Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector for a Cleaner Tomorrow
EcoGrains transforms low-value Distillers Grains with Solubles (DGS) an ethanol by product into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
About us
EcoGrains transforms surplus distillers grains with solubles (DGS) into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through advanced microbial fermentation and catalytic conversion technologies.
Building on cutting-edge innovations developed at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), EcoGrains makes DGS-to-SAF conversion cost-competitive with fossil fuel production and capable of delivering higher-performing fuels. These fuels provide an exceptional alternative to conventional fossil fuels, supporting the transition to a more sustainable and efficient future.
Your Partner in Sustainable Fuel Innovation
Ecograins is committed to leading the charge in sustainable fuel solutions for industries that power our world. Join us in our mission to fuel the future responsibly.
Motorsports Performance Fuels
Leading the way in motorsports, our performance fuels blend cutting-edge biofuel technology with eco-conscious design. We address the need for high power and sustainability, transforming the future of competitive racing.
Eco-Optimized Fuel for Heavy Machinery
We’re shaping the future of heavy machinery with eco-optimized fuels that cut emissions and boost efficiency. Our experimental biofuels tackle current environmental challenges, setting a new standard for sustainable operation.
Aviation-Grade Sustainable Fuels
Our aviation-grade fuels represent the future of air travel, offering high performance while reducing carbon emissions. We’re pushing the boundaries with advanced biofuel technology to meet the aerospace industry’s sustainability needs.
Motorsports Performance Fuels
Leading the way in motorsports, our performance fuels blend cutting-edge biofuel technology with eco-conscious design. We address the need for high power and sustainability, transforming the future of competitive racing.
Eco-Optimized Fuel for Heavy Machinery
We’re shaping the future of heavy machinery with eco-optimized fuels that cut emissions and boost efficiency. Our experimental biofuels tackle current environmental challenges, setting a new standard for sustainable operation.
Aviation-Grade Sustainable Fuels
Our aviation-grade fuels represent the future of air travel, offering high performance while reducing carbon emissions. We’re pushing the boundaries with advanced biofuel technology to meet the aerospace industry’s sustainability needs.
Motorsports Performance Fuels
Leading the way in motorsports, our performance fuels blend cutting-edge biofuel technology with eco-conscious design. We address the need for high power and sustainability, transforming the future of competitive racing.
Eco-Optimized Fuel for Heavy Machinery
We’re shaping the future of heavy machinery with eco-optimized fuels that cut emissions and boost efficiency. Our experimental biofuels tackle current environmental challenges, setting a new standard for sustainable operation.
Aviation-Grade Sustainable Fuels
Our aviation-grade fuels represent the future of air travel, offering high performance while reducing carbon emissions. We’re pushing the boundaries with advanced biofuel technology to meet the aerospace industry’s sustainability needs.
Latest News from EcoGrains
EcoGrains Joins 2025 Nucleate Chicago Cohort, Welcomes Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the Team
EcoGrains is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 Nucleate Chicago Activator Program, a prestigious fellowship that supports early-stage biotech ventures. As a finalist in the eco track, EcoGrains will gain access to investor networks, and strategic resources to advance its mission of transforming biowaste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This milestone underscores the growing momentum behind EcoGrains’ proprietary DGS fermentation technology positioned for real-world impact in the decarbonization of air travel.
In addition to this exciting program acceptance, EcoGrains is thrilled to welcome Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the team as a technical contributor. Dr. Khatiwada, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Loyola University.
Ecograins Wins the National IP Licensing Tech Prize | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Ecograins is thrilled to announce that we have received the the National IP Licensing Tech Prize at EnergyTech University Prize 2024 competition from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).
This prestigious accolade was presented at the National Pitch Event during Zpryme’s Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 15. The OTT is renowned for its support of groundbreaking technology commercialization.
EcoGrains Team invited to the White House for a discussion on"Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies"
Following their win of the National IP Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), the team was invited to the White House to participate in a roundtable discussion on Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.
