National Science Foundation

Brightwater Tools, a woman-led, sustainable sanitation start-up, based in Vermont, has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system. Essentially, it takes source separated high strength wastewater and recycles it into natural, nutrient rich fertilizer. In addition, it reduces nutrients that go into waterways which create harmful algal blooms. Within this building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system, Brightwater Tools has also created three proprietary pieces of equipment that will facilitate the transition needed in our built environment, focusing on basic wastewater processes such as pasteurization, concentration, filtration, and nutrient recovery. Each part can be sold individually or together. Addressing the value propositions of each, we will become a major equipment provider to this industry. With the circular approach of recycling and nutrient recovery, we are confident that a strong customer base for our products is on the horizon as we complete our prototype and beta testing.

Brightwater Tools, a woman-led, sustainable sanitation start-up, based in Vermont, has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system. Essentially, it takes source separated high strength wastewater and recycles it into natural, nutrient rich fertilizer. In addition, it reduces nutrients that go into waterways which create harmful algal blooms. Within this building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system, Brightwater Tools has also created three proprietary pieces of equipment that will facilitate the transition needed in our built environment, focusing on basic wastewater processes such as pasteurization, concentration, filtration, and nutrient recovery. Each part can be sold individually or together. Addressing the value propositions of each, we will become a major equipment provider to this industry. With the circular approach of recycling and nutrient recovery, we are confident that a strong customer base for our products is on the horizon as we complete our prototype and beta testing.

Rich Earth Institute, established in 2012 and located in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on research and education to promote the use of human waste as a valuable resource. The organization develops technologies for urine-collecting portable toilets, facilitating a sustainable approach to waste management. By implementing a community-scale urine recycling program, Rich Earth Institute enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine for agricultural purposes. This innovative platform not only ensures a cleaner environment for communities but also fosters the beneficial use of human waste in farming and gardening practices.

Aesir Technologies specializes in the development and commercialization of next-generation Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn) battery technologies that utilize sustainable, non-toxic materials that can be safely and easily recycled. Aesir Technologies was incorporated in 2011 and has a research and development (R&D) facility in Bozeman, Montana, and a low-rate initial production facility in Joplin, Missouri.

Birch Biosciences focuses on developing a proprietary platform that engineers enzymes for an innovative and sustainable plastic recycling process. By utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening techniques, the company creates enzymes that naturally and efficiently break down plastics. This method stands out from traditional recycling by producing virgin-quality, environmentally sustainable, and cost-competitive recycled materials, thereby contributing to a circular plastics economy. Birch Biosciences aims to provide businesses with an effective solution for addressing plastic waste while ensuring economic viability.

Regenerated Textile provide a circular economy with continuously renewable resources and an environmentally and socially responsible approach to clothing. They operate with an agile mentality, a neo-sustainable approach to design, and a consumer-facing mindset.

Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company that focuses on recovering critical minerals through innovative electro-extraction methods. It collaborates with battery recyclers and mining operations to extract production-grade minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings, offering a cleaner and more customizable alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. By utilizing its advanced recycling technology, Nth Cycle aims to reduce reliance on primary mining, thereby creating a sustainable secondary source of rare earth metals in the United States. This approach supports the manufacturing and recycling industries while contributing to advancements in clean energy.

Biko Biolabs is a research company focused on the intersection of plastic waste and regenerative agriculture. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the issue of plastic pollution by providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into biodegradable packaging materials. Cruz Foam's products are used across various industries, including consumer packaging, electronics, automotive, and shipping, offering scalable and compostable solutions that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. By focusing on sustainability, Cruz Foam aims to empower industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Margik is a manufacturer of organic electronic devices that specializes in the research and development of sustainable lighting technology. The company focuses on creating thin, customizable printed lighting solutions, including fully recyclable organic light stickers and business cards. These innovative products not only enhance brand visibility but also offer elevated thermal, chemical, and electronic stability. By providing environmentally friendly options, Margik aims to help clients reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumer use, contributing to a more sustainable future in the consumer electronics industry.

Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the issue of plastic pollution by providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into biodegradable packaging materials. Cruz Foam's products are used across various industries, including consumer packaging, electronics, automotive, and shipping, offering scalable and compostable solutions that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. By focusing on sustainability, Cruz Foam aims to empower industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Paramount Planet Product is a startup based in Orono focused on reducing ocean pollution through the development of low-cost, compostable plant-based packaging. The company's innovative products mimic the characteristics of plastic while being environmentally safe, as they are designed to break down in ocean environments without causing harm. By utilizing ocean compostable materials, Paramount Planet Product aims to enhance packaging performance while minimizing environmental impact. Their commitment to creating fish-friendly packaging addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions in single-use items, allowing customers to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their operations.

Infinite Cooling Inc. specializes in water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company focuses on mitigating water scarcity by employing innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water evaporating from cooling towers. This approach allows power plants, data centers, and factories to significantly reduce water consumption and treatment costs, thereby promoting more sustainable operations. Through its efforts in wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling aims to address environmental challenges related to water waste in industrial processes.

Li Industries is a start-up dedicated to advancing lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. The company focuses on reclaiming materials from end-of-life batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and various energy storage systems. By utilizing direct recycling technology, Li Industries specializes in recovering valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for battery production. Their innovative electrochemical flow system allows for non-destructive lithiation and optimizes the post-treatment of recovered materials, enhancing the efficiency of the recycling process. Through its efforts, Li Industries aims to minimize environmental waste, lower emissions, and reduce the costs associated with lithium-ion battery manufacturing, thereby promoting a more sustainable supply chain for battery materials.

Brightwater Tools, a woman-led, sustainable sanitation start-up, based in Vermont, has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system. Essentially, it takes source separated high strength wastewater and recycles it into natural, nutrient rich fertilizer. In addition, it reduces nutrients that go into waterways which create harmful algal blooms. Within this building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system, Brightwater Tools has also created three proprietary pieces of equipment that will facilitate the transition needed in our built environment, focusing on basic wastewater processes such as pasteurization, concentration, filtration, and nutrient recovery. Each part can be sold individually or together. Addressing the value propositions of each, we will become a major equipment provider to this industry. With the circular approach of recycling and nutrient recovery, we are confident that a strong customer base for our products is on the horizon as we complete our prototype and beta testing.

Mobius specializes in transforming industrial organic waste streams into environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The company focuses on utilizing waste generated by the agriculture, forestry, paper, and biofuel industries to develop sustainable solutions. Its flagship product is a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from lignin, a natural byproduct produced in large quantities by the paper and biofuel sectors. This biopolymer is designed to replace conventional plastics, offering biodegradable plastic pellets suitable for various applications, including horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging. By promoting the concept of eliminating waste, Mobius aims to create a more sustainable future through innovative material solutions.

Cruz Foam, Inc. is a manufacturer of structural foams that addresses the issue of plastic pollution by providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based foams. Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company transforms chitin, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells, into biodegradable packaging materials. Cruz Foam's products are used across various industries, including consumer packaging, electronics, automotive, and shipping, offering scalable and compostable solutions that can be integrated into existing supply chains at competitive costs. By focusing on sustainability, Cruz Foam aims to empower industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Phoenix Tailings, is building technology to enable the recycling and re-mining of Bauxite Residue (“Red Mud”) - a hazardous by-product in the aluminum industry - to extract strategic materials which are critical to the Defense, Automotive, Electronics and Biotech industries. The company was founded with the mission to revolutionize the mining industry by enabling new sources of strategic materials, sustainably and economically.

Infinite Cooling Inc. specializes in water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company focuses on mitigating water scarcity by employing innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water evaporating from cooling towers. This approach allows power plants, data centers, and factories to significantly reduce water consumption and treatment costs, thereby promoting more sustainable operations. Through its efforts in wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling aims to address environmental challenges related to water waste in industrial processes.

Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company that focuses on recovering critical minerals through innovative electro-extraction methods. It collaborates with battery recyclers and mining operations to extract production-grade minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings, offering a cleaner and more customizable alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. By utilizing its advanced recycling technology, Nth Cycle aims to reduce reliance on primary mining, thereby creating a sustainable secondary source of rare earth metals in the United States. This approach supports the manufacturing and recycling industries while contributing to advancements in clean energy.

