Rubi Laboratories
Grant in 2024
Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.
Piersica is a battery technology company specializing in the development of safe, solid-state lithium-ion batteries. With proprietary technology, Piersica aims to double the energy density of conventional Li-ion batteries, primarily serving electric vehicle and utility markets.
WiLO Networks
Grant in 2024
WiLO Networks develops a low-power sensor network platform using wake-up radio technology. This enables continuous, low-latency communication, extends battery life, and reduces electronic waste, making sensor deployments more feasible in diverse IoT applications across industries like warehousing, healthcare, retail, and precision agriculture.
Thiozen develops innovative hydrogen gas production technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its proprietary chemical process converts hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen gas, enabling clients to bypass carbon emissions associated with natural gas-based hydrogen production and avoid the high costs of electrolysis.
The Engine is an incubator and venture platform founded by MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, launched in 2016. It provides startups with space, streamlined legalities, access to lab space and equipment, and connects to patient capital from investors who share a long-term vision. The Engine offers business planning guidance, enabling startups to move from concept to market quickly. It supports up to 60 locally based startups concurrently through a 12-month accelerator, taking less equity than typical programs to help founders retain control. It connects to MIT resources via the Engine Room, providing resources and expertise. It targets Tough Tech areas such as artificial intelligence, climate and energy, autonomous systems, robotics, biotech and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, combining science, engineering, and leadership to accelerate path to market and impact.
WaiHome is a wastewater research and design company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2021. It specializes in onsite wastewater treatment technology, focusing on providing affordable solutions for individuals. The company employs natural systems to deliver compact and effective treatment options that safeguard the environment while remaining cost-efficient. WaiHome's offerings include home water treatment systems, such as cesspools and septic tanks, aimed at simplifying access to reliable wastewater treatment services for its customers.
Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions is a Raleigh-based company that provides sustainable weed-management solutions for organic and industrial agriculture. Harpe Bio's technologies deliver natural crop protection by utilizing a variety of plant extracts. The plant extracts serve as a platform that may be tailored to various weed management circumstances. Harpe's herbicide platform can be used alone or in conjunction with any currently marketed herbicide. Harpe's new modes and areas of action will improve synthetic herbicide efficacy, including the reduction of resistant weed populations.
Pheronym, Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company based in Gainesville, Florida, that develops and manufactures environmentally friendly solutions for pest control. Founded in 2011 and formerly known as Kaplan Schiller Research, LLC, the company specializes in using pheromone-based technology to enhance the effectiveness of nematodes, microscopic roundworms that serve as organic insecticides. By leveraging pheromone spray, Pheronym is able to double the efficacy of nematodes, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides while minimizing negative health and environmental impacts. In addition, the company offers an EPN-activator that utilizes nematodes’ own pheromones to influence their behavior and development, thereby enhancing pest management strategies for farmers and cultivators.
Map Collective
Grant in 2023
Map Collective is a technology company specializing in AI-driven software solutions that enhance supply chain transparency and sustainability. The company offers a Software-as-a-Service platform that integrates advanced data analytics with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Its primary toolkits—TRACEABILITY, PROCUREMENT, and GHG EMISSIONS—are designed to assist businesses and governments in simplifying traceability and emissions mapping within their supply chains and regions. Additionally, Map Collective provides tools for biodiversity mapping, energy hub planning, and facilitating transitions to a circular economy. By enabling users to visualize the carbon impact on the environment, the company empowers organizations to make informed operational decisions and track sustainability metrics effectively.
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.
Babylon Micro-Farms
Grant in 2023
Founded in 2017, Babylon Micro-Farms operates indoor farms for farmers to grow a variety of crops such as leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. The company offers smart, scalable farming solutions tailored to clients' needs, utilizing remote management technology to power a distributed network of micro-farms across North America.
Sylvatex, Inc. develops and scales a cathode manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries to future-proof production, increasing flexibility in material composition, broadening the range of inputs, and aiming to lower costs, capital requirements, and the carbon footprint for electric vehicles and energy storage applications.
