New Materials Startups

Xefco develops advanced materials and manufacturing solutions for the textile industry, with a focus on sustainable dyeing and finishing technologies. The company's Ausora technology offers a disruptive approach to textile processing, with commercial deployment underway in Southeast Asia.

4 investors

AmicaTerra manufactures bioplastic products from edible and non-edible plant materials, achieving cost-competitive performance through processing at Taiwan facilities. The company aims to supply these sustainable biomass-based materials globally, with plans to establish production in Japan using agricultural waste and bamboo resources.

4 investors

eSep Inc. develops and provides nanoceramics membrane separation technology and related equipment and systems for chemical processes and energy applications. The company serves industrial clients in Japan seeking to improve efficiency and sustainability.

4 investors

Digzyme develops novel enzymes and bioprocesses to order, providing enzyme libraries, sample supply, IP licensing, and support for scale-up, commercialization, and regulatory approvals. It serves industrial clients seeking custom enzyme solutions in the biotech sector.

4 investors

FLOSFIA develops power semiconductor devices based on corundum-structure gallium oxide (α-Ga₂O₃), a material originating from Kyoto University in Japan, using its proprietary water-based "MISTEPITAXY" mist deposition process to achieve lower loss than SiC at silicon-level cost. It targets applications starting with small power supplies and expanding to industrial equipment, power infrastructure, and mobility including electric vehicles.

4 investors

Gaianixx develops, manufactures, and sells crystalline thin-film technology, including its "multifunctional intermediate film" and epitaxial materials based on a "dynamic lattice matching" mechanism researched at the University of Tokyo. The company aims to apply this materials technology to the semiconductor industry.

4 investors

1s1 Energy develops materials innovations for green hydrogen production and utilization, targeting energy providers and utilities seeking low-cost, reliable decarbonization solutions. The company focuses on electrolysis stack technology and boron-based materials to enable hydrogen production at scale.

3 investors

5Metis is a discovery-stage company developing boron-based molecules for crop protection, running medicinal/discovery chemistry and toxicity testing programs to invent new agricultural active ingredients. Its R&D team is based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

3 investors

AB Smart Materials develops bio-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) for use in personal care and hygiene products as well as agricultural applications such as soil moisture retention. The company focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly polymer materials.

3 investors

Steam Pyrolyst develops a process that converts organic and plastic waste into green hydrogen and methane at costs below €2/kg and €0.50/Nm³ respectively, using pyrolysis and steam gasification. The technology serves waste management and energy production sectors seeking low-cost, sustainable alternatives to conventional hydrogen production methods.

3 investors

Agoprene produces high-performing foam from natural materials like seaweed as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based foam for furniture and other applications. The company works with manufacturers and designers to develop durable, environmentally friendly materials intended for long-term use.

3 investors

Aionics uses artificial intelligence and physics-based simulation to design and screen new material formulations, focusing on high-performance battery chemistries and electrolytes. It serves industries including electric vehicles, aerospace and aviation, long-duration energy storage, and decarbonized manufacturing.

3 investors

Alafair Biosciences develops advanced bioresorbable biomaterials for surgical soft tissue healing and motion preservation. The company serves surgeons and patients undergoing procedures requiring post-surgical recovery, with a focus on preventing tissue tethering and supporting natural mobility.

3 investors

Allonnia applies industrial biology—screening microbes and engineered proteins that interact with metals—to recover copper, nickel, and rare earths from ore and mine waste streams like coal ash, tailings, and acid mine drainage. Its bolt-on systems (D-Solve and RE-Cover) attach to existing mine flowsheets for mining operators to increase metal grade and recovery.

3 investors

Ambio operates a platform that facilitates buying and selling of recycled plastics, connecting suppliers and buyers through a data-driven approach. The company serves businesses transitioning to sustainable materials by reducing procurement friction and ensuring material quality.

3 investors

Ametrine develops cloaking and invisibility technologies to help military and defense personnel avoid advanced sensor detection on the battlefield.

3 investors

Amyris develops a biomanufacturing platform that uses fermentation and microbial engineering to produce natural ingredients and rare compounds at scale for partners across industries such as specialty chemicals, food ingredients, and consumer products. Founded in 2003, the company focuses on sustainable, bio-based sourcing of molecules.

3 investors

Arieca develops patented Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer (LMEE) thermal interface materials that combine thermal performance with mechanical reliability for semiconductor applications. The company works with customers to develop system-level thermal cooling solutions ready for high-volume manufacturing.

3 investors

Arylla makes an invisible, chip-less printable tag that can be scanned with any smartphone through its API, connecting physical products to the internet. It prints tags onto products at scale using existing commercial printers and licenses its API to developers building services on top of the tag, positioning itself as a cheaper, more scalable alternative to NFC.

3 investors

Azul3D provides a 3D-printing manufacturing platform for producing prescription lenses and other optical parts, using its proprietary HARP continuous printing technology to create layerless polymer parts. It targets optical labs and Rx manufacturing, offering compatibility with LMS systems, coatings, and finishes, and aims to support next-generation smart eyewear.

3 investors

Bcomp manufactures powerRibs™, a natural fibre reinforcement grid for composite structures that mimics leaf-vein patterns to provide high stiffness at minimal weight. The technology serves automotive, aerospace, marine, and sports industries as a sustainable alternative to carbon and glass fibre reinforcement.

3 investors

Biomason uses biotechnology to grow biocement, producing concrete and tile products by using bacteria to bind natural materials as an alternative to Portland cement, aimed at concrete producers and the construction industry. Founded in North Carolina with manufacturing and market development in Denmark, the company sells tile products installed in the US and Europe and is developing pavers and walls, with a focus on the European market.

3 investors

Biosimo produces bio-based platform chemicals — with bio-acetic acid as its flagship, plus acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and bio-VAM — by converting bioethanol using a proprietary heterogeneous catalyst in a single continuous fixed-bed reactor step. The company, an ETH Zurich spin-off, sells to industries including agriculture, automotive, construction, home care, and cosmetics, aiming to compete at fossil-fuel economics.

3 investors

Biotic Labs develops biological processes to manufacture bio-based, biodegradable polymers that replace fossil-fuel plastics for industrial and consumer applications. The company aims to transition industries toward a sustainable, circular economy for plastic production.

3 investors