Vartega Inc. specializes in recycling carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and lightweight properties, primarily serving the aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and sporting goods sectors. Founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado, Vartega has developed a patented recycling process that produces low-cost carbon fiber suitable for various applications, including thermoplastic pellets, nonwoven fabrics, yarns, and three-dimensional printing filament. The company’s technology effectively diverts carbon fiber scrap and waste from landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing fuel economy in vehicles. Vartega's carbon fiber is available in multiple forms, including semi-continuous, chopped, and milled, making it adaptable for mass-market use.

ZwitterCo specializes in advanced membrane solutions for the treatment of highly impaired wastewater, focusing on the development of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technologies. These innovations enable the effective reuse and recycling of water resources by addressing challenges such as fouling and chemical demands. ZwitterCo's membranes are designed to treat historically unfilterable streams, allowing customers to transform waste into a valuable resource. With features such as chlorine tolerance and resistance to irreversible fouling, the company's technology supports steady performance and durability, making wastewater treatment economically viable for industrial applications.

ReJoule is focused on addressing the challenges associated with battery health information, which often leads to significant waste, especially at the end of a battery's life. The company has developed a battery diagnostic platform that significantly reduces testing time from hours to minutes, allowing for quick and accurate assessments of batteries for second-life applications. By testing batteries in-vehicle during their initial use, ReJoule enables equipment manufacturers to extend the useful life of batteries, facilitating their repurposing to store energy multiple times. This approach promotes sustainability and contributes to a circular economy by minimizing battery waste and lowering costs for manufacturers.

Ambercycle is a material science company focused on transforming textile waste into new materials for brands and producers. It creates a centralized ecosystem for the recycling of used textiles, including complex fabrics and worn-out garments. Utilizing a molecular regeneration technique, Ambercycle isolates components from intricate textiles to produce raw materials, addressing the challenges associated with recycling such materials. The company's innovative chemical recycling technology converts end-of-life textiles into polymer powder, making the recycling process more cost-effective. This enables apparel businesses to manufacture clothing from renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. Through its efforts, Ambercycle facilitates the integration of recycled materials back into supply chains for both regional and international players.

Mobius specializes in transforming industrial organic waste streams into environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The company focuses on utilizing waste generated by the agriculture, forestry, paper, and biofuel industries to develop sustainable solutions. Its flagship product is a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from lignin, a natural byproduct produced in large quantities by the paper and biofuel sectors. This biopolymer is designed to replace conventional plastics, offering biodegradable plastic pellets suitable for various applications, including horticulture, agriculture, and food service packaging. By promoting the concept of eliminating waste, Mobius aims to create a more sustainable future through innovative material solutions.

Anactisis focuses on researching, developing, and implementing technologies for the cost-effective treatment of industrial waste, specifically through the recovery of valuable materials using selective adsorbents. The company specializes in the transformation of industrial waste into scandium, a key element that plays a critical role in the advancement of next-generation technologies across various sectors, including energy, transportation, defense, and space. By providing innovative solutions for the management of large volumes of challenging industrial waste, Anactisis enables its clients to achieve both economic and environmental benefits.

Corumat is a materials science company dedicated to addressing plastic waste and combating climate change. The company specializes in micro-engineering bioplastics to create lightweight, strong, and cost-effective products. Utilizing a patented process, Corumat develops innovative thermoplastic structures that provide insulation and cushioning while remaining recyclable. Its biopolymer-based packaging products are designed to be lightweight, grease-proof, and food-grade, offering sustainable alternatives for various applications, including food containers. By focusing on the development of starch-based plastics, Corumat aims to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of eco-friendly materials across industries.

Ascend Elements specializes in the production of advanced battery materials by reclaiming valuable elements from spent lithium-ion batteries. The company employs hydroprocess recycling and direct recycling methods, which deconstruct old cathode materials at the atomic level to generate new cathode materials. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of recycling processes but also enables clients to maximize their returns on assets, ultimately supporting the production of economically viable and low-cost battery materials.

Ambercycle is a material science company focused on transforming textile waste into new materials for brands and producers. It creates a centralized ecosystem for the recycling of used textiles, including complex fabrics and worn-out garments. Utilizing a molecular regeneration technique, Ambercycle isolates components from intricate textiles to produce raw materials, addressing the challenges associated with recycling such materials. The company's innovative chemical recycling technology converts end-of-life textiles into polymer powder, making the recycling process more cost-effective. This enables apparel businesses to manufacture clothing from renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. Through its efforts, Ambercycle facilitates the integration of recycled materials back into supply chains for both regional and international players.

