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Oxylus Energy Raises $4.5 Million Seed Round for Clean Fuel Technology

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Toyota Ventures and Azolla Ventures Investments will Boost Development of Cost-Effective Green Methanol Production

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Oxylus Energy, developer of a novel carbon utilization technology for the production of e-fuels, today announced the close of its $4.5 million Series Seed investment co-led by Toyota Ventures and Azolla Ventures with participation from Earth Foundry and Connecticut Innovations. Oxylus’ solution is the first low-temperature and low-pressure conversion of carbon dioxide to green methanol, a liquid fuel. This is enabled by commercializing the first-ever catalyst developed at Yale University by Professor Hailiang Wang for direct electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol. Building reactors similar to green hydrogen electrolyzers, Oxylus creates methanol using only captured carbon dioxide, water and electricity. Designed to operate in modular conditions, this approach is a lower-cost technology for carbon conversion into alternative fuels. This funding will accelerate Oxylus’ technology development, prototype testing and pilot deployment.

Oxylus Energy’s methanol can be used as a drop-in fuel replacement or upgraded to jet fuel and other green petrochemicals. By uniquely combining carbon conversion and alternative fuel production this approach can reduce energy expenditures and cut costs for fuel production. “Direct electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide at low temperatures and pressures is the only way to decrease the cost of green methanol,” said Conor Rooney, Co-Founder and CTO of Oxylus. According to Harrison Meyer, Co-Founder and COO of Oxylus, “Without decreasing the price of methanol it will be difficult to decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors of aviation, shipping, and petrochemicals that are currently responsible for 11% of global emissions.”

The World Economic Forum states that green methanol can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 95%. Furthermore, “green methanol can be blended with traditional gasoline or diesel fuel, offering a seamless transition … minimizing the need for infrastructure upgrades.” Current green methanol production is less than 0.2 million tons annually, but according to estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this is likely to rise to 500 million tons by 2050. “This is why Oxylus’ technology is critical—it can meet the growing market demand for methanol in the net-zero transition at a price that actually works for industry,” said Co-Founder and CEO Perry Bakas.

“We are thrilled to support the team at Oxylus Energy as they work to scale this cost-effective process for e-fuel production,” said Lisa Coca, Climate Fund partner, Toyota Ventures. “Eliminating the need for hydrogen as an input is a significant innovation in the green energy space that has the potential to dramatically reduce production costs and unlock numerous decarbonization pathways.”

“While green methanol provides a pathway to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, maritime and aviation, price premiums and limited supply restrict feasibility of adoption. Oxylus Energy’s modular single-step CO2 electrolyzer, however, is highly efficient, reduces cost, and can be easily stacked to scale green methanol production,” said Amy Duffuor, General Partner at Azolla Ventures. “Oxylus Energy’s technical progress combined with the novel catalyst, complementary team and ability to target multiple market applications, makes it an optimal investment for Azolla. We are incredibly excited to partner with Oxylus Energy on the next phase of their journey.”

About Oxylus Energy
Oxylus Energy is a climate technology company developing low-temperature and low-pressure conversion of carbon dioxide into green methanol. Oxylus Energy was founded at Yale by graduate students Harrison Meyer, Conor Rooney, and Perry Bakas and incubated at ClimateHaven. Oxylus Energy converts CO2 into carbon-neutral fuels and chemical feedstocks. Oxylus’ electrolyzers are designed to be modular and enable onsite carbon utilization and fuel production. Carbon utilization in green methanol can provide drop-in fuels and chemical feedstocks for the hard-to-abate sectors of shipping, aviation, and petrochemicals. To learn more, go to: https://www.oxylusenergy.com/

About Toyota Ventures
Toyota Ventures is the early-stage venture capital arm of Toyota. Founded in July 2017, its mission is to discover what’s next for Toyota by helping startups bring disruptive technologies and business models to market quickly. With more than $800 million in assets under management, the firm is dedicated to investing in talented entrepreneurs around the world who are driving innovation in frontier technologies and climate solutions. For more information about Toyota Ventures and its portfolio companies, please visit www.toyota.ventures.

About Azolla Ventures
Azolla Ventures, launched by Prime Coalition in 2021, is an early-stage investor in climate breakthroughs that could avert catastrophic climate change. At Azolla Ventures, we prioritize impact first: every investment holds the potential for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions and a more just climate for all. The team seeks out bold entrepreneurs from all corners and embraces opportunities outside of venture norms. Azolla Ventures manages the $239MM Azolla Fund I and the $50MM Prime Impact Fund. For more information about Azolla Ventures, please visit https://www.azollaventures.com

Media Contact:
Victoria Reich
Mahoney Communications Group
382663@email4pr.com
212-220-6045

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oxylus-energy-raises-4-5-million-seed-round-for-clean-fuel-technology-302237086.html

SOURCE Oxylus Energy

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Aleut Achieves Prestigious CMMI Level 3 Certification in Four Key Domains

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RESTON, Va., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aleut Federal LLC (Aleut) proudly announces it has earned Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 certification in four key domains: Development (CMMI-DEV), Services (CMMI-SVS), Security (CMMI-SEC), and People Management (CMMI-PPL). This significant achievement highlights Aleut’s commitment to operational excellence and its ability to deliver high-quality, efficient and secure solutions. It demonstrates Aleut’s strength in optimizing product development, improving service delivery, enhancing security, and aligning workforce management to drive performance and engagement. 

