EPA awards $2.4 million to small businesses to develop environmental technologies
The EPA will provide $2.4 million to small businesses to support the development of innovative technologies to address environmental problems.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $2.4 million to 24 small companies to advance technologies to address environmental and health issues. Each company will receive $100,000 in Phase I to develop proof of concept solutions, with the opportunity to secure up to $400,000 for development and commercialization in Phase II.
According to a recent press release, the projects focus on pressing issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing PFAS in biosolids and creating safer chemical alternatives. These awards are part of EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which supports innovative technologies consistent with the agency's environmental mission.
“Congratulations to these small businesses for their commitment to driving innovation and meeting today’s environmental challenges,” Maureen Gwinn, acting assistant administrator in EPA’s Office of Research and Development, said in a statement. “Their groundbreaking ideas not only address critical needs, but also pave the way for a healthier planet and a stronger, more sustainable economy.”
Selected projects include technologies to produce low-carbon building materials, reduce food waste through biochar applications, and improve indoor air quality. For example, Acadian Research & Development in Wyoming is developing biochar-derived graphene to increase concrete strength while reducing its carbon footprint. Similarly, in North Carolina, AxNano is working on a treatment process to remove PFAS from biosolids to enable their safe reuse.
The SBIR program is an annual competition that promotes innovation in small businesses while addressing environmental priorities. Companies that successfully complete Phase I can apply for additional funding to bring their technologies closer to market.
About the author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the environmental content editor.