SkyNano is commercializing a novel approach to capture, convert, and store CO2 waste emissions into high-value carbon nanomaterials that enable low-cost domestic manufacturing of a critical material currently sourced exclusively from adversarial countries.
SkyNano is a science-driven company pioneering a sustainable pathway to produce low-cost advanced carbon-based materials directly from carbon dioxide.
Using a proprietary electrochemical process developed at Vanderbilt University, SkyNano captures CO2 from industrial emissions and converts it into valuable solid carbon nanomaterials—without fossil feedstocks.
These materials, including high-purity carbon nanotubes and battery-grade graphite, are essential for next-generation batteries, composites, coatings, and construction materials.
Core Problem & Opportunity
SkyNano addresses two intertwined global challenges:
- Rising carbon emissions requiring urgent decarbonization solutions
- Resource-intensive advanced materials currently derived from petrochemicals and manufactured almost exclusively in adversarial countries—creating high costs and supply chain vulnerabilities for the US
SkyNano’s technology transforms CO2 from waste into a resource, enabling a circular materials economy that stores carbon durably while displacing fossil-derived alternatives. The result is a scalable, economically competitive, and climate-positive route to essential materials for a cleaner, more secure future.
World-Class Leadership Team
SkyNano brings together 3 PhDs, 2 MBAs, 2 Forbes 30 Under 30 Innovators, 2 R&D 100 Awardees, and over 100 years of combined experience scaling electrochemical systems.
- Dr. Anna Douglas – Co-Founder & CEO
PhD in Interdisciplinary Materials Science with experience at NASA Glenn Research Center developing nanomaterials for space missions. - Dr. Cary Pint – Co-Founder
Renowned in the carbon nanomaterial community for foundational discoveries that advanced the synthesis of high-quality carbon nanotubes. - James O'Malley – Chief Engineer
Career dedicated to scaling electrochemical systems. - Sharon Dwyer – Chief of Staff
Over three decades leading strategy and operations at Fortune 100 companies.
SkyNano’s go-to-market strategy prioritizes high-demand, risk-tolerant customers while aligning with the company’s production scale-up pathway.
Target Market Prioritization
- Primary: Carbon nanotube applications replacing/augmenting carbon black in defense sectors (ultra-high-rate batteries, advanced aerospace composites)
- Secondary: Civilian/consumer applications (batteries, tires, coatings)
- Longer-term: New markets not currently using carbon black (building materials, concrete additives)
In parallel, SkyNano is scaling production of battery-grade graphite through a strategic partnership with a leading U.S. graphite supplier. This partnership provides immediate access to established distribution channels while delivering a fully domestic, environmentally sustainable product that meets growing demand for secure supply chains.
SkyNano’s core economic model is built on direct sales of high-value carbon-based products produced from electrochemical reduction of CO2, including carbon nanotubes and battery-grade graphite.
While decarbonization-as-a-service opportunities exist, financial projections focus solely on product sales due to their significantly higher value.
Business Model Advantages
- SkyNano owns and operates CO2 capture and conversion facilities co-located with emission sources
- Retains full ownership of valuable CO2-derived products
- Provides partners with emissions offtake solutions while capturing maximum product value
Investment Opportunity
SkyNano is preparing its first private fundraising round in Spring 2026, targeting approximately $15 million.
We seek partners focused on climate impact, defense applications, and American re-industrialization through secure domestic supply chains.
Use of Proceeds
- Customer-Facing Technical Team
Build specialized capabilities to accelerate commercialization - Leap-Change Technology Demonstration
Construct final on-site demonstration facility integrating two major recent advancements - De-Risk Final Technical Details
Complete critical engineering ahead of partnering with an EPC firm for first full-scale facility co-located with an emission source
SkyNano has achieved remarkable progress, scaling its technology >1000X over the last 4 years and reaching TRL 5/6.
Key Technical Achievements
- Demonstrated high-quality small-diameter carbon nanotubes with performance advantages in batteries, concrete reinforcement, and composites
- Integrated technology with dilute CO2 sources—achieving >90% uptake from real flue gas in partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority
- Proven continuous carbon nanotube production while maintaining quality
- Operated a fully automated, 24/7 pilot-scale facility in a 20,000 sq ft purpose-built plant that mirrors full-scale chemical plant design
SkyNano has secured $16 million in non-dilutive funding through grants and contracts.
| Source | Type |
|---|---|
| NSF | SBIR/STTR |
| DOE | Grants & Contracts |
| ARPA-E | Awards |
| U.S. Navy | Contracts |
| U.S. Air Force | Contracts |
| State Programs | Matching Funds |
