(December 2, 2022 - Denver, CO) – Spark Ionx has been awarded an Early-Stage Capital and Retention grant through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Accelerator program. This funding will help further the development of Anion Exchange Membranes used in electrolyzers, fuel cells, flow batteries, and electrodialysis desalination.
Spark Ionx was awarded $250,000 to hire multiple employees for research and development of TuffBrane™, a patented anion exchange membrane with unique properties that increase durability and ion conductivity. In addition to ramping up production of all membrane types in 2023, Spark also anticipates leading a desalination pilot project aimed at reducing the cost of treating oil and gas produced water. If successful, the project could make produced water a potable resource, instead of a waste product.
“We believe our patented membrane will help flip the energy landscape and enable the adoption of many exciting technologies waiting for an anion exchange membrane like this. This funding helps us accelerate our business plan and hire additional employees earlier than expected,” says Sean Daniel, Spark Ionx CEO.
The Early-Stage Capital and Retention grant supports businesses commercializing innovative and disruptive technologies in the advanced industries that will be created or manufactured in Colorado. These grants help promote the growth and sustainability of advanced industries across the state by driving innovation and commercialization that move this vital part of the Colorado economy forward.
“Across the state, companies are rethinking existing technologies and inventing new ones within the advanced industries sector. Their success will create good-paying jobs in Colorado and has the potential to change lives across the state and beyond. We are thrilled to be able to support their development and look forward to celebrating future accomplishments,” said Rama Haris, Advanced Industries Senior Manager at OEDIT.
About Spark Ionx
Spark Ionx, www.sparkionx.com, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, was founded in 2020 with the mission to commercialize technologies that advance the energy landscape.
About the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program
The Advanced Industries Accelerator Program was created in 2013 to promote growth and sustainability in Colorado’s advanced industries by driving innovation, accelerating commercialization, encouraging public-private partnerships, increasing access to early stage capital and creating a strong infrastructure that increases the state’s capacity to be globally competitive. AIA encompasses five distinct grant programs: Proof of Concept, Early-Stage Capital and Retention, Collaborative Infrastructure, Export Accelerator, and Global Consultant Network.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.
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