[Centennial, CO — September 17, 2024] Radicle Growth and the Colorado Corn Promotion Council are thrilled to announce the four finalists selected for the highly anticipated Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge Sponsored by US Corn Farmers, set to take place on October 22, 2024, in San Francisco. After an intensive review process, these standout finalists have emerged from a competitive pool of applicants, each showcasing innovative ideas and exceptional entrepreneurial spirit.
The Challenge sets out to invest a minimum of US $1.5M in start-up and growth companies worldwide whose innovative technologies and business models create new uses for corn and long-term sustainable demand for corn production. These companies are expected to be developing new uses for corn that result in replacements for fossil fuel-derived materials with plant-derived materials such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), drop-in chemicals and plastics, compostable materials, and as yet unidentified products and product categories that could be new areas for corn-derived products to be used.
The finalists are:
Låkril Technologies – Låkril’s bifunctional catalyst enables the efficient conversion of corn ethanol into bio-based acrylics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical methods. This innovation leverages renewable corn resources to produce acrylics, reducing carbon emissions and aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly chemical production solutions. Låkril Technologies is out of Chicago, Ill.
Catalyxx – Catalyxx is creating green technology for a better tomorrow. Catalyxx has a unique, proven, and patented green chemistry technology that produces high value long chain linear alcohols from corn ethanol, which serve as crucial intermediate biochemicals to decarbonize the downstream chemical value chain. Catalyxx is out of Sevilla, Spain.
New Iridium – New Iridium’s photocatalysis platform empowers the production of low-cost sustainable chemicals, such as acetic acid, from plants and carbon dioxide. While the acetic acid value chain is currently reliant on petroleum, innovations like photocatalysis could enable sustainable production from corn bioethanol. New Iridium is out of Boulder, Colo.
me energy GmbH – me energy has developed unique technology enabling Rapid Chargers that generate climate-friendly electricity from low-cost ethanol. me energy’s portable, rapid chargers, powered by renewable energy such as corn bioethanol, can also create a new use for corn. The stations do not require a connection to the power grid because they generate their own electricity from sustainable bioethanol. me energy GmbH is out of Wildau, Germany.
These visionary entrepreneurs will present their pitches to a distinguished panel of judges on October 22 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. The competition promises to be an exciting showcase of cutting-edge ideas and breakthrough solutions across the landscape of biofuels and sustainable materials.
“Corn farmers are great at what they do: utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable farming practices to meet the heavy demand of feeding and fueling our world…and then some. As our productivity increases, we cannot simply rely on our current markets to absorb a growing surplus of corn. That’s why the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, along with the National Corn Growers Association and other state organizations, is supporting the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by U.S. Corn Farmers,” said Matt Mulch, President of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council and a farmer from Burlington, Colo. “The Corn Challenge has brought forward innovative solutions to create new demand for corn. I’m eager to learn more about the four finalists and their exciting technologies that have the potential to unlock new revenue streams for our farmers and bolster out bottom line.”
“We are excited about the diverse opportunities we’ve identified for new demand for corn through the Challenge,” commented Kirk Haney, Managing Partner, Radicle Growth. “Our finalists represent well that diverse set of opportunities to support an emerging bioeconomy, where corn will be a major feedstock as it continues also to produce more sustainably with a reduced carbon intensity.”
The winner of the Pitch Day Competition will receive up to $1M in funding, as well as valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. For more information about the Pitch Day Competition and to stay updated on event details, please visit www.radicle.vc/challenge or contact Natale Clark, Director of Operations at nclark@radicle.vc.
About: The Colorado Corn Promotion Council (CCPC) was established over 30 years ago to manage a one-penny-per-bushel assessment collected by first handlers of sales of corn in the state. For more information about the Colorado Corn Promotion Council please visit www.coloradocorn.com.