CMMI, developed by the globally recognized CMMI Institute, is a framework for assessing and improving organizational performance. Achieving Level 3 certification affirms that Aleut’s processes are clearly defined, consistently applied, and supported by robust standards, tools, and methodologies. This milestone underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to operational excellence, mitigating risk, and delivering measurable performance success.

“This certification shows our customers that Aleut doesn’t just meet their mission-critical needs – we excel at it,” said Nick Trzcinski, President of Aleut Federal. “We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering exceptional value. Aleut is a partner our customers can trust.”

Aleut’s CMMI Level 3 certification enhances its ability to deliver high-quality outcomes across all projects while optimizing efficiency and minimizing risks. Complemented by the company’s ISO 9001 certification for quality management, these achievements reinforcing Aleut’s adherence to internationally recognized standards, solidifying its position as a reliable and innovative partner for federal clients.

To read Aleut Federal’s CMMI Appraisal, click here.

ABOUT ALEUT FEDERAL
Aleut Federal LLC, a holding company within The Aleut Corporation’s federal services portfolio, is an Alaska Native-owned enterprise delivering vital services to the U.S. government across four primary sectors: Technology, Mission Support, Environmental, and Construction. Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, The Aleut Corporation is one of 12 regional Alaska Native corporations. Aleut Federal’s subsidiaries, including Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) program participants and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) entities, bring specialized capabilities to meet the diverse needs of federal agencies.

By achieving CMMI Level 3 certification, Aleut Federal strengthens its standing as an industry leader, driving performance excellence while delivering mission-focused solutions with unmatched quality and efficiency.

Contact:
Berlyn Martin
Aleut Federal, LLC
Phone: 276-244-3319

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SOURCE Aleut Federal, LLC

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Lowell Observatory Scientists to Present New Research at American Astronomical Society Winter Meeting- Including New and Unexpected Insights on Planet Formation

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Lowell Observatory researchers will join more than 3,000 astronomers at AAS245 in Maryland from January 12-16, 2025

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Astronomical Society’s winter meeting is the largest annual gathering of astronomers in the United States, and Lowell Observatory will be well-represented this year. Executive Director Dr. Amanda Bosh and Director of Science Dr. Gerard van Belle—both of whom just stepped into their positions—lead a contingency of more than a dozen scientists and support staff attending the meeting.

Lowell Observatory will be in attendance at Exhibitor Booth 521, with its astronomers, postdocs, predocs, and other researchers available to discuss their latest science research. Of particular note, Postdoctoral Fellow Taylor Kutra will share unexpected new ways planets may form, based on a study of a binary star system in Taurus that she leads. Kutra will present her findings during both a Tuesday (January 14) science session and Thursday (January 16) press conference.

Other Lowell Observatory scientists will present on topics including comets, asteroids, the Sun and Sun-like stars, exoplanets, a variety of star types, dwarf irregular galaxies, and space-based interferometry.

Bosh says, “The winter meeting of the AAS is a critical opportunity for astronomers at all stages of their careers to share their latest research and interact with colleagues from around the world. Lowell Observatory is pleased to send a strong contingency of our science team to actively participate in this year’s meeting in National Harbor.”

Media are welcome to attend AAS245 in person. A limited virtual attendance option is also available, with live access to press conferences, plenary talks, select town halls, and a virtual oral session. See https://aas.org/meetings/aas245/press.

AAS245 website: https://aas.org/meetings/aas245

AAS245 Presentations by Lowell Observatory Scientists: Full Schedule Here

About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell’s astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts over 100,000 annual visitors for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.

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SOURCE Lowell Observatory

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CRTC consults on market dynamics within Canada’s broadcasting system

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OTTAWA, ON and GATINEAU, QC, Jan. 9, 2025 /CNW/ – Today, the CRTC is taking another step forward to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act (the Act) by launching a public consultation on market dynamics within Canada’s broadcasting system.

Through this consultation, the CRTC will explore the dynamics between small, medium and large broadcasters, television service providers and online streaming services. The goal is to help ensure that Canada’s broadcasting system is sustainable, fair and competitive.

The CRTC is welcoming comments until February 24, 2025. Interested persons can participate by:

filling out the online form;writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2;sending a fax to 819-994-0218.

As part of this consultation, the CRTC will hold a public hearing starting on May 12, 2025.

All comments will form part of the public record and will inform the CRTC’s decision.

The launch of today’s consultation follows a number of recent actions the CRTC has taken to implement the modernized Act. To find out more, check out the CRTC’s regulatory plan.

Quick facts

The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and Indigenous organizations requiring assistance submitting comments, including oral interventions, can contact the CRTC’s Indigenous Relations Team.

Associated links

Participate in the consultationRegulatory PlanModernizing Canada’s broadcasting framework

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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