Radicle corn challenge - four finalists announced

By Blake Jackson

Radicle Growth has revealed the four finalists for the highly anticipated Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge. Sponsored by U.S. corn farmers, the competition aims to invest in innovative corn-derived products.

The Kentucky Corn Promotion Council (KCPC), along with other state corn checkoffs and the National Corn Growers Association, are funding partners.

KCPC Chairman Ray Allen Mackey expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "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 offers a minimum investment of $1.5 million to startups and growth companies developing new corn-based products.

These include sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), drop-in chemicals and plastics, compostable materials, and other innovative applications.

The four finalists were selected through a rigorous review process. Two of them are previous winners of NCGA's Consider Corn Challenge, which supports early-stage development projects.

The Pitch Day Competition winner will receive up to $1 million in funding, along with 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 include:

Låkril Technologies: Developing bifunctional catalysts for converting corn ethanol into bio-based acrylics.

Catalyxx: Creating green technology for producing high-value long-chain linear alcohols from corn ethanol.

New Iridium: Developing photocatalysis technology for producing sustainable chemicals from corn bioethanol.

me energy GmbH: Creating portable, rapid chargers powered by corn bioethanol.

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