates various workflows, allowing computational scientists to shift their focus from repetitive tasks to more strategic activities, ultimately enhancing productivity. This approach enables clients to accelerate their research and development processes, positioning QSimulate as a key player in advancing scientific inquiry and innovation in these industries.
Sunchem specializes in the development of environmentally sustainable nano filters designed for waste and wastewater management. The company's innovative technology focuses on the selective capture of metals from complex water mixtures, offering a superior alternative to existing separation methods. Targeting high-value markets such as water purification, energy, and critical metal extraction, Sunchem's solutions enable industries to enhance water quality in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. Additionally, these filters allow clients to derive value from their waste streams, thereby promoting both economic and environmental benefits.
Belmont Scientific
Grant in 2022
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.
Environmental Protective Coatings
Grant in 2022
Founded in 1983, Environmental Protective Coatings specializes in manufacturing innovative coatings designed to protect surfaces from dust and algae. Their fluorine-free and omniphobic products utilize polymer additives for self-cleaning properties, anti-graffiti features, and residue-free fluid transfer, promoting cleanliness and safety while being environmentally friendly.
Stochastic Research Technologies
Grant in 2022
Stochastic Research Technologies is a software company specializing in providing research and innovative solutions for challenges within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors. The company focuses on developing algorithms, methods, and tools that address complex issues related to energy and the environment, sustainability, molecular modeling, process management, and supply chain management. By leveraging advanced modeling and optimization techniques, Stochastic Research Technologies enables clients across various industries to effectively tackle biomedical problems and enhance their operational efficiencies. The company's commitment to applied research supports its mission to deliver practical and impactful solutions tailored to the needs of its diverse clientele.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
Cypris Materials
Grant in 2021
Cypris Materials develops sustainable color solutions through a structural coating platform that enables tunable color effects using non-toxic, plant-based materials. The company manufactures and distributes metal-free colors and heat-reflective coatings suitable for roofing retrofit projects in residential and commercial buildings, targeting applications across paints, coatings, and packaging. The approach emphasizes environmentally friendly color options and product versatility for manufacturers seeking sustainable color solutions.
Tethys Research
Grant in 2021
Tethys Research is a discovery company focused on developing high-value industrial enzymes and chemical entities. Founded to leverage expertise across diverse disciplines, Tethys addresses challenges that traditional high-throughput screening methods cannot effectively resolve. The company collaborates with various organizations to enhance the production and marketing of chemical products and processes, providing innovative solutions tailored to industry needs. Through its contract and partnership models, Tethys plays a significant role in advancing the capabilities of its clients in the chemical sector.
Xheme is a technology company founded in 2019 and based in Newton, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing advanced blood bag technology aimed at extending the shelf life of blood and platelets. The company also focuses on creating specialty chemicals designed to enhance product quality, sustainability, and safety across various industrial sectors. Xheme's innovative products are programmable, allowing them to provide multiple protective functions such as resistance to oxidation, ultraviolet light, corrosion, and microbial threats. This versatility enables industries to preserve the aesthetic and functional quality of their products over extended periods.
Repela Tech specializes in developing eco-friendly antifouling marine coatings designed to prevent biofouling on ships without the toxic effects associated with conventional copper-based paints. The company's innovative approach involves creating hydrogel coatings and custom-engineered primers that effectively resist a variety of marine micro and macro-organisms, including Ulva zoospores, diatoms, and mussels. This technology offers an environmentally safe alternative to traditional antifouling methods, providing clients with effective solutions for maintaining their vessels while minimizing environmental impact.
CelluDot is a biotechnology company developing innovative suspension and emulsion technologies. Its core platform aims to tackle agrochemical drift, offering farmers an affordable and effective adjuvant that minimizes vapor and particle drift of herbicides like dicamba.
Phosio specializes in producing unique chemicals that facilitate the creation of metal oxide thin films using ultraviolet (UV) light at very low temperatures. These metal oxides are utilized across various industries, including semiconductors, batteries, optical coatings, and optoelectronic devices such as displays and solar cells. Additionally, Phosio develops photoresist materials designed to manufacture high aspect ratio nanostructures, focusing on low-temperature production of high-refractive-index optical coatings that are UV curable, transparent, and robust. These advancements support the tech hardware industry in developing smart devices for components like augmented reality, organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and light-emitting diode (LED) technologies.