The discussion centered on unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and progress in combating the climate crisis, led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Economic Council, and the Climate Policy Office, with implementation by the DOE’s OTT.
EcoGrains joins the Startup Summer Program at the Mill and raises $5k from Fly Wheel Fund
EcoGrains has been selected for the Startup Summer Program at The Mill and secured $5k in funding from Flywheel Fund. This support will significantly advance their mission to drive innovation in the clean energy sector.
Startup Summer at The Mill is a program aimed at accelerating early-stage startups. It provides mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, workshops on business development, marketing, and finance, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. Hosted at The Mill, a co-working space in Bloomington, Indiana, the program fosters a collaborative environment that helps startups thrive.
EcoGrains Joins 2025 Nucleate Chicago Cohort, Welcomes Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the Team
EcoGrains is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 Nucleate Chicago Activator Program, a prestigious fellowship that supports early-stage biotech ventures. As a finalist in the eco track, EcoGrains will gain access to investor networks, and strategic resources to advance its mission of transforming biowaste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This milestone underscores the growing momentum behind EcoGrains’ proprietary DGS fermentation technology positioned for real-world impact in the decarbonization of air travel.
In addition to this exciting program acceptance, EcoGrains is thrilled to welcome Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the team as a technical contributor. Dr. Khatiwada, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Loyola University.
Ecograins Wins the National IP Licensing Tech Prize | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Ecograins is thrilled to announce that we have received the the National IP Licensing Tech Prize at EnergyTech University Prize 2024 competition from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).
This prestigious accolade was presented at the National Pitch Event during Zpryme’s Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 15. The OTT is renowned for its support of groundbreaking technology commercialization.
EcoGrains Team invited to the White House for a discussion on"Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies"
Following their win of the National IP Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), the team was invited to the White House to participate in a roundtable discussion on Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.
The discussion centered on unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and progress in combating the climate crisis, led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Economic Council, and the Climate Policy Office, with implementation by the DOE’s OTT.
EcoGrains joins the Startup Summer Program at the Mill and raises $5k from Fly Wheel Fund
EcoGrains has been selected for the Startup Summer Program at The Mill and secured $5k in funding from Flywheel Fund. This support will significantly advance their mission to drive innovation in the clean energy sector.
Startup Summer at The Mill is a program aimed at accelerating early-stage startups. It provides mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, workshops on business development, marketing, and finance, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. Hosted at The Mill, a co-working space in Bloomington, Indiana, the program fosters a collaborative environment that helps startups thrive.
EcoGrains Joins 2025 Nucleate Chicago Cohort, Welcomes Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the Team
EcoGrains is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 Nucleate Chicago Activator Program, a prestigious fellowship that supports early-stage biotech ventures. As a finalist in the eco track, EcoGrains will gain access to investor networks, and strategic resources to advance its mission of transforming biowaste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This milestone underscores the growing momentum behind EcoGrains’ proprietary DGS fermentation technology positioned for real-world impact in the decarbonization of air travel.
In addition to this exciting program acceptance, EcoGrains is thrilled to welcome Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the team as a technical contributor. Dr. Khatiwada, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Loyola University.
Ecograins Wins the National IP Licensing Tech Prize | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Ecograins is thrilled to announce that we have received the the National IP Licensing Tech Prize at EnergyTech University Prize 2024 competition from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).
This prestigious accolade was presented at the National Pitch Event during Zpryme’s Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 15. The OTT is renowned for its support of groundbreaking technology commercialization.
EcoGrains Team invited to the White House for a discussion on"Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies"
Following their win of the National IP Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), the team was invited to the White House to participate in a roundtable discussion on Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.
The discussion centered on unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and progress in combating the climate crisis, led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Economic Council, and the Climate Policy Office, with implementation by the DOE’s OTT.
EcoGrains joins the Startup Summer Program at the Mill and raises $5k from Fly Wheel Fund
EcoGrains has been selected for the Startup Summer Program at The Mill and secured $5k in funding from Flywheel Fund. This support will significantly advance their mission to drive innovation in the clean energy sector.
