Tennessee – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

Skytree Opens New Office in Nashville

Skytree, a Dutch carbon capture startup, is expanding around the globe with a new office in Nashville and Toronto.

The company’s technology is based on the carbon scrubbers used on the International Space Station, which remove the excess CO2 produced from the breath of astronauts. Skytree’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) captures CO2 from the air. This creates a new source of usable CO2 which previously was wasted. With control over the CO2, a facility can make sure they have the exact amount of CO2 where and when they need it.

At present, Skytree has two carbon-sucking devices – Skytree Cumulus, which produces 20kg of CO2 daily and Skytree Stratus, which captures up to 1000kg per day.

Skytree selected Nashville as a result of the recent plans announced by the Biden-Harris Administration to provide up to $1.8 billion in funding for DAC technologies.

“The US continues to demonstrate growing demand for proven, cost-effective, scalable DAC technology driven by the needs of industry and with the backing by government,” said CEO Rob van Straten.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Whisper Aero Scores NASA Contract

Tennessee’s space startup, Whisper Aero, has announced a new NASA contract to design an extremely quiet fan.

Crewed spacecraft – from station modules to transportation vehicles – are surprisingly loud. Hooked up with life support systems, electronic fans, radios and more, the spacecraft is ringing with noise at all hours. NASA has some concerns about this constant noise and the effect of its exposure on their astronauts.

Whisper Aero’s quiet fan will aim to reduce this overall noise exposure and make space a safer environment for astronauts. The company scored the contract after making a name for themselves with a proprietary ultra-quiet electric propulsor.

At the end of the six-month effort, the startup is aiming to have prototype parts to show to NASA; if the agency deems this Phase 1 project successful, Whisper would likely move on to test a design prototype next year.

After a successful first phase, Phase 2 will compare the acoustic and aerodynamic estimates from this project to the standard NASA Spacecraft Cabin Ventilation Fan. NASA has developed a fan that achieves 66 decibels (dB) at two feet. Whisper Aero is aiming to meet or exceed 61 dB – while also being 75% more efficient.

Given the environment the fan will be in – which is outerspace – a direct translation of their already quiet propulsion technology will not be possible. Whisper Aero will need to address a few challenges that space introduces. For instance – the fan may need to run for much, much longer than their existing propulsor.

Noise is “a challenge that often is forgotten until it’s too late, and then you can’t change it,” Whisper Aero COO Ian Villasaid. “You can’t fix it. We’ve seen this time and time again on aircraft. It’s almost refreshing to see this in spacecraft, in that they’re actually trying to do something about it at NASA.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Driving Change: Yoshi Mobility Diversifies with Series C Investment Boost

Yoshi Inc. (Yoshi Mobility), a tech-enabled mobile car care company, has marked a significant milestone with the closure of its $26 million Series C funding round. This round, which includes strategic investments from heavyweights like General Motors Ventures and Bridgestone Americas, as well as international backers Universal Motors Agencies and Shikra Limited, signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for the company.

Emerging from Y Combinator in 2016, Yoshi Mobility has rapidly garnered attention and investment, with previous support from notable names like ExxonMobil, DN Automotive, NBA star Kevin Durant, and NFL legend Joe Montana. With this latest infusion of capital, totaling over $60 million to date, Yoshi Mobility is poised to accelerate its expansion and solidify its position as a leader in the mobile car care industry.

In response to the shifting landscape catalyzed by the pandemic, Yoshi Mobility has experienced exponential revenue growth, driven by its fleet business and strategic partnerships with Fortune 100 companies. Building on this momentum, the Series C funding round enables Yoshi Mobility to diversify its offerings and venture into three new business lines: preventative maintenance, virtual vehicle inspections, and electric vehicle (EV) charging.

A key milestone in this diversification journey is Yoshi Mobility’s recent acquisition of Mobile Auto Concepts Inc. (MACi), a mobile automotive services company specializing in preventative maintenance, tire care, and more. Additionally, Yoshi Mobility is spearheading innovation in the EV charging space, leveraging its platform and technology stack to provide on-the-go charging, maintenance, and support for EV owners and enterprise customers.

With millions of vehicle services completed and a commitment to making car ownership seamless and efficient, Yoshi Mobility is driving towards a future where mobility is frictionless and customers are empowered to keep moving safely and sustainably. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Yoshi Mobility stands ready to meet the needs of a rapidly changing market and lead the charge towards a more connected and convenient automotive experience.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Carbon Rivers: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions with Graphene

In a world where sustainability takes center stage, innovative companies like Carbon Rivers, Inc. are leading the charge. This certified small business, headquartered in Knoxville, TN, has been making waves in the field of materials science and recycling. Their latest endeavor involves exploring the potential of graphene as a fish-saving alternative to a toxic compound found in tires.