Sunthetics accelerates pharmaceutical process development using electrochemical methods. Its smart reactors and machine-learning platform enable chemists to create lead molecules ten times faster, using less energy and reducing waste. While initially focused on pharma, Sunthetics' technology can be applied across chemical industries.
Quick-Med Technologies
Grant in 2021
Quick-Med Technologies, Inc. is a life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing proprietary technologies aimed at infection prevention and control within the medical and consumer healthcare sectors. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, the company specializes in the research and development of biomedical products and devices with antibacterial applications. Its core technologies include NIMBUS, a family of advanced polymers with antimicrobial and hemostatic properties; Stay Fresh, a chemical formulation for textiles that provides durable antimicrobial protection; and MultiStat, a series of patented methods and compounds for skin therapy. Quick-Med serves a variety of clients, including government agencies and companies in healthcare, medical, apparel, textile, and personal care industries.
Aquagga specializes in developing and operating advanced technologies for the treatment and remediation of water pollutants, notably focusing on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). They employ their proprietary Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology to destroy PFAS effectively. Aquagga serves both government/municipal markets and industrial wastewater sectors, aiming to mitigate environmental health risks associated with these contaminants.
General Engineering and Research
Grant in 2020
General Engineering and Research specializes in the development of nanotechnology-based systems aimed at both clinical and industrial processing applications. The company's innovative research portfolio includes functionalized nanoparticles and nano-sized capsules that serve various purposes, notably in polishing applications like chemical mechanical planarization. In addition to these polishing solutions, the company also focuses on applications in drug delivery and nano-sensors. By leveraging advanced nanomaterials, General Engineering and Research enables clients to enhance their business processes and achieve specific operational goals.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
NUMiX MATERIALS
Grant in 2020
NUMiX MATERIALS is a water treatment company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying sorbents to remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. It focuses on RCRA, Water, Sorbents, Pretreatment, and Metals.
It was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
ThruPore Technologies
Grant in 2020
ThruPore Technologies designs and manufactures porous carbon support structures for industrial catalysts, producing heterogeneous catalysts in pellet and powder forms. It focuses on palladium on carbon driven reactions, seeking improved porosity and dispersion within the catalyst support. The company develops high-porosity carbon materials for applications across precious metal and carbon-only catalysts, as well as fuel cell and battery materials, delivering refined end products for industrial clients. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Bear, Delaware.
BENANOVA develops safer antimicrobial products and eco-friendly materials for disinfectant, cosmetic, agricultural, and textile applications. Its Environmentally-benign Nanoparticles provide high efficacy with a degradable design, offering environmentally friendly replacements for silver nanoparticle antimicrobials and the potential to reduce chemical use in crop protection by up to 90%. The company also uses lignin-based, biodegradable materials from bio-renewable sources to support sustainable agriculture and specialty textiles, combining strong performance with reduced environmental impact.
Founded in 2016, Membrion specializes in manufacturing and commercializing advanced membrane filtration technologies. Its products are designed to filter molecules under diverse conditions, serving applications such as flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals.
Synmatter develops anticorrosive pigments and sustainable additives that enable smart particles for extended metal protection and antifouling coatings. Founded in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, the company focuses on integrating microscopic components derived from space program research into existing surface treatments to significantly increase the durability of metallic materials. Its solutions are designed to lower maintenance costs and reduce downtime across sectors such as maritime transport, energy production, national defense, and civil engineering, while promoting environmental safety by eliminating toxic substances.
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.
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.
Octet Scientific
Grant in 2020
Octet Scientific produces organic electrolyte chemicals, notably its OctoLyte products. These enhance efficiency and extend cycle life for batteries, particularly in emerging markets such as grid storage, data centers/AI, and small mobility.
Environmental Protective Coatings
Grant in 2020
Founded in 1983, Environmental Protective Coatings specializes in manufacturing innovative coatings designed to protect surfaces from dust and algae. Their fluorine-free and omniphobic products utilize polymer additives for self-cleaning properties, anti-graffiti features, and residue-free fluid transfer, promoting cleanliness and safety while being environmentally friendly.
New Iridium is a company focused on decarbonizing the chemical industry by converting CO2 into value-added products, thereby reducing overall carbon emissions. The company employs innovative technology that uses photocatalysts and light instead of heat to produce chemicals, resulting in low-energy consumption. By consuming more CO2 than it emits during production and integrating lower-cost alternative feedstocks, New Iridium creates carbon-negative versions of existing commodity chemicals. This approach not only lowers the environmental impact but also offers a cost-effective solution for the chemical industry.