Infinium Metals formerly Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc. develops technologies for producing metals and oxygen gas directly from metal oxides. The company focuses on developing and scaling the solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis process and related technologies for making metals from their oxide ores. It offers SOM Electrolysis, a low-energy process for making pure metals and magnesium metals. Infinium Metals was formerly known as MOXST LLC. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is based in Natick, Massachusetts.

REEcycle specializes in recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste, focusing on recovering valuable materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium. By extracting these elements from discarded Neodymium iron boron magnets, the company contributes to creating a sustainable and domestic supply of resources essential for the production of advanced technologies, which include electric vehicles, smartphones, medical imaging devices, and defense systems. REEcycle's services help mitigate supply uncertainties faced by industries that rely on rare earth elements, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

The name "Mallinda" is a mashup of the words "malleable" and "industries". Mallinda is a developer and material supplier of Pliashell, a new platform technology of intrinsically recyclable and malleable self-healing polymers for the rapidly growing advanced composites industry. Pliashell is a new class of malleable thermoset polymers that enables the manufacture of lightweight, strong, remoldable, and recyclable composite materials. Pliashell advanced fiber reinforced composites have demonstrated ability to be molded at relatively low temperatures. The absence of a curing step drastically reduces manufacturing cycle times. This technology is revolutionizing product development in a variety of market segments

Connora builds relationships with manufacturers and customers to facilitate the development of recyclable composite materials via the implementation of Recyclamine® hardener products. Companies that use Recyclamine® products will be the trendsetters in the fiber-reinforced plastics industry and will drive the sustainable future demanded by money saving manufacturing methods, government mandates and regulations, and growing consumer bias toward environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Connora works directly with customers to design an epoxy product that fits your companies stringent manufacturing and product design requirements.

Corumat is a materials science company dedicated to addressing plastic waste and combating climate change. The company specializes in micro-engineering bioplastics to create lightweight, strong, and cost-effective products. Utilizing a patented process, Corumat develops innovative thermoplastic structures that provide insulation and cushioning while remaining recyclable. Its biopolymer-based packaging products are designed to be lightweight, grease-proof, and food-grade, offering sustainable alternatives for various applications, including food containers. By focusing on the development of starch-based plastics, Corumat aims to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of eco-friendly materials across industries.

REEcycle specializes in recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste, focusing on recovering valuable materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium. By extracting these elements from discarded Neodymium iron boron magnets, the company contributes to creating a sustainable and domestic supply of resources essential for the production of advanced technologies, which include electric vehicles, smartphones, medical imaging devices, and defense systems. REEcycle's services help mitigate supply uncertainties faced by industries that rely on rare earth elements, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Water Planet is a Los Angeles-based company that specializes in water treatment solutions aimed at addressing significant challenges in water reuse. The organization focuses on promoting innovative water technologies to support global water sustainability efforts. By providing effective treatment solutions, Water Planet assists industrial, municipal, and agricultural sectors in conserving freshwater resources and meeting their specific water treatment requirements. Through its initiatives, the company plays a crucial role in advancing the adoption of sustainable practices in water management.

Minnepura Technologies offers a revolutionary process for removing pollutants and other impurities from water and other waste streams. The company is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and specializes in biotechnology.

CleanFiber, LLC specializes in producing high-performance cellulose insulation materials made from recycled corrugated cardboard for residential and commercial construction. Founded in 2013 and based in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, CleanFiber transitioned from its previous name, UltraCell Insulation, in September 2018. The company focuses on providing sustainable, carbon-negative insulation solutions that can be applied in attics, walls, and floors, catering to both new construction and retrofit projects. CleanFiber's products not only enhance fire resistance in buildings but also offer a cost-competitive alternative for construction companies, supporting environmentally friendly building practices. The company is currently expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Ascend Elements specializes in the production of advanced battery materials by reclaiming valuable elements from spent lithium-ion batteries. The company employs hydroprocess recycling and direct recycling methods, which deconstruct old cathode materials at the atomic level to generate new cathode materials. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of recycling processes but also enables clients to maximize their returns on assets, ultimately supporting the production of economically viable and low-cost battery materials.