Ecoclosure, founded in 2019 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in regenerable building enclosures suitable for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. The company focuses on developing technology that enhances indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption in buildings. Its innovative designs incorporate monitoring and automation features tailored to various building programs, climate zones, and orientations. By implementing these regenerable enclosures, Ecoclosure aims to create healthier indoor environments that prioritize occupant well-being and ensure revitalized air quality.
The Emerald Tutu
Grant in 2022
The Emerald Tutu is a company focused on developing floating landscape infrastructure aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. It designs and creates an interconnected system of fibrous floating mats that are infused with biomatter, which serve to absorb and transfer energy across the network. This innovative infrastructure is intended to reduce flooding onshore and protect coastal areas from extreme weather events, thereby enhancing the usability and safety of waterfront amenities. The Emerald Tutu's solutions address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development in vulnerable coastal regions.
NovoClade employs synthetic biology to develop environmentally friendly insect control solutions. It specializes in mosquito population management using gene-editing technology, creating sterile mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission without harming the environment.
PolyGone Systems
Grant in 2022
PolyGone Systems is a cleantech company that removes microplastic pollutants from waterways.
PolyGone Systems was founded in 2021.
Uniphage is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional pesticides in plant agriculture. It leverages artificial intelligence and bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) to predict and combat specific bacterial infections. The company's primary focus is on citrus greening, a devastating disease costing the U.S. over $2 billion annually. By employing AI algorithms, Uniphage accelerates the discovery of effective and safe bacterial viruses, aiming to reduce the use of harmful fungicides, bactericides, and antibiotics, thereby minimizing risks to human health and the environment.
Birch Biosciences
Grant in 2022
Birch Biosciences develops a proprietary platform that uses artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening techniques to engineer enzymes. These enzymes efficiently break down plastic in a recycling process, producing virgin-quality, sustainable, and cost-competitive recycled outputs. This enables a circular plastics economy.
Yard Stick develops a handheld device that measures soil carbon levels in real-time. This enables evidence-based regenerative farming practices, improving soil health, increasing farmer income, and combating climate change by sequestering carbon.
Arctura specializes in developing innovative wind energy solutions. It aims to enhance sustainability, affordability, and accessibility of energy through technological advancements.
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.
WaveArray, established in 2017 and based in Naples, Florida, specializes in developing an electronic technology platform aimed at preventing biofouling, a process where marine organisms attach themselves to submerged structures. The company's innovative solution generates microbubbles on the surface of submerged objects, creating a protective barrier that discourages the attachment of hard shell crustaceans and algae, thus eliminating the need for toxic antifouling paints. This eco-friendly approach promotes marine sustainability while enhancing operational efficiency for users in industries such as shipping and aquaculture.
Nth Cycle is a company specializing in metal processing technology. It collaborates with battery recyclers and miners to recover critical minerals from electronic waste and low-grade mine tailings using its proprietary electro-extraction method, offering an alternative to traditional hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy processes.
AM Batteries
Grant in 2022
Founded in 2016, AM Batteries specializes in the manufacture of Li-ion batteries using solvent-free electrode technology. This innovative approach aims to enhance energy efficiency, enable faster charging, and reduce production costs.
Rowbot Systems
Grant in 2022
Rowbot Systems LLC, established in 2012 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in developing robotic machinery for precision agriculture. Their primary product is a robotic system designed to enable farmers to manage nitrogen application more effectively during the growing season. This technology aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency on farms, potentially reducing costs and enhancing crop yields.
Rubi Laboratories
Grant in 2021
Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.
Emerging Futures
Grant in 2021
Emerging Futures is a research and analysis consultancy focused on climate change mitigation and the commercial expansion of humanity into space. The firm provides forward-looking research and analysis on technology developments with the promise of a positive future, using deep subject matter expertise to understand, characterize, and forecast potential futures. Its work helps clients transform economic systems and advance humanity's presence in the solar system.
Thiozen develops innovative hydrogen gas production technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its proprietary chemical process converts hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen gas, enabling clients to bypass carbon emissions associated with natural gas-based hydrogen production and avoid the high costs of electrolysis.
