The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $2.4 million in funding for 24 small businesses to support the development of environmental technologies. The initiative aims to address public health and environmental challenges through innovative solutions such as treating PFAS in biosolids, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building materials, and creating safer chemical alternatives.
Maureen Gwinn, Acting Assistant Administrator in EPA's Office of Research and Development, stated, "Congratulations to these small businesses for their dedication to driving innovation and tackling today’s environmental challenges." She added that their ideas "not only address critical needs but also pave the way for a healthier planet and a stronger, more sustainable economy."
The funding is part of the EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, an annual competition designed to help small businesses develop and commercialize technologies that align with the agency's mission of protecting human health and the environment. Each selected business will receive $100,000 in Phase I funding over six months for proof of concept. Successful projects may apply for Phase II funding up to $400,000.
Among the recipients are Acadian Research & Development from Wyoming, Agtec Innovations Inc from California, AxNano LLC from North Carolina, BetR-blok LLC from Arizona, Bold Reuse from Oregon, Circle Concrete Tech Inc from Arizona, Design Interactive Inc from Florida, Dynamo.AI LLC from New York, EcoaTEX LLC from Georgia, ENF Products LLC from Oklahoma, Enzymatic Holdings Corporation from Puerto Rico, Huma Inc from Arizona, KLAW Industries LLC from New York, Mainstream Engineering Corporation from Florida, Nativo Inc from Florida, Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply from California, PAGE Technologies Inc from Colorado, Phospholutions Inc from Pennsylvania, Prospect Growth Inc from Connecticut, Sustainable Water Infrastructure Group from Washington state, Symmetry Wood PBC from California,Talon/LPE Ltd. From Texas,Tetramer Technologies LLC From South Carolina,and VerdeTerra LLC From Georgia.
These companies will work on various projects ranging from creating biochar-derived graphene to reduce carbon in concrete to developing enzyme-based technology for enhancing concrete durability.