Vermont Business Magazine Northern Vermont and the University of Northern Vermont announce the first participants in the Forest Products Accelerator Program. Seven companies from across the Northeast will participate in this four-month program, which is open to start-up and seed-level companies introducing new and improved products, services and technology in the forestry industry.
“We are excited to have such an amazing group of companies participating in the inaugural Forest Products Accelerator group and to have Vermont play an innovative role in the future of forestry,” said Jared Reynolds, Do North Collaborative and Forest Products Accelerator Manager. . “These companies are solving some of the industry’s most pressing problems by developing new technologies, energy and fuel solutions, and sustainable packaging and products.”
The program focuses on companies that use low-grade wood and by-products, technology that improves forest operations, or wood-based fuels and energy systems.
A rigorous business curriculum provides participating companies with the opportunity to develop their business case, business model and go-to-market plan, and relationships with industry experts, customers and suppliers.
The accelerator kicks off on August 1 and participants will participate in several days of in-person and virtual workshops, webinars and panels and receive training throughout the program. The Forest Products Accelerator was made possible by grants from the Northern Frontier Regional Commission and the Northeast Vermont Development Association.
The accelerator’s goal is to support forestry-focused companies to turn new technology into sustainable and impactful businesses. Participating companies are focused on innovative wood pellets, biochar, biomass energy, technology and sustainable packaging and products. The following companies are involved in the current collection of forestry products.
•Applied Biorefinery Sciences (New York) is developing water-based biorefinery technology to improve the productivity of biomass-derived fuel particles, byproducts, and chemicals using hot water extraction.
• Farm to Flame (Pennsylvania) is developing a system to provide clean and affordable renewable electricity to medium and large businesses using smokeless and odorless biomass electricity generators.
• Sylvakerl (Vermont) produces biodegradable and compostable packaging made from wood chips with a low environmental impact.
• Forestopia (Massachusetts) is building a platform to expand market opportunities for sustainable tree crops and tree products.
• Forward Forestry (New Hampshire) is building a platform that connects lumber mills with lumber mills to coordinate sales of logs.
• Gaia AI (Massachusetts) is developing an AI-based forest management platform that addresses carbon accounting and verification issues.
• Green State Biochar (Vermont) is developing biochar from waste wood that can be used in many applications, including energy and water treatment.
For more information about the Forest Products Accelerator, to connect with participating companies or to become a program sponsor, visit www.forestccelerator.org or email info@forestccelerator.org.
Forest Products Express at 930 Broad St. The center is the Northern Cooperative Initiative in Lyndonville, VT. The University of Northern Vermont-Lindon Economic Development Initiative provides coworking space and business services including North Coworking, a workspace for entrepreneurs, small businesses and remote workers, and Forest Products Accelerator and learning initiatives including KickStartNEK. For more information, visit www.donorthcoworking.com.
Northern Vermont University is a two-campus institution of higher education that offers our best campuses with nationally recognized liberal arts and professional programs. At Northern Vermont University, our goal is to guide curious, motivated and engaged students to their path to success and their place in the world. NVU Online offers flexible, affordable, and high-quality options for students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as credit and non-credit certificate and professional development courses. On July 1, 2023, Northern Vermont University, along with Castleton University and Vermont Technical College, will become Vermont State University, a reimagined institution of higher education based on the strong legacies of its founding institutions. Learn more at NorthernVermont.edu.
Lyndonville, Vt. – Northern Vermont University
