Chain Reaction Innovations’ impact is far-reaching as it enters its fourth year of embedding entrepreneurs at Argonne National Laboratory. CRI’s first cohort graduated in June 2019, amassing millions in investment. The combined total raised by CRI innovators through February 2020 is nearly $18 million. In addition, the program helped create 76 jobs to date.

Innovators and the CRI team work together to advance cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to improve not only our nations outlook, but that of the world. This page is dedicated to showcasing some of the many impacts realized by the CRI program.

On the Roof - Prototype Installed for Harnessing Wind Energy

Near the center of Argonne National Laboratory’s sprawling, 1,700-acre campus sits Building 212, an industrial-looking, red-brick structure that was built decades ago. It’s had a recent rooftop addition – one that could have major implications on the U.S. renewable energy market.

Erika Boeing, Founder and CEO of Accelerate Wind, reached a milestone for her startup: installing a prototype airfoil and wind turbine at Argonne.

Improving Combustion through Plasma: FGC Plasma Solutions

Felipe Gomez del Campo, a startup founder and CEO as well as a graduate of Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI), is developing new ways of improving combustion with the help of plasma. Plasma is a state of matter similar to a gas but with many charged, energetic particles. Gomez del Campo’s company, FGC Plasma Solutions, is using plasma to transform combustion technologies used in aerospace, national security, and other energy-related fields.

CRI employee and cancer survivor advocates for patients on Capitol Hill

After overcoming cancer not once but three times, Wenora Johnson, a Navy veteran and administrative assistant for Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI), has taken to Capitol Hill to advocate for patients and families battling the same disease.

Closing a $4.8 Investment Round for Sustainable Protein

Emergy Foods has raised $4.8 million series seed from major investors that will help the company advance plans for producing sustainable protein. This includes moving its headquarters from Chicago to Boulder, Colorado in June; adding staff; and advancing its research and development capabilities and as well as its production space.

Revving Up Low-Carbon Diesel Engines

After raising about $2 million in funding, Chicago-based ClearFlame Engines is preparing for its next stage in developing a market-ready product: testing its low-carbon, high performance engine in customer pilot demonstrations within the next 12 to 18 months.

Start-Up Scales Coating Capacity, Begins Testing

Volexion Inc., which produces coatings for longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), will soon begin testing its materials in batteries from another battery company made with a low cobalt battery cathode material.