Welcome

Team Leader Larry Davis

Green Mechanics specializes in reducing nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay using Algal Turf Scrubbers, an approved best management practice that naturally removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediments from waterways. The team designed engineered flow ways that grow and harvest filamentous algae, generating pollution abatement credits that can be traded with developers, municipalities, and counties to help them meet environmental permit requirements.

Team Leader Samuel Bendek

Elastic Energy, has developed a novel battery that uses tree-sap-based elastic materials instead of lithium or other critical minerals. In laboratory tests, our system shows that it could be 40% cheaper, last 3x longer, and significantly more sustainable than current battery technologies.

The technology works by using a motor to stretch an elastic band from 20 meters to nearly 100 meters, storing elastic potential energy. When energy is needed, the band returns to its initial position while spinning a generator converting elastic potential energy to electricity— all without chemical reactions, fire risks, or rare materials.

Team Leader  Elizabeth Jeffers

Canopy Minerals makes mineral exploration faster, cheaper, and less destructive by analyzing minerals in tree leaves to detect underground metal deposits. With the world needing up to 3 billion tonnes of new minerals by 2050 for the clean energy transition, Canopy’s method offers a smarter alternative to traditional drilling. At just $1,000–$5,000 per site, it helps companies target high-potential areas and avoid unnecessary environmental damage. 

Team Leader Shenqiang Ren

NewCopper develops state-of-the-art conductive inks made from pristine or recycled copper, enabling scalable and efficient manufacturing of high-performance, sustainable electronics. This breakthrough technology paves the way for 3D-printed electronics, flexible devices, biodegradable products, and many other innovative applications.