Klaw Industries LLC, Binghamton, N.Y. developer of a process for converting waste glass to Pantheon-branded concrete mix constituent, is among eight companies receiving up to $400,000 in Environmental Protection Agency Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grants, following $100,000 first phase awards. The Pantheon powder increases concrete strength by reacting with cement to add more crystal structures in matrix. Concrete producers can use the agent to lower cement content in mix designs, save on materials costs and cut net carbon emissions by up to 1,000 lbs. per truckload.
“Addressing our most pressing environmental problems requires innovation and creative thinking from all sectors,” says EPA Office of Research and Development Assistant Administrator Chris Frey. “I am excited to see how these small businesses leverage this investment from EPA to bring their promising technologies to the marketplace.” The agency issues annual SBIR technology proposal solicitations for specific high priority environmental topics, he adds, with submissions evaluated on technical merit, commercialization potential, and impact in a given topic area.
“High-performance, low-carbon concrete made with recycled materials is the future of our infrastructure,” observes Klaw Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Jacob Kumpon. “The City of Binghamton’s focus on innovation at every level and the support of Barney & Dickenson, Taylor Garbage, Albert Torto Construction and the Koffman Incubator made this award possible.”
Founded in 2019, Klaw Industries has raised over $1.1 million due in part to the resources available through the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. “It has been a pleasure to mentor Klaw Industries within our Clean Energy Incubator and watch them build their business from the ground up,” says Program Director Michael Jagielski. “The funds secured through the EPA will assist Klaw in continuing to grow their business and perfect their product.”