The name "Mallinda" is a mashup of the words "malleable" and "industries". Mallinda is a developer and material supplier of Pliashell, a new platform technology of intrinsically recyclable and malleable self-healing polymers for the rapidly growing advanced composites industry. Pliashell is a new class of malleable thermoset polymers that enables the manufacture of lightweight, strong, remoldable, and recyclable composite materials. Pliashell advanced fiber reinforced composites have demonstrated ability to be molded at relatively low temperatures. The absence of a curing step drastically reduces manufacturing cycle times. This technology is revolutionizing product development in a variety of market segments

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

AMP is an AI technology company that modernizes recycling infrastructure through smart sortation solutions. The company focuses on maximizing resource recovery while minimizing labor costs for waste management operations. With numerous deployments globally, AMP aims to transform the economics of recycling.

Watershed Materials develops technology to produce masonry with less cement using recycled materials.

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

Watershed Materials develops technology to produce masonry with less cement using recycled materials.

Infinium Metals formerly Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc. develops technologies for producing metals and oxygen gas directly from metal oxides. The company focuses on developing and scaling the solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis process and related technologies for making metals from their oxide ores. It offers SOM Electrolysis, a low-energy process for making pure metals and magnesium metals. Infinium Metals was formerly known as MOXST LLC. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is based in Natick, Massachusetts.

EnSolve Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company that develops and manufactures solutions for filtering and cleaning maritime and industrial waste. The company’s products include PetroLiminator, which separates oil from water and GF 2010, a liquid detergent that dissolves and biologically consumes grease and oils. In addition, its products inlcude EnCell, which eliminates organic wastes from water; EnFlow, a technology that utilizes catalytic and biotechnology processes for filtering air; and OxiBlast that removes organic stains from water washable surfaces and fabrics. EnSolve was founded in 1995 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Ecovative Design LLC is a biomaterials company based in Green Island, New York, specializing in the development and production of sustainable materials derived from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Founded in 2007 by Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre, the company creates a range of products including Myco board for furniture components, Myco foam for packaging and insulation, and Myco make for various consumer goods such as toys. The company’s innovative approach harnesses the natural bonding properties of mycelium to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics and foams. Initial funding from small grants facilitated the development of their flagship product, Greensulate, which offers a more sustainable option compared to polystyrene foams. Since its inception, Ecovative has received numerous awards and grants, allowing it to expand its production capabilities and continue its mission to provide environmentally friendly materials that perform effectively while reducing ecological impact.

Cerahelix, Inc. is a company based in Orono, Maine, that specializes in the design and manufacture of ceramic membrane filters for a variety of applications, including water purification, resource recycling, and biomass processing. Founded in 2011, Cerahelix develops bio-derived products utilizing patented DNA template technology to create sub-nanometer pores in ceramic membranes. This innovative approach allows for the effective filtration of minute particles, enabling the separation of salts, metal ions, and other impurities at the molecular level. The company offers a range of products, including single-channel elements for laboratory and small pilot studies, multi-channel elements for commercial applications, and filter element housings. Additionally, Cerahelix provides laboratory test systems for research and development purposes. Its products serve multiple industries, including food and beverage, mining, pharmaceuticals, and waste-to-energy.

ecoATM, LLC specializes in the recycling of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and MP3 players, through a network of automated kiosks located throughout the United States. Founded in 2008 and based in San Diego, California, ecoATM simplifies the process of selling unwanted electronics by offering consumers cash on the spot for their devices. The kiosks evaluate the worth of these used items, transforming them into valuable materials such as copper, silver, gold, or palladium. In 2015, ecoATM expanded its services by acquiring Gazelle, enhancing the customer experience with both online and kiosk options for trading in pre-owned electronics. Positioned in high-traffic areas like malls and grocery stores, ecoATM kiosks provide a convenient, safe, and efficient means for consumers to engage in responsible recycling while receiving immediate compensation for their used devices. Additionally, Gazelle.com offers certified pre-owned devices, providing consumers with quality options at competitive prices.