InsectaPel is a company specializing in biobased insect repellent textiles. It develops and manufactures fabrics treated with its proprietary, long-lasting repellent technology, aiming to protect users from biting insects that may transmit diseases. The company focuses on creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions that meet regulatory compliance standards, thereby offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional repellents.
Blocky specializes in blockchain technology for data integrity. Its innovative Zipperchain solution enables millions of transactions per second with low, predictable costs, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable blockchain solutions available.
Spekciton Biosciences
Grant in 2021
Spekciton Biosciences specializes in biophotonic measurement systems and services aimed at enhancing agricultural performance and sustainability. The company develops innovative technologies that enable the rapid and precise detection of plant stress and viability, providing farmers with essential insights for improving crop management. Additionally, Spekciton offers biosensors designed to quickly identify soil and water contamination, supporting environmental health and agricultural productivity. Through its advanced measurement solutions, the company contributes to a better understanding of bioprocesses, ultimately aiding in the cultivation of resilient and sustainable crops.
Beyond The Dome
Grant in 2021
Beyond The Dome is a developer of wastewater treatment systems that aim to provide clean water and improve waste management by destroying organic compounds, including hard-to-degrade substances such as PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other wet wastes. The company offers small turnkey systems with high throughput and specializes in supercritical water oxidation to destroy biosolids, sludge, and hazardous organic contaminants, enabling climate-friendly waste management for firms dealing with chemically contaminated waste.
Satellite Vu is a developer of high-resolution thermal imaging satellites designed to monitor the temperature of buildings and infrastructures globally. By utilizing infrared technology to capture heat emissions in near real-time, the company provides valuable insights into economic activity, energy efficiency, and carbon footprints. This information aids various sectors, including the energy industry, investors, natural disaster responders, and building operators, in making informed decisions related to sustainability and resource management. Through its innovative satellite imagery, Satellite Vu aims to enhance understanding of environmental impacts and support initiatives in sustainable finance and disaster response.
Huue is a company specializing in sustainable dyeing solutions for the fashion and textile industries, particularly focusing on the denim supply chain. It employs innovative biotechnology to produce bio-synthesized dyes through a fermentation process involving naturally occurring microorganisms. This method not only eliminates the need for toxic chemicals traditionally used in dye production but also utilizes renewable resources, making it an eco-friendly alternative. By offering greener options for color production, Huue aims to support the industry's transition towards more sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to fashion.
AvantGuard creats innovative solutions that manage surfaces and provide long-term protection against viruses, bacteria, and fungi/mold, in a variety of applications.
HeXalayer, based in Louisville, Kentucky, develops graphene-based materials and carbon composites to enhance the capacity and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The company's nanomaterials-based technology centers on IML Graphene, a carbon material intended to improve energy storage in rechargeable batteries. It offers rotated multilayer graphene in powder and foil forms, as well as three-dimensional graphene materials and product options for research and development, enabling clients to access graphene materials with higher energy capacity for battery research, energy storage projects, and laboratory experiments.
Founded in 2018, Valgotech is a technology company based in Fishers, Indiana. It specializes in advanced materials and energy storage systems, aiming to make energy consumption more sustainable and affordable.
Minerva Lithium
Grant in 2021
Minerva Lithium, founded in 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina, focuses on advancing critical mineral extraction technologies. The company has developed a proprietary nano mosaic membrane filter system that enhances the extraction of lithium from non-traditional water resources. This innovative approach aims to improve lithium recovery rates and support the clean energy sector, as well as the automotive and technology industries, by providing high-grade pure minerals essential for various applications. In addition to boosting lithium availability, Minerva's methods also facilitate the recovery of usable water, contributing to sustainable practices in mineral extraction.
Swift Solar is a solar technology company that designs and manufactures lightweight solar panels and systems for aerospace, automotive, and building applications. Founded in 2017 and based in San Carlos, California, with a facility in Golden, Colorado, the company focuses on perovskite solar cell technology to deliver higher efficiency and lower costs. Its approach involves ultra-thin perovskite films and tandem cell architectures that capture different parts of the solar spectrum to improve conversion efficiency while reducing weight. Swift Solar emphasizes domestic manufacturing to support scalable production and aims to advance photovoltaic solutions suitable for demanding environments and large-scale deployment.
