Sironix awarded with NSF SBIR Grant

Saint Paul, MN, – Sironix Renewables has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $225,000 to conduct research and development (R&D) work on plant-based surfactants for detergent and cleaner applications. 

Sironix Renewables will develop a bio-renewable detergent molecule called the Oleo-Furan Surfactant (OFS) for detergent and cleaning applications. This new technology aims to produce better functioning and simplified detergents for consumers, reducing the amount of chemical needed and mitigating environmental impact. The research conducted under this grant will develop the key chemistries to produce chemicals for a wide range of markets and applications.

“The National Science Foundation supports small businesses with the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to become great commercial successes and make huge societal impacts,” said Barry Johnson, Director of the NSF’s Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships. “We hope that this seed funding will spark solutions to some of the most important challenges of our time across all areas of science and technology.”

“This grant sets the groundwork for a technological breakthrough in multi-billion dollar cleaners and detergents industry,” said Christoph Krumm, the President and Co-Founder of Sironix Renewables. “The OFS technology will enable better functioning detergents at lower cost, while reducing overall environmental impact.”

Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $225,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II grant (up to $750,000). Small businesses with Phase II grants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in additional matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales. 

NSF accepts Phase I proposals from small businesses twice annually in June and December. Small businesses with innovative science and technology solutions, and commercial potential are encouraged to apply. All proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR/STTR program undergo a rigorous merit-based review process. 

To learn more about the NSF SBIR/STTR program, visit: www.nsf.gov/SBIR. 

About the National Science Foundation's Small Business Programs: The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards nearly $190 million annually to startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. The non-dilutive grants support research and development (R&D) across almost all areas of science and technology helping companies de-risk technology for commercial success. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $7 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering.