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Copernic Catalysts has closed $8 million in seed funding to make cheaper catalysts for green chemicals and fuels production.

Why it matters: Cheaper catalysts can help enable cleaner fuels to compete on cost with conventional formulas.

Catch up fast: Fuels and chemical makers use catalysts to either speed a chemical reaction, or to lower the temperature or pressure required to start one.

Driving the news: Copernic Catalysts says it's developed a catalyst for cheaper low-carbon ammonia production and plans to develop a second making sustainable aviation fuel.

Context: Ammonia is widely used in fertilizer and chemical production, and it's getting attention from maritime shipping companies as a potential alternative fuel.

Yes, but: The conventional ammonia manufacturing process generates about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The latest: "We're enabling the production of e-fuels and sustainable ammonia more cheaply," Copernic Catalyst CEO Jacob Grose says.

The Cambridge, Mass.-based startup is making a few grams of catalyst per week and working with ammonia producers to test the product.

Follow the money: Breakout Ventures led the startup's funding round, which began in the spring and closed last month.

Innospark Ventures, New Climate Ventures and Impact Science Ventures participated, as well as existing investor Future Ventures and Engine Ventures.

Flashback: Copernic Catalysts in 2021 raised $2 million in equity investment. It's also received $3.8 million in grant funding from the Energy Department's ARPA-E program and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

What's next: It ultimately plans to sell its catalysts, working with external manufacturers to handle production.

"There will be some IP licensing along with material sales. But the primary revenue will be sales of the catalyst material," Grose says, adding the company anticipates a Series A raise in 2026.

Exclusive: E-fuel catalyst maker Copernic Catalyst raises $8M

Cheaper catalysts can help enable cleaner fuels to compete on cost.

Illustration of a large gas tank and ammonia molecules made from quarters.

Petrochemicals

Copernic Catalysts has closed $8 million in seed funding to make cheaper catalysts for green chemicals and fuels production.Why it matters: Cheaper catalysts can help enable cleaner fuels to compete on cost with conventional formulas.

Exclusive: E-fuel catalyst maker Copernic Catalyst raises $8M

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