Park Drive-based Reactive Innovations recently learned it would be one of 21 companies across the country to receive funding in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
The company earned a $100,000 “proof of concept” grant for their micro-channel electrochemical production of dimethyl carbonate, a now environmentally friendly solvent used in batteries, coating materials and resins.
“A strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. With this funding we are providing opportunities for small companies to ultimately take their ideas and technology from the laboratory into the market place,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Their contributions strengthen the economy while fostering public health and environmental protection.”
Reactive Innovation claims its new process will minimize waste and toxic by-products associated with the production of the substance.
Further research may boost Reactive Innovations into “Phase II” of the SBIR program, which gives $300,000 to help commercialize green technologies.