"Dexmat Takes the Crown: Revolutionizing Climate Tech with Game-Changing Nanomaterials"
Dexmat Named Trellis Impact Climate Tech Startup of the Year
San Jose, California – In a significant recognition of innovation in climate technology, Houston-based startup Dexmat has been awarded the title of Trellis Impact Climate Tech Startup of the Year. The announcement came during a live audience vote on October 29, 2023, at the Trellis Impact event, where five finalists presented their groundbreaking solutions to a panel of investors and corporate leaders.
Dexmat’s flagship product, Galvorn, is a revolutionary conductive nanomaterial derived from carbon nanotubes. This ultra-strong, lightweight, and exceptionally flexible material can be spun into fibers, films, and wires, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including aerospace, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems. With the potential to replace traditional materials like steel, aluminum, and copper, Galvorn represents a significant advancement in materials science, particularly in the context of decarbonization efforts.
The Pitch and Recognition
During the event, Dexmat co-founders Matteo Pasquali and Dmitri Tsentalovich delivered a compelling 2.5-minute pitch that resonated with the audience. Their presentation highlighted not only the technical capabilities of Galvorn but also its broader implications for climate impact. Alex Behar, a partner at Buoyant Ventures, noted, “Dexmat was able to show the audience how the problem they are solving affects everyone in the room, and the potential for climate impact at scale.”
Behar emphasized the importance of alternative materials like Galvorn, particularly in the context of upgrading energy infrastructure to meet the increasing demand from data centers and the energy transition. Traditional copper production is resource-intensive, and Dexmat’s innovative approach offers a sustainable solution.
The Finalists
Dexmat was selected from a competitive field of finalists across various categories, each addressing critical aspects of climate change:
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Energy: Ammobia – Based in San Francisco, Ammobia is reinventing ammonia production through a low-pressure, lower-carbon process that utilizes renewable hydrogen and air, aiming to decarbonize feedstocks for fertilizers and fuels.
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Carbon: Planet Savers – This Tokyo-based startup is developing modular, low-cost direct air capture systems designed to remove gigatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
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Nature: Airbuild – Operating out of San Diego, Airbuild transforms polluted water and air streams into clean water, biochar, and long-term carbon storage using microalgae and pyrolysis.
- Transport: Photon Marine – Based in Portland, Photon Marine designs high-power electric outboard motors and fleet management software aimed at electrifying commercial vessels and phasing out fossil fuels in marine transport.
The Selection Process
The Trellis Impact event featured a rigorous selection process, narrowing down 109 applicants from 13 nations to 25 finalists. The evaluation criteria included the viability of the solution, business model, customer need, traction, team composition, and pitch presentation. Collectively, the applicants have attracted over $750 million in funding, underscoring the growing interest and investment in climate tech.
“Each finalist demonstrated impressive commercial progress in a short time, often with minimal resources,” Behar remarked. “They are all engaging partners, which is a smart way to grow faster with less capital.”
Looking Ahead
Dexmat is backed by notable investors, including Shell Ventures and the U.S. Department of Energy, positioning the company for further growth and innovation in advanced materials for decarbonization. As the climate tech sector faces challenges such as declining funding and shifting policies, startups like Dexmat are at the forefront of a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to not just reducing emissions but fundamentally rebuilding the systems that power the global economy.
With its innovative approach and potential for significant climate impact, Dexmat is poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable future.