Startup Summer at The Mill is a program aimed at accelerating early-stage startups. It provides mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, workshops on business development, marketing, and finance, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. Hosted at The Mill, a co-working space in Bloomington, Indiana, the program fosters a collaborative environment that helps startups thrive.
EcoGrains Joins 2025 Nucleate Chicago Cohort, Welcomes Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the Team
EcoGrains is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 Nucleate Chicago Activator Program, a prestigious fellowship that supports early-stage biotech ventures. As a finalist in the eco track, EcoGrains will gain access to investor networks, and strategic resources to advance its mission of transforming biowaste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This milestone underscores the growing momentum behind EcoGrains’ proprietary DGS fermentation technology positioned for real-world impact in the decarbonization of air travel.
In addition to this exciting program acceptance, EcoGrains is thrilled to welcome Dr. Richa Khatiwada to the team as a technical contributor. Dr. Khatiwada, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Loyola University.
Ecograins Wins the National IP Licensing Tech Prize | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Ecograins is thrilled to announce that we have received the the National IP Licensing Tech Prize at EnergyTech University Prize 2024 competition from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).
This prestigious accolade was presented at the National Pitch Event during Zpryme’s Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 15. The OTT is renowned for its support of groundbreaking technology commercialization.
EcoGrains Team invited to the White House for a discussion on"Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies"
Following their win of the National IP Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), the team was invited to the White House to participate in a roundtable discussion on Commercializing Climate and Clean Energy Technologies.
The discussion centered on unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and progress in combating the climate crisis, led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Economic Council, and the Climate Policy Office, with implementation by the DOE’s OTT.
EcoGrains joins the Startup Summer Program at the Mill and raises $5k from Fly Wheel Fund
EcoGrains has been selected for the Startup Summer Program at The Mill and secured $5k in funding from Flywheel Fund. This support will significantly advance their mission to drive innovation in the clean energy sector.
Startup Summer at The Mill is a program aimed at accelerating early-stage startups. It provides mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, workshops on business development, marketing, and finance, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. Hosted at The Mill, a co-working space in Bloomington, Indiana, the program fosters a collaborative environment that helps startups thrive.
Core Team
Janet Namutebi
Janet Namutebi
Janet Namutebi
Founder & CEO
Founder & CEO
Founder & CEO
MSc. STEM Entrepreneurship - Notre Dame
Dr. Richa Khatiwada
Dr. Richa Khatiwada
Dr. Richa Khatiwada
Co-Founder & CTO
Co-Founder & CTO
Co-Founder & CTO
PhD, Chemistry - Loyola University
PhD, Chemistry - Loyola University
PhD, Chemistry - Loyola University
Philip Rugamba
Philip Rugamba
Philip Rugamba
Co-Founder & CSO
Co-Founder & CSO
Co-Founder & CSO
MSc. STEM Entrepreneurship - Notre Dame
MSc. STEM Entrepreneurship - Notre Dame
MSc. STEM Entrepreneurship - Notre Dame
Advisory
Ryan W. Davis
Ryan W. Davis
Ryan W. Davis
Principal Member of Technical Staff
Principal Member of Technical Staff
Principal Member of Technical Staff
Sandia National Labs
Geoff Zentz
Geoff Zentz
Geoff Zentz
Senior Director of Innovation
Senior Director of Innovation
Senior Director of Innovation
AgriNovus
AgriNovus
AgriNovus
Neil Kane
Neil Kane
Neil Kane
Teaching Professor & CNBC Disruptor Advisory Council
Teaching Professor & CNBC Disruptor Advisory Council
Teaching Professor & CNBC Disruptor Advisory Council
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
Get in touch with us!
We’re passionate about driving sustainable energy forward, and we’d love to connect with you. Whether you’re interested in partnering with us, learning more about our technology, or exploring how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals, we’re here to help.
Reach out to us today, and let’s start a conversation about how we can work together to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Get in touch with us!
Get in touch with us!
EcoGrains ©2024
EcoGrains ©2024
EcoGrains ©2024