System Development/Field Test/ Commercialization

Umaro Foods has developed a seaweed-based bacon as an alternative to traditional pork bacon. Their bacon is crafted with red seaweed protein, sunflower and coconut oils, chickpea and seaweed protein, cane sugar, sea salt, plant-derived flavors, and natural colors like paprika and red radish juice. The result is a product comparable to pork-based bacon in terms of texture and taste. Pant-based bacon can be significantly more environmentally friendly than conventional bacon, as producing plant-based meat substitutes emits 30-90% less greenhouse gases.

Break down of discarded polyester into raw material for new plastic and new products developed by Protein Evolution. This technology aims to reduce polyester waste piling up in landfills and incinerators due to the complexity of the material. Protein Evolution is leading the way in transitioning the chemicals industry towards a low-carbon, circular economy by transforming plastic waste management production through its Biopure™ technology. Biopure™ process outputs are indistinguishable from the fossil-fuel-derived molecules used to produce polyester today.

Bloom Bio Renewables uses aldehyde-assisted fractionation (AAF) to separate cellulose and stabilize lignin polymers and hemicellulose-derived sugars in biomass. Due to this stabilization, lignin and hemicellulose can be valorized more efficiently, allowing Bloom to transform them into various products. These lignin-derived products are antioxidant, antimicrobial, water-soluble, and efficient in low concentrations. They also filter UV rays and function as excellent emulsifiers and dispersants.

Elicit Plant reduces water consumption in crops by using phytosterols to mitigate drought stress. The company aims to help agriculture adapt to climate change by reducing the stress of water shortages for field crops. Phytosterols are lipids that function as the building blocks of cell membranes, activating the physiological defense mechanisms of plants in response to environmental stress. By formulating a phytosterol-based solution, Elicit Plant helps plants be more resistant and better adapted to drought stress.

FluoRork manufactures fluorochemicals in a hydrofluoric (HF) free way. Fluorochemicals are used in every day products like lithium-ion battery electrolytes, agrochemicals, and drugs. All fluorine atoms in fluorochemicals are derived from fluorspar. Traditionally, fluorspar is treated with sulfuric acid in an energy-intensive process to produce hydrofluoric acid (HF), the key precursor in traditional fluorochemical manufacturing. FluoRok aims to revolutionize conventional fluorochemical production with an HF-free fluorination process.

EcoCocon has developed an alternative wall panel system that is 89% straw and 10% timber. The company combines straw construction with modern technology to improve performance and achieve exceptional insulation. EcoCocon’s goal is to use as little as possible to protect forests from over-exploitation. The wood is derived from sustainable forestry, and the straw is sourced from local farms. These materials contain no glues and do not undergo any chemical treatment throughout the construction process. The walls are custom-made to fit any building design.

Sonichem converts lignocellulosic biomasses into cellulose, natural sugars, and lignin. These biomasses include hard and soft woods, sugar cane bagasse, straws, and grasses. Over 95% of the feedstocks are transformed into valuable products. Using ultrasound to break chemical bonds, this technology separates woody feedstocks into a fractioned mixture of cellulose, sugars, and lignin. The fractioned mixture is then separated into high-quality biochemical products with mild organic solvents. These solvents are received and reused, reducing the inventory of chemicals held on site.

Biotrinsic® Z15 is a bionematicide that makes corn and soybean crops nematode-resistant. It is a microbial seed treatment that combines defense and protective actions to inhibit nematodes' development and reproductive life cycle, all without negatively impacting soil health or beneficial nematodes. Parasitic nematodes, or roundworms, are a huge problem in the agricultural industry, causing over $1.5 billion in losses annually. Indigo AG, the company that developed this technology, isolates a naturally occurring strain of Streptomyces sp from corn.

Safe and sustainable structural colorants free of toxic pigments and dyes developed by Cypris Materials. The technology behind Cypris’ colorants was inspired by how animals naturally exhibit vibrant colors via the reflection of certain wavelengths of light off biological nanostructures with precise physical spacing. Cypris develops self-assembling brush block copolymers through ruthenium catalysis. Using the same physics as the RGB on our computers, Cypris produces the entire rainbow of colors.

Blueland manufactures sustainable household products using environmentally responsible ingredients that are both recyclable and compostable. The company offers a range of products including hand soap, laundry detergent, spray cleaners, and personal care items in plastic-free tablets. These tablets are added to warm or hot water in reusable bottles, shakers, and tins, eliminating the need for single-use plastics like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA and PVOH).