SunDensity Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in the research, design, and development of innovative Photonic Smart Coating (PSC™) technology. Established in 2016, the company focuses on enhancing efficiencies in photonics through the up and down conversion of light wavelengths, addressing various inefficiencies in the field. SunDensity's PSC™ technology is designed to lower electricity costs generated by solar photovoltaic applications, optimize the thermal and optical properties of architectural glass, and improve the quantum efficiency of optoelectronic instruments. The company also maintains an office in Rochester, New York, where it continues to advance its groundbreaking technologies.
Fortiphyte offers agricultural protection products that help to protect crops from disease and reduce fungicide use. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Berkeley, California.
AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.
Lelantos develops IoT-compatible gas sensors using MEMS resonator arrays on CMOS silicon microchips. These sensors consume less power and cost less than current technologies, offering superior detection performance for applications such as threat detection, industrial safety, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics.
Godwit Key Company
Grant in 2021
Godwit Key Company specializes in environmental services aimed at combating biodiversity loss. The company offers data-driven insights that empower governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to address environmental challenges effectively. By providing tools and resources, Godwit Key enables clients to identify recurring issues and global support gaps related to biodiversity. Through rigorous research and analysis, the company facilitates informed decision-making, fostering real change in environmental conservation efforts.
WiLO Networks
Grant in 2021
WiLO Networks develops a low-power sensor network platform using wake-up radio technology. This enables continuous, low-latency communication, extends battery life, and reduces electronic waste, making sensor deployments more feasible in diverse IoT applications across industries like warehousing, healthcare, retail, and precision agriculture.
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.
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.
Susteon is a company focused on developing innovative energy transition technologies aimed at addressing environmental challenges. It specializes in direct air capture (DAC) technology, which captures carbon dioxide directly from high-emission sources. Susteon’s proprietary Dual-Functional Materials (DFM) not only capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also convert it into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). This capability allows clients to produce various fuels, including diesel and aviation fuel, from the captured carbon dioxide. Through its projects, including support from the Department of Energy, Susteon is committed to advancing sustainable solutions for carbon management and fuel production.
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.
Map Collective
Grant in 2021
Map Collective is a technology company specializing in AI-driven software solutions that enhance supply chain transparency and sustainability. The company offers a Software-as-a-Service platform that integrates advanced data analytics with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Its primary toolkits—TRACEABILITY, PROCUREMENT, and GHG EMISSIONS—are designed to assist businesses and governments in simplifying traceability and emissions mapping within their supply chains and regions. Additionally, Map Collective provides tools for biodiversity mapping, energy hub planning, and facilitating transitions to a circular economy. By enabling users to visualize the carbon impact on the environment, the company empowers organizations to make informed operational decisions and track sustainability metrics effectively.
BirdHabitatBot
Grant in 2021
BirdHabitatBot is a company focused on developing robotic systems for the removal of invasive plant species, particularly in deciduous forest environments. Utilizing unpiloted aerial systems, the company employs drones to capture images that aid in the mapping and monitoring of non-native invasive plants. These invasive species pose a significant threat to forest habitats, contributing to their degradation. By providing tools that assist natural resource professionals in managing understory invasive shrubs, BirdHabitatBot aims to enhance the habitat for native plants and wildlife, thereby promoting ecological health and biodiversity.
CryoDesalination
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2012, CryoDesalination develops an innovative water treatment technology designed to separate water from salts, heavy metals, and minerals. Utilizing cold waste energy from industrial sources, the process enables seawater desalination, industrial wastewater treatment, and mineral recovery from brines, all while reducing environmental impact and lowering costs.
