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. - Lilly Tench – Chief of Staff
Proven leadership in innovation ecosystems and hardware entrepreneurship support to SkyNano. Most recently, she served as executive director of the Spark Innovation Center at the University of Tennessee, where she guided numerous hardware entrepreneurs through critical growth stages. Prior to that, she held a similar role at NewLab, a leading incubator space in Brooklyn, NY, driving startup development and operational success.
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 $5 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 |