One of Carbon Rivers’ most remarkable traits is its commitment to forging strong partnerships with key players in East Tennessee, such as the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These collaborations have allowed the company to harness cutting-edge research and development to drive their mission of creating sustainable solutions for various industries.

The focus of Carbon Rivers’ recent research revolves around graphene, a remarkable material with a range of unique properties. As concerns grow over the environmental impact of chemicals leaching from tires into aquatic ecosystems, Carbon Rivers is exploring whether graphene can offer a safer and more sustainable alternative.

Tires have long been a source of pollution, with toxic compounds harming aquatic life. Carbon Rivers aims to change that narrative by developing innovative solutions that not only mitigate harm but also contribute positively to the environment.

By harnessing the power of graphene, Carbon Rivers is on a quest to create eco-friendly alternatives that can be adopted by both the public and private sectors. Their commitment to recycling and composite manufacturing extends to industries such as automotive, energy, safety, and security.

As they continue to explore the potential of graphene and other groundbreaking materials, Carbon Rivers is poised to make a significant impact on the way industries approach sustainability. They are indeed a company to watch, as their research and development efforts promise a brighter and more environmentally conscious future.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

IACMI: Leading the Charge in Composites Research and Development

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) is at the forefront of technological research and development in the composites manufacturing industry. Recently, IACMI announced a funding renewal from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will support its continued efforts to accelerate commercialization and decarbonization through advanced composites technologies.

Over the past six years, IACMI has managed over 60 collaborative and industry-led technical projects, representing over $200 million in R&D investment, catalyzed more than 25 new composites-based products to commercialization, supported the creation of 3,000 jobs at composite materials and parts manufacturers, and spurred investment of $75 million in five states for R&D and scale-up facilities.

One such successful project was IACMI’s collaboration with Volkswagen of America to redesign and validate a liftgate for the VW Atlas using composites, reducing its weight by 35% and lowering its cost by 9% compared with steel. Another example is the scaling, manufacture and testing of novel thermoplastic wind turbine blades that are recyclable and lower in cost.

IACMI’s working groups are dedicated to R&D for high rate aerostructures fabrication, digital twins, future mobility, wind energy, infrastructure and construction, and the circular economy through recycling and novel materials.

Furthermore, IACMI has invested in a shared infrastructure for open-access composites manufacturing R&D capabilities with state economic development organizations and the DOE. These shared scale-up facilities include the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Carbon Fiber Technology Facility at ORNL, the Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Laboratory for Systems Integrity and Reliability at Vanderbilt University, the Composites Laboratory at the University of Dayton Research Institute, the Composites Manufacturing & Simulation Center at Purdue University, the IACMI Scale-Up Research Facility (SuRF) managed by Michigan State University, and the Composites Manufacturing Education and Technology Facility (CoMET) at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

IACMI’s continued efforts in the composites manufacturing industry have earned it the distinction of being the first clean energy institute to be renewed by the DOE, and it is one of 16 national Manufacturing USA institutes established to catalyze advanced manufacturing and materials applications. IACMI aims to further its mission by attracting startups and small enterprises, as well as large enterprises, national labs and universities.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

IperionX Partners with UTIA to Explore Sustainable Agriculture

IperionX, Ltd has announced a partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) to research the implementation of sustainable operating and rehabilitation practices at the Titan Critical Mineral Project in West Tennessee.

The Titan Critical Mineral Project includes programs focused on post mineral extraction practices and carbon sequestration opportunities.

This partnership will first focus on the elimination of invasive vegetation in order to improve the ecological revegetation. This will be achieved using native warm season grasses. Following this initial step, the company will establish a 10-acre demonstration site at the Titan Project which will be used by UTIA for further sustainability investigations. The partners have biochars, gypsum, and other soil amendments on their mind as they strive to develop solutions to increase crop yields and carbon sequestration.

Anastasios (Taso) Arima, CEO and Managing Director said, “This partnership with the University of Tennessee is a vital part of IperionX’s mission of sustainably re-shoring critical minerals in the U.S. and leaving behind a positive legacy with the communities and land in West Tennessee.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Avrio Analytics Forges New Training Path with AR-Based Firefighter Training Tool

Avrio Analytics is a Tennessee based technology company that provides programs meant for mission-critical operations. They have developed Forge, an augmented reality training tool for firefighters. Avrio has just announced the release of Forge as a full customizable program.