Boydston Chemicals Innovations
Grant in 2020
Boydston Chemicals Innovations, Inc. is a manufacturer of resins and specialty chemicals, established in 2017 and located in Federal Way, Washington. As a subsidiary of 3D Systems Corporation, the company specializes in the development of innovative solutions utilizing ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Boydston Chemicals Innovations produces a variety of chemical products, including polynorbornene, polydicyclopentadiene, and related homopolymers. The company is also engaged in extensive research to enhance the applications of its polymer compounds, offering solutions that incorporate metal initiators such as ruthenium, molybdenum, and tungsten salts.
RenewCO2 is a research company based in Cranford, New Jersey, focused on developing innovative processes to convert carbon dioxide emissions into usable products, such as polymers and organic chemicals. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in clean electrochemical technologies that enable the transformation of CO2 into monomers and other valuable chemicals. By providing solutions that help chemical industry organizations reduce their environmental footprint, RenewCO2 aims to facilitate the creation of sustainable products from waste materials, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Avium develops fuels and chemicals from CO2, water, and renewable energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lawrence, Kansas.
BENANOVA develops safer antimicrobial products and eco-friendly materials for disinfectant, cosmetic, agricultural, and textile applications. Its Environmentally-benign Nanoparticles provide high efficacy with a degradable design, offering environmentally friendly replacements for silver nanoparticle antimicrobials and the potential to reduce chemical use in crop protection by up to 90%. The company also uses lignin-based, biodegradable materials from bio-renewable sources to support sustainable agriculture and specialty textiles, combining strong performance with reduced environmental impact.
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.
Cypris Materials
Grant in 2019
Cypris Materials develops sustainable color solutions through a structural coating platform that enables tunable color effects using non-toxic, plant-based materials. The company manufactures and distributes metal-free colors and heat-reflective coatings suitable for roofing retrofit projects in residential and commercial buildings, targeting applications across paints, coatings, and packaging. The approach emphasizes environmentally friendly color options and product versatility for manufacturers seeking sustainable color solutions.
Respondic is a manufacturing company established in 2019 and located in Champaign, Illinois. It specializes in producing innovative smart adhesive products designed to fulfill various fastening needs. The company's adhesives leverage a unique polymer formulation that provides a strong and permanent bond on diverse surfaces, making them suitable for a wide array of applications. Through its commitment to developing robust and reusable adhesive solutions, Respondic aims to enhance the usability and effectiveness of bonding materials across different industries.
New Iridium is a company focused on decarbonizing the chemical industry by converting CO2 into value-added products, thereby reducing overall carbon emissions. The company employs innovative technology that uses photocatalysts and light instead of heat to produce chemicals, resulting in low-energy consumption. By consuming more CO2 than it emits during production and integrating lower-cost alternative feedstocks, New Iridium creates carbon-negative versions of existing commodity chemicals. This approach not only lowers the environmental impact but also offers a cost-effective solution for the chemical industry.
Cyclopure
Series B in 2019
CycloPure, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in polymer adsorbents designed to eliminate micropollutants from water. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, the company has developed a pioneering approach using cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents for water treatment. CycloPure's products cater to a diverse range of clients, including consumer point-of-use product manufacturers, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. The company also provides water testing kits through online platforms. To support its innovative endeavors, CycloPure operates a research and technology center located in Skokie, Illinois, positioning itself as a leader in the science of targeted micropollutant removal.
MITO Material Solutions
Grant in 2019
MITO Material Solutions is a specialty chemical company that develops and manufactures graphene-based hybrid polymer modifiers and nano-additives to improve the durability and performance of composite materials. Its product lines include hybridized graphene oxide and epoxide-based modifiers that strengthen fiber-reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic resins, and the E-GO material used in carbon fiber components. The company also markets the T-Series nano-additives, which toughen epoxy and resin systems to increase toughness and reduce material usage. These additives are used in resins and thermoplastics such as PA66 and find applications across aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and transportation sectors, including RVs and boats. MITO was founded in 2016 and is based in Indianapolis, with an additional office in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
GlycoSurf, established in 2013, is a specialty chemicals company that produces bio-inspired surfactants, specifically focusing on rhamnolipids. These are high-purity, non-toxic, biodegradable glycolipids with tailored chemical properties. GlycoSurf's products are used in various applications, notably in the formulation of personal-care products, contributing to a more sustainable chemical industry.
