Grant to advance REEgen’s commercialization, IP strategy, and business development.

ITHACA, NY (April 16, 2025) — REEgen, a U.S.-based biomining startup advancing clean, biologically-enabled solutions for critical mineral recovery, has been awarded a New York State Innovation Matching Grant (IMG) from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). The IMG was awarded in connection with the company’s National Science Foundation SBIR Phase II project.

This award will help accelerate REEgen’s path from pilot-scale operations to the commercial deployment of its BioREEcover™ technology, supporting commercialization, IP strategy, and business development activities essential to scaling a resilient and secure critical mineral supply chain.

“Support from the NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grants program comes at a pivotal moment for REEgen. These funds will help us lock in key commercial partnerships by launching our first on-site BioREEcover™ unit,” said Dr. Alexa Schmitz, Co-Founder and CEO of REEgen. “Empire State Development and its programs have made the State of New York a great place for REEgen to commercialize its technology.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York continues to make strategic investments that nurture and grow the innovation economy all throughout the state. By leveraging state funding with federal research grants, we are helping New York's small businesses move from concept to commercialization quicker, creating companies, jobs and new industries."

The NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grant supports early-stage technology development and accelerates the path from research to market. This program, among others supported by Empire State Development, contributes to business growth, job creation, and the strength of economies in every region of New York State.

About REEgen

REEgen Inc. is a U.S.-based biomining startup advancing clean solutions for critical mineral recovery and production. The company innovates by applying cutting-edge biology to address the environmental and economic challenges of conventional mining, engineering low-cost systems for sustainable production. REEgen recognizes the importance of critical minerals for energy and national security and is dedicated to promoting a circular economy. Headquartered in Ithaca, NY, REEgen was spun out of Cornell University and builds on research originally funded by ARPA-E. Learn more at reegen.tech and follow on LinkedIn.

REEgen’s BioREEcover™ Solution

REEgen's BioREEcover™ solution uses proprietary, genetically optimized microbes to recover critical minerals and rare earth elements from industrial byproducts, including slag from metal recycling, e-waste, and spent catalysts. Unlike conventional mining, which generates huge amounts of toxic waste per ton of REE produced, REEgen's biological process operates at low temperature and pressure, produces no significant hazardous waste, and can significantly reduce operational costs.

About Empire State Development (ESD)

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X. 

About ESD’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR)

Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation – known as NYSTAR – advances technology innovation and commercialization in New York State. NYSTAR offers programs that assist companies from start-up through maturity, leveraging the state’s unparalleled investment in world-class technology assets and expertise. It provides about $70 million annually in funding to support over 80 centers that provide direct assistance to New York State companies — a network of vital assets for enabling technology — and manufacturing-led growth and job creation. NYSTAR and its partners are proud to contribute to New York’s leadership in the global innovation economy. For more information, visit esd.ny.gov/nystar.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company is currently in the research and development scaling phase and is pre-revenue. All statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, future operations, financial position, prospects, and objectives are forward-looking and should not be relied upon as guarantees of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, uncertainties related to research and development outcomes, regulatory approvals, market acceptance, competition, and the availability of capital.

Media Contact
media@reegen.tech