Central Massachusetts ClimaTech Hub
The energy and clean technologies industry is in a period of rapidly evolving change and growth in the Northeast. WPI is well-positioned to be an integral partner in the emerging hub that includes major players in government, academia, and industry. Conveniently situated in the Heart of the Commonwealth, WPI works with several partners in the greater Worcester area. To advance clean technologies.
Why CleanTech?
The central New England region is evolving as a leading center for cleantech innovation and a clean energy economy. But in order to do that, the hub needs to attract and retain the talent and expertise of successful cleantech researchers and entrepreneurs. Want to partner with us?
5 Top Green Tech Companies with Ties to WPI
Climate tech encompasses a range of innovative technologies and solutions designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainability. By advancing renewable energy sources like solar and wind, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, and developing carbon capture and storage methods, climate tech can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it supports sustainable agriculture practices and waste management solutions, helping to lower the carbon footprint of food production and disposal. Overall, climate tech plays a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy, fostering resilience in communities, and driving the necessary changes to address the climate crisis effectively.
See how WPI experts are contributing: https://www.wpi.edu/news/media/expert/topics/climate-tech
WPI Receives Funding to Tackle a Major Recycling Challenge: Mixed Plastics
WPI has secured $331,592 in state funding to develop a new process for converting mixed plastic waste into valuable chemicals. Led by professors Michael Timko and Alex Maag, the project aims to create an efficient, scalable method using modular reactors, addressing the significant issue of plastic waste. The funding, part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2), will support the purchase of equipment for analyzing catalysts and products in the hydrothermal catalytic conversion process, aligning with sustainable manufacturing goals and enhancing WPI's commitment to material recovery and recycling.
Learn more: https://www.wpi.edu/news/wpi-receives-funding-tackle-major-recycling-challenge-mixed-plastics
Researchers Led by WPI’s Yan Wang Develop Solvent-Free Process to Make Better, Cheaper Lithium-ion Battery Electrodes
WPI researcher Yan Wang has developed a solvent-free process for manufacturing lithium-ion battery electrodes that are greener, cheaper, and charge faster than current options. Published in Joule, this dry-print method eliminates toxic solvents and lengthy drying times, potentially reducing manufacturing costs by 15% and allowing electrodes to charge to 78% capacity in just 20 minutes. By using dry powders instead of slurries, the process also cuts energy use by 47%. Wang has filed a patent for this innovation and co-founded AM Batteries Inc. to help scale the technology.