CO2-to-fuel process wins TAF MVP CleanTech Competition
Dimensional Energy won a $50,000 investment at the Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) Most Valuable Pitch (MVP) CleanTech Competition held at the University at Albany on December 11. The startup, which is a member of the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator at Binghamton University, will use the funding to advance its “artificial photosynthesis” technology that combines sunlight and CO2 to make fuel.
The TAF MVP competitions provide an opportunity for SUNY startups and entrepreneurial teams to compete in person for an investment of up to $50,000 to achieve development and commercialization milestones that enhance their probability of success. The cleantech competition featured presentations from ten exciting early stage companies working in solar, wind, biofuels, energy storage and more. The finalists were:
- Atrevida Science – Active morphing blade that adjusts its twist to optimal shape as wind speeds change. (University at Buffalo)
- Brash – Combined heat and power “appliance” for residential installation. (Binghamton University)
- Caribou BioFuels – Gasifier that converts biomass into a valuable biofuel. (SUNY Cobleskill)
- CathBuddy – Reusable catheter that will enable large savings for hospitals, patients and the environment. (University at Albany)
- Dimensional Energy – Modular photo-catalytic reactor platform that produces chemicals and fuels from carbon dioxide and sunlight. (Binghamton University)
- Heat Inverse – Passive cooling technology for refrigerant trucks that can provide up to 10 degrees of cooling. (Binghamton University)
- NanoHydroChem – Novel material that will enable high energy density Li-ion batteries capable of longer operating times. (University at Buffalo)
- Smart Walls Construction – Telescopic structural walls that can be used for flood protection. (University at Buffalo)
- SunTegra – Solar “side-of-building” product line for low to high rise buildings. (Stony Brook University)
- SuperClean Glass – Self-cleaning technology that can eliminate dust on a solar panel regaining up to 95% of lost energy. (Stony Brook University)
“Congratulations to all of the teams that showcased the wide range of SUNY innovation that aims to reduce negative effects on the environment,” said Matt Mroz TAF managing director and director of enterprise technology transfer for The Research Foundation for SUNY(RF). “The TAF MVP Competitions provide a forum to put on full display the scope, scale, diversity, and spirit of SUNY innovation in key industry sectors.”
The TAF MVP winner was selected by an esteemed group of judges with expertise in entrepreneurship, commercialization, venture capital and the cleantech industry:
Clayton Besch, Director, NYS Innovation VC Fund, Empire State Development
- Eric Fasser, Design & Engineering Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub
- Erica Iannotti, Technology to Market Project Manager, NYSERDA
- Robert Manasier, Entrepreneur in Residence and New Ventures Manager, University at Albany
- Ellen Roybal, Transition Leader, Systems and Information Manager, Distributed Solar Development, General Electric
- Noa Simmons, Executive Director, Upstate Capital Association of New York
In addition to presenting their business plans, participants received business guidance and key connections, including advice on access to capital, strategic partnerships, and professional services. They also attended a discussion on The Future of Energy moderated by Nick Querques, director of new ventures at the RF. Panelists included:
- Colby Creedon, Project Manager, Technology to Market, NYSERDA
- Don DeRosa, Chief Technology Officer, Eonix
- Johanna Wellington, Energy Storage Product Breakout Leader, General Electric Company
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