By Andi Anderson
Radicle Growth has revealed the four finalists for the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by U.S. Corn Farmers.
The challenge seeks to invest in innovative startups that create sustainable demand for corn through groundbreaking technologies. The finalists will present their pitches in San Francisco on October 22, 2024, with the winner set to receive up to $1M in funding, alongside mentorship and networking opportunities.
The challenge aims to explore new uses for corn in replacing fossil fuel-derived materials, with a focus on bio-based products like sustainable aviation fuels, drop-in chemicals, compostable plastics, and more.
By driving demand for these innovative corn-based materials, the competition hopes to support U.S. corn farmers facing declining profitability.
The four finalists are:
- Låkril Technologies – Specializing in converting corn ethanol into bio-based acrylics through a bifunctional catalyst, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical methods.
- Catalyxx – Using green chemistry technology to produce high-value long-chain alcohols from corn ethanol, contributing to the decarbonization of the downstream chemical value chain.
- New Iridium – Utilizing photocatalysis to produce sustainable chemicals, such as acetic acid, from corn bioethanol and carbon dioxide, reducing reliance on petroleum-based methods.
- me energy GmbH – Developing portable rapid chargers powered by renewable corn bioethanol, providing climate-friendly electricity without requiring a connection to the power grid.
The competition promises an exciting showcase of cutting-edge ideas aimed at enhancing the bioeconomy and supporting corn farmers by creating sustainable and innovative uses for corn.
As Kirk Haney, Managing Partner at Radicle Growth, noted, these finalists represent a diverse range of opportunities to shape the future of sustainable materials and biofuels.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture