Today, Clean Crop announced it has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2), administered by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). This funding aims to support the company in expanding its manufacturing capabilities to meet increasing demand for its innovative seed decontamination technology.
Clean Crop specializes in combating global crop loss through its EPA-approved Clean Current system, a dry, fully electric, and residue-free seed treatment process. Unlike traditional methods that rely on fossil fuels and chemicals, Clean Current utilizes cold plasma generated from electricity and air to deactivate a wide range of contaminants on seed surfaces. This technology has garnered significant interest, with Clean Crop securing $3.4 million in purchase orders from major players in the global vegetable seed market.
Daniel White, co-founder and CEO of Clean Crop, highlighted the environmental and efficiency advantages of Clean Current over traditional seed treatments. “Our technology preserves seed quality without the need for chemicals or water additives, and eliminates the risk of chemical runoff post-planting,” said White. “With the support from M2I2, we can expand our production capacity and deploy additional Clean Current systems to meet growing market demand.”
In addition to scaling operations, Clean Crop plans to bolster its workforce and community engagement efforts. The company is collaborating with Springfield Technical Community College to establish a training program for electromechanical technicians, aiming to equip local residents with the skills required to operate and maintain Clean Current technology.
Christine Nolan, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, underscored the program’s role in fostering local economic growth. “These funds not only facilitate expansion in manufacturing capabilities but also promote community investment and job creation,” said Nolan. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ economy, providing sustainable employment opportunities across educational backgrounds.
Clean Crop’s receipt of the M2I2 grant coincides with a period of significant recognition for the company. Recently honored in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas and TIME’s Top Greentech Companies of 2024, Clean Crop continues to drive innovation in agricultural sustainability from its headquarters in Holyoke, MA.
For further details on Clean Crop, including partnership opportunities and career openings,
