Rubi gets nearly $1M from NSF to scale its carbon-to-cellulose platform

In California, Rubi has been awarded a $969,961 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop and scale its carbon-to-cellulose platform. This prestigious grant, awarded to less than 5% of SBIR applicants over the last decade, recognizes Rubi’s groundbreaking advancements in CO2-to-materials technology and will support the company’s path to commercialization. 

Rubi has pioneered a first-of-its-kind cell-free biocatalysis technology to make CO2-derived materials and chemicals. The company’s initial focus is on CO2-derived cellulose to replace traditional wood pulp, aiming to decarbonize textile production by eliminating deforestation and significantly reducing the environmental impact of raw material manufacturing. With proven technology and strong customer partnerships, the nearly $1 million grant accelerates Rubi’s mission to meet the urgent global demand for low-carbon materials.