by | Sep 25, 2024

Four Finalists Announced by Radicle Growth for Corn Value Chain Challenge

Radicle Growth has announced the four finalists selected for the highly anticipated Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge sponsored by U.S. corn farmers, set to take place in October. After an intensive review process, four standout finalists have emerged from a competitive pool of applicants, each showcasing innovative ideas and exceptional entrepreneurial spirit. The Kentucky Corn Promotion Council (KCPC), other state corn checkoffs, and the National Corn Growers Association are funding partners in this effort.

Beyond the news release: What Kentucky corn producers need to know:

KCPC is a funding partner in the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, along with several other state corn organizations and the National Corn Growers Association. 

When the project was announced in February, KCPC Chairman Ray Allen Mackey said, “We have the opportunity to explore innovative uses for surplus corn production in Kentucky and across the country. By embracing new technologies and creating sustainable demand for corn-derived products, we can ensure the long-term profitability of U.S. corn growers and contribute to the economic growth of our country.” 

The Challenge sets out to invest a minimum of U.S. $1.5 million in start-up and growth companies developing new uses for corn 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 replace fossil-fuel-derived products.

The four finalists will participate in a more technical version of a “Shark Tank” style pitch day competition in October. The finalists were chosen in an intensive review process. Two of the four finalists are previous winners of NCGA’s Consider Corn Challenge, which identifies and funds projects in the earlier stages of development.

The winner of the Pitch Day Competition will receive up to $1 million in funding, as well as valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.

“The Radicle Corn Challenge is a particularly special collaboration because it not only showcases the ingenuity of the corn industry but also helps transform ‘new-use’ ideas into viable products,” said Laura Knoth, Executive Director of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association. “It benefits corn producers in Kentucky and beyond and embodies our commitment to creating new markets for corn and corn products.” 

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.

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.

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.

me energy GmbH – me energy has developed unique technology enabling Rapid Chargers that generate climate-friendly electricity from low-cost ethanol. Their 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.

For more information about the Pitch Day Competition and to stay updated on event details, please visit radicle.vc/challenge.

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