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 specializing in on-site hydrogen peroxide production technology. Its electrochemical catalyst research platform simplifies hydrogen peroxide production and delivery, primarily serving the pulp and paper industry.
Founded in 2016 and based in San Diego, Algenesis is a material science company dedicated to combating pollution caused by fossil fuel-derived products. It produces renewable polyurethanes from algae and non-food plant oils, partnering with companies to create sustainable surfboards and biodegradable flip flops.
Millennial Scientific
Grant in 2019
Millennial Scientific is an advanced material and manufacturing company focused on Chromatography and allied products. Our chromatography product portfolio comprises the award-winning NanoPak-C all-carbon suite of products. They deliver high-performance extraction, separation, and purification of chemicals and biochemicals serving underserved or unserved Life- and Bio-Science market segments. These products are available as bulk stationary phase media or packed in solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography columns. NanoPak-C is attracting customers with analysis requirements outside the current silica-based column capabilities and seeking faster, more efficient analysis while reducing laboratory costs and solvent usage. It is benefiting customers seeking next-generation performance capabilities to separate structurally similar compounds, biologics, biobetters, or biosimilars.
Fullmoon Sensors
Grant in 2019
Fullmoon Sensors specializes in the design and deployment of intelligent chemical sensing networks aimed at continuous monitoring of airborne chemicals. Founded in 2018 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company focuses on solutions for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Its patented microfabricated sensors are capable of differentiating, speciating, and quantifying various VOCs while operating efficiently at low power, typically through a USB connection. By utilizing IoT technology, Fullmoon Sensors enables users to identify and measure different low-power gases, contributing to improved environmental monitoring and safety.
H Quest Vanguard
Grant in 2019
H Quest Vanguard develops plasma conversion processes to produce fuels, chemicals, and advanced carbon materials. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Activated Research Company
Grant in 2019
Activated Research Company (ARC), established by Brad Cleveland and Andrew Jones, specializes in developing innovative solutions in the field of catalysis. Its flagship product, the Polyarc® system, combines catalysis with chemical analysis to enhance gas chromatography technology, making it easier to use and integrate into existing systems. This groundbreaking innovation has been recognized internationally, winning awards such as the "2015 Best New Product" at the Gulf Coast Conference and being named one of the top innovations in 2015 by The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards. ARC's mission is to improve chemical research processes globally through continuous innovation.
Lygos is a Berkeley, California based biotechnology company that engineers microbes to convert sugars into high-value industrial chemicals where biological production is cost-advantaged over petrochemicals. Throughput screening and strain construction enable rapid optimization of metabolic pathways to transform cheap, renewable feedstocks into scalable chemical products. The company pursues sustainable specialty chemicals designed to replace persistent and toxic substances with safer, cleaner, cost-effective alternatives. With a multidisciplinary, vertically integrated platform, Lygos collaborates with partners across the value chain to deliver high-performing, environmentally beneficial solutions for business customers. Founded in 2011, Lygos serves B2B clients by developing and delivering products that combine performance with environmental benefits.
CycloPure, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in polymer adsorbents designed to eliminate micropollutants from water. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, the company has developed a pioneering approach using cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents for water treatment. CycloPure's products cater to a diverse range of clients, including consumer point-of-use product manufacturers, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. The company also provides water testing kits through online platforms. To support its innovative endeavors, CycloPure operates a research and technology center located in Skokie, Illinois, positioning itself as a leader in the science of targeted micropollutant removal.
Repela Tech specializes in developing eco-friendly antifouling marine coatings designed to prevent biofouling on ships without the toxic effects associated with conventional copper-based paints. The company's innovative approach involves creating hydrogel coatings and custom-engineered primers that effectively resist a variety of marine micro and macro-organisms, including Ulva zoospores, diatoms, and mussels. This technology offers an environmentally safe alternative to traditional antifouling methods, providing clients with effective solutions for maintaining their vessels while minimizing environmental impact.
Synmatter develops anticorrosive pigments and sustainable additives that enable smart particles for extended metal protection and antifouling coatings. Founded in 2015 and based in Orlando, Florida, the company focuses on integrating microscopic components derived from space program research into existing surface treatments to significantly increase the durability of metallic materials. Its solutions are designed to lower maintenance costs and reduce downtime across sectors such as maritime transport, energy production, national defense, and civil engineering, while promoting environmental safety by eliminating toxic substances.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
Molecular Glasses
Grant in 2019
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Rochester, New York, Molecular Glasses specializes in the development of non-crystallized molecular glasses for stable and long-lived organic electronics. The company focuses on creating a range of products including hole-transporting, electron-transporting, ambipolar, fluorescent, phosphorescent, cross-linkable, and soluble materials to enhance OLED technology.