Green Light Labs
Grant in 2021
Green Light Labs is a San Jose-based technology company founded in 2017 that develops software enabling virtual test drives and vehicle comparison tools. Its platform measures the cost of mobility, analyzes users’ driving trips, and calculates potential savings and electric range for different vehicles. By providing data-driven recommendations and a marketing framework, the company helps organizations reduce operating costs, improve employee retention, and lower CO2 emissions while encouraging consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
SusMaX is a construction company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2020. It specializes in the production of lightweight aggregate for the construction industry, utilizing innovative thermodynamics-based technology to convert waste coal combustion products into structural lightweight concrete. This process enhances the workability and extends the service life of concrete, offering a sustainable solution to the industry's demand for efficient building materials.
Andluca, established in 2017 as a spinout from Princeton University, specializes in developing innovative smart glass and window products powered by UV light and solar energy. Headquartered in New York with operations in California, the company's advanced materials and embedded systems enable windows to respond intelligently to their environment, reducing energy consumption in buildings and homes. By partnering with window manufacturers, Andluca offers a range of smart glass solutions that can be installed like standard windows, lowering costs, time, and embodied carbon compared to traditional smart window installation methods.
WaiHome is a wastewater research and design company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2021. It specializes in onsite wastewater treatment technology, focusing on providing affordable solutions for individuals. The company employs natural systems to deliver compact and effective treatment options that safeguard the environment while remaining cost-efficient. WaiHome's offerings include home water treatment systems, such as cesspools and septic tanks, aimed at simplifying access to reliable wastewater treatment services for its customers.
Intellerce is a San Diego-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing a video streaming platform aimed at significantly lowering the costs associated with streaming video-on-demand content. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to minimize the reliance on data centers and Content Distribution Networks, resulting in reduced streaming expenses and decreased energy consumption. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of video delivery but also contributes to lowering the carbon footprint of cloud computing infrastructures. By focusing on cost-effective and sustainable solutions, Intellerce enables video companies to provide an exceptional streaming experience to their users.
Generate is a company focused on the sustainable development of urban environments, specializing in the design and delivery of mass timber structures. It operates a technology-driven architecture platform that offers pre-vetted building solutions and generative systems aimed at enhancing efficiency in mass timber construction. By streamlining communication and project management among architects, engineers, and builders, Generate facilitates the adoption of generative design principles. This approach enables stakeholders in the construction industry to pursue sustainable methods for designing and delivering mass wood structures, ultimately contributing to the creation of environmentally responsible urban spaces.
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.
Cruz Foam
Seed Round in 2021
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a Santa Cruz, California-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in manufacturing structural foams from chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells. The company addresses the global plastic pollution crisis by providing bio-benign foam solutions that serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based foams. Cruz Foam's products are designed for a variety of applications, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and business-to-business packaging. By utilizing naturally sourced biopolymers, the company creates scalable and compostable materials that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. Cruz Foam collaborates with key industry leaders across various sectors, including consumer electronics, appliances, shipping, and consumer packaged goods, to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Earthshot Labs
Grant in 2021
Earthshot Labs is a developer of a climate mitigation platform focused on ecological restoration on a global scale. The company utilizes an AI-powered platform to connect investors, carbon buyers, and land stewards, facilitating the financing of projects that promote ecological restoration while ensuring equity for local communities. Its comprehensive tool allows users to algorithmically identify specific regenerative strategies tailored to individual land parcels, ultimately enabling clients to maximize both the natural and economic potential of their land. Through its innovative approach, Earthshot Labs aims to enhance ecosystem regeneration and contribute to climate solutions worldwide.
Margik specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of organic electronic devices, focusing on sustainable lighting technology. They offer customizable, recyclable organic light stickers and business cards that enhance brand visibility while reducing environmental impact.
RePurpose Energy
Grant in 2021
RePurpose Energy is a company that specializes in developing sustainable energy storage systems utilizing recycled electric vehicle (EV) batteries. By repurposing battery waste, the company enhances the value of these batteries while promoting resilience and sustainability within battery supply chains. RePurpose Energy provides innovative hardware and software solutions that monitor and manage critical factors such as temperature, charge, and balance, thereby addressing the complexities associated with second-life energy storage. Through its efforts, the company supports the global transition to renewable energy by creating effective and eco-friendly energy storage options.
