Evolution

Approaching a Zero-Carbon Future

In April 2016, a team of biotechnology and engineering professors at the University of Colorado Boulder responded to a Department of Defense initiative related to engineered living materials – and the seed of what would become Prometheus Materials was sown.

While the team’s results more than satisfied the project requirements, they knew that their technology could also impact the civilian world and potentially shift the course of climate change. By harnessing microalgae as a living building material, they created a replacement for carbon-intensive portland cement. In 2021, Prometheus Materials was founded – and our zero-carbon bio-cement and bio-concrete is currently in production.

Pioneer

Pathway To Prometheus

Mixing ingredients in the lab to make Prometheus concrete.

Department of Defense Initiative

Our founders achieved groundbreaking results for the DoD Biological Technologies Office – harnessing natural components to produce an ultra low-carbon concrete alternative.

Formed Company

Prometheus Materials was founded, seed capital was raised and intellectual property was licensed from the University of Colorado – attracting the attention of major architectural and technology firms.

A Prometheus concrete block being handed off in the lab.

Microsoft Pilot

Prometheus Materials manufactured our zero-carbon bio-concrete for a pilot project. MS builds 50-100 data centers each year – and we expect to play a much larger role in their construction.

Series A Funding

$8 million in financing was secured, led by Sofinnova Partners with participation from Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); GAF and the Autodesk Foundation.

A Prometheus concrete block standing on top of others at the lab after being made.

ASTM Certification

Prometheus Materials completed the testing and certification process for ASTM C90 (loadbearing masonry unit) and ASTM C129 (nonloadbearing masonry unit) – marking a significant step toward commercialization.

CHALLENGE
“Our unique process harnesses the abilities of naturally occurring microalgae along with other essential components. It's basically the same way that nature creates seashells and coral reefs – only accelerated to a degree that makes the production of our zero-carbon bio-cement an effective and efficient solution. We both avoid the carbon-intensive operations involved in manufacturing and transporting traditional cement and sequester embodied carbon from the microalgae and biomineralization.”
Loren Burnett – President, CEO and Co-founder

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith explains the need for new innovations in concrete, noting the critical role played by Prometheus Materials.

Our zero-carbon bio-concrete was featured at UKCW's Future Lab, a showcase highlighting innovative productivity, robotics and sustainable technologies.

Colorado is seeing remarkable steps to save our environment ... We’ll look at sustainability with PM’s Loren Burnett on this edition of Connected Colorado!

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith explains the need for new innovations in concrete, noting the critical role played by Prometheus Materials.

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