Founded in 2016, Membrion specializes in manufacturing and commercializing advanced membrane filtration technologies. Its products are designed to filter molecules under diverse conditions, serving applications such as flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals.
Dynalene is a developer and supplier of industrial heat transfer fluids and coolants for ultra-low temperature cryogenic and other demanding applications. The company offers glycols, potassium formate, calcium chloride-based secondary refrigerants, and high-performance coolants, along with a range of high- and low-temperature fluids, nanodiamond products, and functionalized nanoparticle dispersions for water treatment, coatings, biomedical, and related uses. It provides laboratory services such as thermal and physical analysis, chemical testing, and materials/corrosion testing. Dynalene serves markets including fuel cells, solar and geothermal, HVAC, supermarket refrigeration, plastics processing, electronics, pharmaceutical, environmental testing, food and beverage, and wind tunnels, and markets its products via an online store. Based in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on cryogenic and precision cooling needs with chemistries spanning glycols, potassium formate, calcium chloride, hydrocarbons, and silicones.
Dimensional Energy
Grant in 2018
Dimensional Energy is a chemistry company specializing in artificial photosynthesis. It aims to produce eco-friendly polymers and chemical intermediaries by efficiently harnessing sunlight using scalable reactors and innovative catalysts.
Ambercycle is a material science company focused on converting textile waste into fresh materials through chemical recycling. Its technology deconstructs complex end-of-life fabrics to yield a polymer powder that can be used to manufacture new yarns and textiles, enabling apparel brands to source renewable feedstocks and reduce waste. The company seeks to assemble discarded textiles into a centralized ecosystem and use molecular regeneration to recover components from fabrics, so regional and international players can reroute waste back into supply chains and advance circular textile flows.
Founded in 2016 and based in San Diego, Algenesis is a material science company dedicated to combating pollution caused by fossil fuel-derived products. It produces renewable polyurethanes from algae and non-food plant oils, partnering with companies to create sustainable surfboards and biodegradable flip flops.
Avium develops fuels and chemicals from CO2, water, and renewable energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lawrence, Kansas.
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.
PolySpectra is a materials company that develops functional materials and light-activated catalysts for advanced additive manufacturing. The company provides stereolithography resins and other light-curable materials designed to print durable plastic parts and enable production-scale 3D printing with tailored properties from a single chemical system. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, PolySpectra aims to transform 3D printing from prototyping to production by offering modular materials platforms that support a broad range of mechanical, thermal, and functional properties for engineers and designers.
BENANOVA develops safer antimicrobial products and eco-friendly materials for disinfectant, cosmetic, agricultural, and textile applications. Its Environmentally-benign Nanoparticles provide high efficacy with a degradable design, offering environmentally friendly replacements for silver nanoparticle antimicrobials and the potential to reduce chemical use in crop protection by up to 90%. The company also uses lignin-based, biodegradable materials from bio-renewable sources to support sustainable agriculture and specialty textiles, combining strong performance with reduced environmental impact.
Millennial Scientific
Grant in 2018
Millennial Scientific is an advanced material and manufacturing company focused on Chromatography and allied products. Our chromatography product portfolio comprises the award-winning NanoPak-C all-carbon suite of products. They deliver high-performance extraction, separation, and purification of chemicals and biochemicals serving underserved or unserved Life- and Bio-Science market segments. These products are available as bulk stationary phase media or packed in solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography columns. NanoPak-C is attracting customers with analysis requirements outside the current silica-based column capabilities and seeking faster, more efficient analysis while reducing laboratory costs and solvent usage. It is benefiting customers seeking next-generation performance capabilities to separate structurally similar compounds, biologics, biobetters, or biosimilars.
Octet Scientific
Grant in 2017
Octet Scientific produces organic electrolyte chemicals, notably its OctoLyte products. These enhance efficiency and extend cycle life for batteries, particularly in emerging markets such as grid storage, data centers/AI, and small mobility.
Boydston Chemicals Innovations
Grant in 2017
Boydston Chemicals Innovations, Inc. is a manufacturer of resins and specialty chemicals, established in 2017 and located in Federal Way, Washington. As a subsidiary of 3D Systems Corporation, the company specializes in the development of innovative solutions utilizing ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Boydston Chemicals Innovations produces a variety of chemical products, including polynorbornene, polydicyclopentadiene, and related homopolymers. The company is also engaged in extensive research to enhance the applications of its polymer compounds, offering solutions that incorporate metal initiators such as ruthenium, molybdenum, and tungsten salts.
MITO Material Solutions
Grant in 2017
MITO Material Solutions is a specialty chemical company that develops and manufactures graphene-based hybrid polymer modifiers and nano-additives to improve the durability and performance of composite materials. Its product lines include hybridized graphene oxide and epoxide-based modifiers that strengthen fiber-reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic resins, and the E-GO material used in carbon fiber components. The company also markets the T-Series nano-additives, which toughen epoxy and resin systems to increase toughness and reduce material usage. These additives are used in resins and thermoplastics such as PA66 and find applications across aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and transportation sectors, including RVs and boats. MITO was founded in 2016 and is based in Indianapolis, with an additional office in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
SAS Nanotechnologies
Grant in 2017
Founded in 2016, SAS Nanotechnologies specializes in developing smart, self-healing anticorrosive coatings. These innovative coatings, applicable across industries like oil and gas, construction, marine, and architecture, aim to solve chemical challenges and enhance product performance through controlled release technology.
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.
DMC Biotechnologies
Grant in 2017
DMC Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the development of bio-based products through microbial fermentation technology. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on engineering microbial hosts to produce a range of specialty chemicals, flavors, fragrances, nutraceuticals, natural products, and pharmaceuticals. DMC Biotechnologies employs its proprietary Dynamic Metabolic Control technology to enhance production efficiency, thereby reducing costs and accelerating the timeline from discovery to commercial performance. The company's innovative approach supports sustainability by utilizing lower energy and resource inputs in the manufacturing process.
CycloPure, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in polymer adsorbents designed to eliminate micropollutants from water. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Encinitas, California, the company has developed a pioneering approach using cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents for water treatment. CycloPure's products cater to a diverse range of clients, including consumer point-of-use product manufacturers, water treatment operators, engineering firms, medical and commercial enterprises, beverage producers, and textile manufacturers. The company also provides water testing kits through online platforms. To support its innovative endeavors, CycloPure operates a research and technology center located in Skokie, Illinois, positioning itself as a leader in the science of targeted micropollutant removal.
Ambercycle is a material science company focused on converting textile waste into fresh materials through chemical recycling. Its technology deconstructs complex end-of-life fabrics to yield a polymer powder that can be used to manufacture new yarns and textiles, enabling apparel brands to source renewable feedstocks and reduce waste. The company seeks to assemble discarded textiles into a centralized ecosystem and use molecular regeneration to recover components from fabrics, so regional and international players can reroute waste back into supply chains and advance circular textile flows.
Activated Research Company
Grant in 2017
Activated Research Company (ARC), established by Brad Cleveland and Andrew Jones, specializes in developing innovative solutions in the field of catalysis. Its flagship product, the Polyarc® system, combines catalysis with chemical analysis to enhance gas chromatography technology, making it easier to use and integrate into existing systems. This groundbreaking innovation has been recognized internationally, winning awards such as the "2015 Best New Product" at the Gulf Coast Conference and being named one of the top innovations in 2015 by The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards. ARC's mission is to improve chemical research processes globally through continuous innovation.
Dimensional Energy
Grant in 2017
Dimensional Energy is a chemistry company specializing in artificial photosynthesis. It aims to produce eco-friendly polymers and chemical intermediaries by efficiently harnessing sunlight using scalable reactors and innovative catalysts.
Founded in 2015, Maxterial develops innovative materials with unique surface properties. Their technology mimics natural strategies like the self-cleaning lotus leaf to create surfaces resistant to corrosion, biofouling, and ice formation. Maxterial's affordable and easy-to-integrate process modifies material textures, reducing contact area for objects and droplets.
LumiShield Technologies
Grant in 2017
LumiShield Technologies develops and supplies sustainable metal oxide coatings that protect metal substrates from corrosion and enhance paint adhesion. Its flagship product, Lumidize®, is an aluminum oxide coating applied via electroplating that can be used on a wide range of metal substrates and multi‑metal components. The technology improves durability, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates many environmental problems associated with conventional pretreatment processes. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, electronics, and infrastructure, providing solutions that extend the life of metal parts and vessels used in chemical and other demanding environments.