Founded in 2017, WEAV3D Inc. specializes in developing advanced composite forming machinery and processes. Its innovative technology combines weaving and composite consolidation into an automated, continuous process, significantly reducing waste, cycle time, and material handling costs compared to traditional methods.
Active Energy Systems
Grant in 2021
Active Energy Systems is leveraging its scientific expertise to develop and market an improved form of ice thermal energy storage. The company's headquarters are in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Cruz Foam, Inc. is a Santa Cruz, California-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in manufacturing structural foams from chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells. The company addresses the global plastic pollution crisis by providing bio-benign foam solutions that serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based foams. Cruz Foam's products are designed for a variety of applications, including consumer packaging, consumer electronics, automotive, and business-to-business packaging. By utilizing naturally sourced biopolymers, the company creates scalable and compostable materials that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. Cruz Foam collaborates with key industry leaders across various sectors, including consumer electronics, appliances, shipping, and consumer packaged goods, to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Drought Diet Prouducts
Grant in 2021
Drought Diet Products is a manufacturer focused on creating innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The company has developed a climate-resilient tool designed to efficiently apply water to crops while minimizing waste from evaporation and deep percolation. This tool features sub-irrigation zone pipes that utilize greywater and rainwater catchment systems. Additionally, Drought Diet Products incorporates post-consumer film plastic feedstock in its irrigation piping, addressing both water conservation needs and the challenges associated with film plastic recycling. Through these efforts, the company aims to support farmers in enhancing water efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability.
Babylon Micro-Farms
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2017, Babylon Micro-Farms operates indoor farms for farmers to grow a variety of crops such as leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. The company offers smart, scalable farming solutions tailored to clients' needs, utilizing remote management technology to power a distributed network of micro-farms across North America.
Rebel Research
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2020 and based in Torrance, California, Rebel Research specializes in developing innovative technologies to tackle challenges in energy and the environment. The company operates an environmental technology laboratory, providing service assistance to clients aiming to contribute to a sustainable society.
Jet-Set Offset
Grant in 2021
Jet-Set Offset is a donation-based carbon-offsetting platform focused on air travel, providing a consumer-friendly alternative to conventional carbon marketplaces. The company enables travelers and businesses to automatically contribute to environmental nonprofit organizations by donating one cent per mile for every flight taken. This innovative approach not only raises awareness of the environmental impact of air travel but also motivates eco-conscious individuals and companies to support local climate solutions. Jet-Set Offset partners with nonprofits engaged in various initiatives, including certified carbon offset projects, advocacy, education, renewable energy, reforestation, and conservation efforts. Through its platform, Jet-Set Offset connects travelers concerned about climate change with opportunities to make a positive impact every time they fly.
SilarTek is a technology company established in 2020 and located in Leominster, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing innovative solar silicon technology aimed at making solar panels more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. SilarTek's unique approach involves utilizing molten salt electrolysis combined with an advanced molten salt composition, which enables the production of low-cost solar-grade silicon. This technology is designed to benefit both consumers and businesses by providing an efficient solution for solar panel manufacturing.
Canopii provides end-to-end labor automation and energy management for farming, automating the entire food-growing process and remotely controlling each farm. By reducing unpredictability, inefficiencies, and the need for specialized expertise in traditional agriculture, the company aims to create a reliable, sustainable network of local farms. It produces locally grown products and seeks to make produce more affordable and accessible through environmentally conscious methods. Canopii enables turnkey urban farming solutions by deploying automated processes and energy management across farm operations, with the goal of lowering costs and enabling communities to grow their own food.
Pomodyne is a technology company founded in 2019 and based in Mountain View, California, focused on revolutionizing fruit crop cultivation. By leveraging plant biotechnology and controlled environment agriculture, Pomodyne aims to tackle critical issues such as climate change, food safety, and food security. The company's innovative approach seeks to transform agricultural practices, enabling a more sustainable and efficient cultivation of fruit crops. Through its advancements, Pomodyne aspires to contribute significantly to the future of the agriculture industry.
