EPA Invests $2.4 Million in 24 Small Businesses to Boost Innovative Environmental Technologies

(AGENPARL) – Roma, 13 Gennaio 2025

On January 13, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a substantial funding of $2.4 million to support 24 small businesses. This initiative is aimed at developing innovative technologies that tackle pressing environmental and public health issues.

The funded projects cover a range of creative solutions. For instance, some businesses focus on treating harmful chemicals like PFAS in biosolids. Others are working to lessen greenhouse gas emissions linked to building materials and find safer chemical alternatives.

“Kudos to these entrepreneurs for their commitment to innovation,” said Maureen Gwinn, Acting Assistant Administrator at the EPA. “Their pioneering ideas not only respond to urgent needs but also contribute to a healthier planet and a robust economy.”

This funding comes from the EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR). This program runs a two-phase competition that helps small businesses develop and market technologies aimed at protecting human health and the environment. The selected companies receive $100,000 in Phase I funding for a six-month period to establish proof of concept for their proposed technologies. Successful Phase I projects can then apply for Phase II funding, which can go up to $400,000 for further development.

Here are some of the winning businesses and their innovative projects:

• Acadian Research & Development, LLC (Wyoming): A low-cost method utilizing biochar-derived graphene to reduce carbon in concrete.
• Agtec Innovations Inc (California): An eco-friendly phosphate fertilizer alternative that prevents runoff.
• AxNano, LLC (North Carolina): A new treatment process for removing PFAS from biosolids for beneficial reuse.
• BetR-blok, LLC (Arizona): Building blocks made from waste biomass and recycled materials.
• Circle Concrete Tech, Inc (Arizona): An engineered recycled product replacing rebar in concrete with a lower carbon footprint.
• EcoaTEX, LLC (Georgia): Transforming agricultural waste into biodegradable fibers.
• Sustainable Water Infrastructure Group (Washington): Nature-based technology to remove contaminants from water sources.
• VerdeTerra LLC (Georgia): An air purification system utilizing microbes to reduce indoor pollutants.

These businesses exemplify the potential for small-scale innovation to make a big impact on environmental health. The EPA’s initiative encourages creativity and entrepreneurship, fostering a sustainable future.

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