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.
enEvolv, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in engineering and licensing microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and algae for diverse applications across industries including specialty chemicals, food, energy, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Established in 2011, the company focuses on developing cost-effective and sustainable solutions to meet the growing global demand for critical resources driven by population growth and increased economic prosperity. enEvolv collaborates with various organizations to create novel microorganisms and enhance existing strains to boost production yields and improve product quality. Utilizing a proprietary genome engineering platform based on advanced techniques developed at Harvard, enEvolv accelerates microbial evolution to enable precise genomic edits, offering significant advantages in speed, cost, and engineering capabilities. As of March 2020, enEvolv operates as a subsidiary of Zymergen, Inc.
PolySpectra is a materials company that develops functional materials and light-activated catalysts for advanced additive manufacturing. The company provides stereolithography resins and other light-curable materials designed to print durable plastic parts and enable production-scale 3D printing with tailored properties from a single chemical system. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, PolySpectra aims to transform 3D printing from prototyping to production by offering modular materials platforms that support a broad range of mechanical, thermal, and functional properties for engineers and designers.
Founded in 2016, Membrion specializes in manufacturing and commercializing advanced membrane filtration technologies. Its products are designed to filter molecules under diverse conditions, serving applications such as flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals.
Snapdragon Chemistry
Grant in 2016
Snapdragon Chemistry is a company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, focused on developing continuous flow chemistry solutions for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and materials. Founded in 2014, the company offers services including process development, reactor design and build, portfolio optimization, and GMP manufacturing. Snapdragon Chemistry addresses complex chemical transformations to create scalable synthetic processes for clients in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, animal care, and material science industries. The company was previously known as Firefly Chemistry before changing its name in April 2015.
Picoyune specializes in chemical sensing technology. Its patented plasmonic film innovation enables portable detection of chemicals like mercury, replacing bulky lab equipment with user-friendly devices.
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.
Polnox is a company focused on the development of advanced antioxidants, specifically macromolecular antioxidants, aimed at significantly enhancing the longevity of various consumer products and materials. Utilizing its proprietary DT-mPM Antioxidants and eco-friendly McIn Corrosion Inhibitors, Polnox offers products that deliver performance levels that exceed those of traditional additives. The company's innovations provide robust resistance to the damaging effects of heat and oxygen, making its solutions particularly valuable in extending the service life of materials across multiple 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.
Dynalene is a developer and supplier of industrial heat transfer fluids and coolants for ultra-low temperature cryogenic and other demanding applications. The company offers glycols, potassium formate, calcium chloride-based secondary refrigerants, and high-performance coolants, along with a range of high- and low-temperature fluids, nanodiamond products, and functionalized nanoparticle dispersions for water treatment, coatings, biomedical, and related uses. It provides laboratory services such as thermal and physical analysis, chemical testing, and materials/corrosion testing. Dynalene serves markets including fuel cells, solar and geothermal, HVAC, supermarket refrigeration, plastics processing, electronics, pharmaceutical, environmental testing, food and beverage, and wind tunnels, and markets its products via an online store. Based in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on cryogenic and precision cooling needs with chemistries spanning glycols, potassium formate, calcium chloride, hydrocarbons, and silicones.
Advanced Chemical Systems
Grant in 2016
Advanced Chemical Systems provides water treatment services, including boiler maintenance and cooling water treatment, filtration, and purification treatment. Their equipment and chemicals, acids, caustic soda, coagulants and flocculants, filter presses, flow meters, metal precipitants, ph probes, polymers, services, and systems, boiling and cooling systems, dissolved air flotation systems, filtration and purification systems, RO systems, and ph neutralization systems.
Modular Genetics
Grant in 2016
Modular Genetics designs and develops engineered microorganisms that synthesize chemicals from renewable raw materials, such as sugar. The company uses an automated gene engineering system to create new products, with a focus on sustainable chemistry. It aims to accelerate product development, reduce costs, and enable simultaneous development of multiple products. Founded in 2000 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts.
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.
Art of Elements
Grant in 2016
Art of Elements provides custom synthesis of organometallic and inorganic compounds from mg scale up to 1 kg scale. Their custom synthesis undertakings typically involve the synthesis of agreed upon quantities of the compounds using available literature or proprietary experimental procedures at agreed upon purity goals, timing, and pricing terms.