Natrx is an innovative company focused on enhancing coastal resilience and protection through advanced technology and a nature-based approach. By integrating geospatial software and advanced manufacturing solutions, Natrx promotes harmony between natural ecosystems and urban infrastructure. The company's solutions are designed to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods that are often costly and ecologically harmful. Natrx aims to set a new standard for sustainable resilience, delivering high-performance solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also contribute positively to economic outcomes. Through its technology-first approach, Natrx empowers builders, architects, and ecologists to create infrastructure that enhances both functionality and aesthetic value.
SpadXTech employs microbial fermentation techniques and proprietary biotechnology to produce sustainable materials. Their products aim to mitigate climate change, reduce air and water pollution, and tackle plastic waste.
Seaspire Skincare
Grant in 2021
Seaspire Skincare specializes in developing multifunctional colorants and actives inspired by ocean biodiversity. Its flagship product, Xanthochrome, offers broader UV protection and aims to replace harmful ingredients in skincare products, promoting sustainability and reduced adverse effects on human and marine health.
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.
Fybraworks Foods
Grant in 2021
Fybraworks Foods, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, focused on developing alternative meat substitutes through innovative fermentation techniques. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in creating animal-free meat structural proteins and synthetic meat, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat products. By leveraging its advanced technological solutions, Fybraworks Foods enables both industry leaders and individual consumers to access sustainable meat alternatives, thus promoting humane practices and reducing environmental impact associated with animal agriculture.
Verdox is dedicated to reversing climate change through the development and deployment of advanced technology. The company’s proprietary electro-swing process, developed at MIT, enables carbon dioxide and other acid gases to be captured with up to 80% less energy and 70% less cost than conventional approaches.
Fathhome develops a dry-sanitizing device for household items. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Oakland, California, the company provides a sanitation solution that operates without water, detergents, or chemicals.
Heirloom is a carbon capture company developing direct air capture technology that accelerates the natural absorption of carbon dioxide. Its approach uses a limestone-based process to increase CO2 uptake and stores the captured carbon permanently underground, powered by renewable energy. The company also applies carbon capture and utilization techniques to enhance natural CO2 removal. By offering a scalable, renewable-energy driven solution, Heirloom aims to help businesses meet sustainability goals with a cost-effective path to significant carbon removal.
Minerva Lithium
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Minerva Lithium, founded in 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina, focuses on advancing critical mineral extraction technologies. The company has developed a proprietary nano mosaic membrane filter system that enhances the extraction of lithium from non-traditional water resources. This innovative approach aims to improve lithium recovery rates and support the clean energy sector, as well as the automotive and technology industries, by providing high-grade pure minerals essential for various applications. In addition to boosting lithium availability, Minerva's methods also facilitate the recovery of usable water, contributing to sustainable practices in mineral extraction.
InnovaSonic, Inc. specializes in developing innovative self-cleaning technology known as PiezoWipe™, which utilizes ultrasonic energy emitted from a micro-transducer array. This array is seamlessly integrated into glass or film, allowing for active cleaning without the need for manual intervention. The technology is designed for various applications, including windshields, LIDAR systems, cameras, solar panels, and haptic displays. By incorporating this self-cleaning solution, clients can enhance the longevity of their products while maintaining optimal performance.
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.
Alpha-En Corporation is a development stage company based in Yonkers, New York, founded in 1969. The company specializes in the development of innovative technologies for manufacturing high purity lithium metal, a vital component for lightweight and high energy density batteries. Alpha-En focuses on creating battery components and lithium compounds while prioritizing environmentally sustainable practices. The company has pioneered a production process that allows for the manufacture of lithium metal at room temperature using clean technology, minimizing environmental impact. As it seeks to advance next-generation battery technologies, Alpha-En aims to deliver its products in a cost-effective manner, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Leading Edge Equipment Technologies
Grant in 2020
Founded in 2008, this company specializes in manufacturing equipment for solar panel production. Its core technology, the floating silicon method, enhances wafer efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs and emissions.
Paramount Planet Product
Grant in 2020
Paramount Planet Product is an Orono-based startup focused on addressing ocean pollution through the development of environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The company specializes in manufacturing low-cost, compostable plant-based single-use packaging that mimics plastic in appearance but is designed to be safe for marine environments if discarded. By utilizing ocean compostable materials, Paramount Planet Product aims to enhance the performance of its packaging while minimizing environmental impact. The company is dedicated to improving ocean safety through rigorous testing and innovation, allowing customers to adopt packaging solutions that align with sustainable practices.
