REEgen uses genetically optimized bacteria to recover rare earth elements from ores and industrial waste, including materials that would otherwise be discarded. The Ithaca startup’s low-temperature, low-pressure bioleaching process produces biodegradable acids instead of relying on harsh chemicals or high heat, positioning it around cleaner, more circular critical-mineral production.
SharpPulse CorpSharpPulse Corp is developing patented, electric-energy methods to recycle critical minerals and rare earth elements without carbon emissions or pollution. Founded by scientists and business executives focused on climate change, the company describes its approach as “Recycling 2.0” for advanced materials, addressing the energy use and toxic pollutants associated with conventional recycling.NEW YORK, NY
SnovaBorn from its founder’s experience in Mexico’s tequila region, Snova uses biotechnology to turn tequila-production waste into biochemicals and biomaterials. The company isolates microorganisms from the agave microbiome, engineers them, and develops products such as natural melanin and insulation materials from the resulting process. Snova says its approach revalorizes more than 80% of tequila production waste while reducing resource use and creating economic value in the communities around the industry.
Aclara Resources IncAclara Resources is developing a vertically integrated heavy rare earth supply chain, from ionic clay deposits in Brazil and Chile through U.S. separation and magnet-grade alloy production. Its patented Circular Mineral Harvesting process is designed to produce rare earth concentrates without tailings while recirculating 95% of process water and 99% of its main reagent. The company is also applying artificial intelligence to exploration and separation, with a pilot plant partnership involving Virginia Tech and Argonne National Laboratory.BETHESDA, MD
Galvanix IncGalvanix Inc. is developing a domestic, sustainable process for reducing rare-earth metals used in permanent magnets for technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. Co-founded by Alan Long and Professor Rohan Akolkar, the company focuses on replacing the polluting, China-dominated production route with an emissions-free, more energy-efficient alternative. Its work has received Phase I support from both the NSF SBIR program and the Department of Energy’s E-SCRAP initiative.CLEVELAND, OH