VariFAS Biorenewables
Grant in 2016
VariFAS Biorenewables produces bio-based chemicals for the chemical industry.
AnCatt is a pioneering company recognized for developing the world's only heavy-metal free high-performance anti-corrosion coatings. After 50 years of research and development, AnCatt has created the iBarrierTM coating, which not only meets stringent environmental standards but also surpasses existing products in performance metrics, including durability and ease of application. The company offers three product lines: a wash primer system, an epoxy primer system, and a waterborne epoxy system, the latter being the only high-performance waterborne epoxy anti-corrosion paint available. AnCatt's innovative technology utilizes a conductive polymer nano-dispersion to replace hazardous anti-corrosion pigments such as chromate, lead, and zinc, making it suitable for protecting various structures, including steel, pipelines, and bridges. Founded in 2008, AnCatt has scaled its manufacturing processes and holds patents and trademarks in the U.S., EU, and Canada, positioning itself to lead the $30 billion global anti-corrosion coating market through a focus on sustainability and advanced performance.
Foundation Instruments
Grant in 2016
A Foundation Instruments automated chemical analyzer measures trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems on-site, online, and in real-time. They are chemical analyzers that measure THM concentrations on-line, on-site, and in real time. The company provides drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems.
BrightSpec specializes in innovative analytical chemistry services, utilizing its proprietary Fourier transform molecular rotational resonance (FT-MRR) technology. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, the company delivers immediate results to clients, addressing high-value, time-sensitive challenges not well served by other spectroscopy techniques. Its platform offers configurations for manufacturing process control, quality control, environmental monitoring, and formulation research.
PolyDrop develops conductive polymer additives for coatings, composites, and batteries. Originating at the University of Washington, its patented material science enables safe, stable, and affordable conductive polymers. The additives provide anti-static and anti-corrosion protection at low loading, enabling existing coatings and plastics to become static-dissipative in electronics, marine, textiles, flooring, and related applications. The technology has been integrated in electronics and coatings industries, transforming coatings and plastics into dissipative materials while maintaining performance and cost efficiency.
Pyrochem Catalyst
Grant in 2016
Founded in 2010, Pyrochem Catalyst specializes in the development of oxidation and reduction catalysts for automotive emissions control and chemical processing. Its products enable efficient conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas under high aromatic, high sulfur, and high-temperature conditions, helping businesses reduce capital expenditures and operating costs through consistent performance.
Covalent provides the molecular scale to enable designing, building, and manufacturing with the same speed and cost effectiveness we have at the macroscale. They are an atomic-scale molecular building library. The inside of each block can have a pore.
DMC Biotechnologies
Grant in 2015
DMC Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the development of bio-based products through microbial fermentation technology. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on engineering microbial hosts to produce a range of specialty chemicals, flavors, fragrances, nutraceuticals, natural products, and pharmaceuticals. DMC Biotechnologies employs its proprietary Dynamic Metabolic Control technology to enhance production efficiency, thereby reducing costs and accelerating the timeline from discovery to commercial performance. The company's innovative approach supports sustainability by utilizing lower energy and resource inputs in the manufacturing process.
Autonomic Materials
Grant in 2015
Autonomic Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in self-healing solutions for the coatings industry, primarily focusing on corrosion-resistant chemicals that repair coating damage at the micron level. Founded in 2005 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers a range of microencapsulated additives, including dual capsule systems and single capsule systems, designed for various applications. These products provide essential protection for materials such as metals, wood, concrete, plastics, and composites, and are utilized across multiple sectors, including alternative energy, industrial maintenance, military equipment, infrastructure, oil and gas, transportation, and consumer paints. Autonomic Materials' innovative solutions enable coatings, adhesives, and composites to respond to damage automatically, enhancing the durability and performance of structures like cars, bridges, and ships.
Morphix Technologies
Grant in 2015
Morphix Technologies is a producer of chemical products. Their products include operating instructions,chemicals detected, ammonia,carbon monoxide, chlorine, chlorine dioxide,formaldehyde,glutaraldehyde,hydrazine,hydrogen sulfide, mercury, ozone phosgene, and sulfur dioxide.
Covaron Advanced Materials
Grant in 2015
Covaron Advanced Materials specializes in developing high-performance thermosetting ceramic materials. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on creating patterns, cores, and molds for metal sand casting, plastic thermoforming, and injection molding. Its innovative materials benefit industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and coatings.