Ascribe Bioscience
Grant in 2020
Founded in 2017, Ascribe Bioscience develops innovative crop protection products. By understanding the molecular interactions between plants and microbes, they create treatments that boost crops' natural defenses against pests and fungi, enhancing productivity without harming the environment.
Sentinel Environmental
Grant in 2020
Sentinel Environmental is an early-stage environmental biotech company that is developing tools for microbiome engineering.
Founded in 2009, SurfPlasma develops eco-friendly devices that utilize plasma clean technology to destroy biological and chemical contaminants. Their portable, lightweight solutions aim to improve water quality, air purity, food safety, and surface hygiene, enhancing overall environmental health.
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.
Spira develops algae-based ingredients and natural pigments to replace petrochemicals and animal-derived compounds. By engineering microalgae, including spirulina, it produces food-safe dyes and industrial ingredients used across food, cosmetics, and textiles. Spira focuses on sustainable, regenerative alternatives to petroleum-based products to reduce environmental impact while supporting human and planetary health.
Metalmark Innovations
Grant in 2020
Metalmark Innovations, Inc. focuses on developing and delivering advanced 3D nanostructured coatings designed to treat airborne pollutants and toxins, enhancing indoor air quality. The company offers its innovative materials as additive coatings for various applications, including building materials and vehicle interiors, effectively addressing pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, ozone, PM2.5, volatile organic compounds, odors, and germs. Its air cleaning technology employs catalytic materials that filter air with nanoscale precision, contributing to solutions for air pollution and climate change challenges. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Metalmark Innovations was previously known as Aircrew Technologies, Inc. before rebranding in January 2019.
Infinite Cooling
Grant in 2020
Founded in 2017, Infinite Cooling specializes in wastewater management and recycling. It uses high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle vast amounts of water that would otherwise be lost at industrial facilities like power plants, data centers, and factories.
Soliyarn is a company that specializes in developing sustainable textile finishing technologies aimed at reducing pollution in the textile industry. Utilizing chemical vapor deposition technology and organic polymers, Soliyarn transforms ordinary fabrics into ultrathin, electrically conductive, and waterproof textiles. This innovative approach enhances textiles with advanced functionalities such as heating, sensing, and water repellency, all while maintaining the garment's feel, breathability, comfort, and performance. Crucially, Soliyarn's processes do not utilize water or harmful chemicals, allowing for the production of eco-friendly clothing that improves performance and minimizes environmental impact.
WideSense accelerates clean mobility by providing software solutions for designing, deploying, and operating electric vehicle fleets profitably. Its AI-powered platform optimizes EV fleet operations, maximizing reliability and revenue while minimizing fuel costs.
The Emerald Tutu
Grant in 2020
The Emerald Tutu is a company focused on developing floating landscape infrastructure aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. It designs and creates an interconnected system of fibrous floating mats that are infused with biomatter, which serve to absorb and transfer energy across the network. This innovative infrastructure is intended to reduce flooding onshore and protect coastal areas from extreme weather events, thereby enhancing the usability and safety of waterfront amenities. The Emerald Tutu's solutions address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development in vulnerable coastal regions.
Lelantos develops IoT-compatible gas sensors using MEMS resonator arrays on CMOS silicon microchips. These sensors consume less power and cost less than current technologies, offering superior detection performance for applications such as threat detection, industrial safety, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics.
Terran Robotics
Grant in 2020
Terran Robotics is a construction company based in Bloomington, Indiana, that focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics in home construction. The company specializes in automated adobe wall building, utilizing a custom-designed cable-driven robot to create three-dimensional printed homes. This innovative approach enhances traditional earthen building techniques, offering features such as fire resistance and superior sound dampening. By leveraging advanced technology, Terran Robotics aims to significantly reduce housing costs, lower energy expenses, and promote environmentally friendly construction practices.
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.