Avrio has developed the program to utilize AI and biometric training to provide hands-on training in realistic, digital environments, allowing firefighters in training to experience simulated emergencies.

In emergency situations, firefighters need to be ready with skills such as communication, situational awareness, and response tactics. Often, in the heat of the moment, these can be forgotten as the firefighter experiences shock. By engaging and training with Avrio’s emergency simulator, they can have tailored training to improve an individual’s abilities.

Their AI program, Forge, is the first augmented reality 360° size up simulator and provides fully 3D, immersive scenarios. They can be structured at full scale so that the firefighter must physically walk around the building and perform a real-life size-up of the situation. It can allow multiple firefighters to partake in the simulation at once, training them in the aspect of working together.

Avrio has directed their R&D efforts to help these mission critical operations, developing both fire and police training to improve safety and efficiency. Their systems not only simulate real-world emergency scenarios, but also utilize bespoke data analysis to ensure responses and outcomes are truly accurate.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Axis Research & Technologies Opens New Research and Training Facility

Axis Research & Technologies has announced the opening of their newest 10,000 sqft. facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Axis is a premiere bioskills training facility and cadaver lab space. They provide space, skill, and tools needed to support both medical research and training.

This new location will provide an expansive and fully functional operating lab for multi-skill training, private operating suites for smaller labs, large conference rooms, and configurable multi-purpose spaces. As with all Axis locations, the Nashville facility features Axis’ unique advanced HIPAA-Compliant Global Training Platform allowing surgeons, educators, and researchers to broadcast, record and tele-train anywhere around the globe.

Beyond this, the lab will be available for medical device research and development for companies and hospital groups.Axis is working on their own IP that will change the game for these companies and developers. Their goal is to create a technology that allows for more effective learning, less liability, and a more intelligent, integrative experience. Axis’s IP will change future behavior and lead to more intelligent programming in addition to collecting important data and analytics. In the near future, Axis’s new technology will include mixed medical reality and AI-powered networks to assist in live surgeries, staff training, research, and education.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

ForeverWare moves their Stainless Cast Iron Metal into Commercial Availability

After 8 years of intensive R&D, Tennessee-based ForeverWare Inc. has announced the commercialization of their corrosion-proof metal cookware. This process will begin with the availability of a 9-inch breakfast skillet made from their corrosion-proof Stainless Cast IronTM.

The process began in 2013, as they worked to find a new metal to replace cast iron in the cookware industry. They were influenced by work done by the DOE energy labs on superalloys which were intended for use in nuclear reactors. The next eight years focused on translating this metal into affordable, non-corroding cast metal.

The metal they developed has the same cooking characteristics of cast iron pans while removing the need to oil-season. Oil seasoning protects traditional cast iron from rusting, but the Stainless Cast IronTM is rust-proof. This advancement means you can easily clean and store this pan without the concerns seen in cast iron pans.

“Our team has accomplished an amazing result — one that will have broad effects across the cookware market as people begin stopping their purchase of cast iron products and shifting to buying Stainless Cast Iron™ products from ForeverWare. Lots of people like cooking with cast iron. But, nobody likes having to deal with seasoning and caring for and repairing cast iron pans.” says Scot Childers, ForeverWare’s CEO. Foreverware is set to begin a kickstarter to move this innovation into the market.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Vincerx Pharma Announces Creation of its Scientific Advisory Board

Tennessee Patent of the Month - February 2021

Vincerx Pharma, Inc. has announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board in an effort to advance their clinical pipeline. Vincerx is a biopharmaceutical company which aspires to conquer cancer with innovative therapies.

Their research revolves around inhibiting PTEFb phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). As complex as that sounds, it comes down to preventing the creation and expression of cancer driving genes. VIP152, an IV administered pharmaceutical, has advanced into phase 1 clinical trials. Vincerx is working on 4 other pharmaceuticals simultaneously. One is an oral follow-up to VIP152 – both target solid tumors. The other three focus on a different approach – bioconjugation – to tackle leukemia, B-cell malignancies, and multiple solid tumors.

The board is composed of world leading academics and industry leaders in cancer research and therapeutics. John C. Byrd, M.D. has been appointed chairman of the board. His expertise, along with the other 7 other members, will hopefully help the advancement of the diverse clinical pipeline.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.