Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s forest economy is set to receive a significant boost with the selection of eight innovative startups from across the U.S. to join the 2026 Forest Business Accelerator. This program, managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), aims to advance the forest and wood products sector by fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation.
The Forest Business Accelerator, a four-month initiative, leverages the ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum to provide participants with mentorship, industry connections, and investor readiness support. Competing for a $15,000 award, startups will enhance their business models and validate customer demand.
“This year’s cohort demonstrates the breadth of innovation emerging from the forest products sector,” stated Christine McGowan, forest and fiber products program director at VSJF. She emphasized the role of technology and novel forest-based materials in addressing issues like sustainable construction and carbon management.
This year’s selected startups are at the forefront of creating advanced building materials, carbon-smart forestry solutions, and sustainable products, contributing to a resilient forest economy. Their innovations include biomass utilization, forest data technologies, and carbon fiber manufacturing.
According to Judy Giordan, managing director of ecosVC, “The entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 cohort represent exactly the type of market-driven innovation the Accelerator was designed to support.” She highlighted the importance of translating scientific advances into practical products through the program’s curriculum.
2026 Forest Business Accelerator Cohort:
- Cast Carbon (NY): Specializes in biochar enriched wall tiles for sustainable interior design. (www.castcarbon.com)
- CORE Timber (CT): Develops mass timber components to promote forest restoration and reduce emissions.
- Jones Wood Products (NH): Produces hardwood flooring and timber frames through an integrated sawmill. (joneswoodproducts.com)
- Latis Materials (ME): Creates carbon fiber from forest resources, fostering new market opportunities. (latismaterials.com)
- Renoster (TX): Uses LiDAR technology for improved forest management and carbon market value. (renoster.co)
- RETRN Bio (NY): Develops biobased materials from waste streams for sustainable packaging alternatives. (www.retrnbio.com)
- Structmill (WV): Innovates automated lumber processing for efficient construction material delivery. (structmill.com)
- Takachar (CA): Converts biomass residues into valuable products through portable processing technology. (www.takachar.com)
The Accelerator is supported by Vermont State University and the Northern Border Regional Commission. VSJF is actively seeking additional sponsors to expand the program’s reach and foster innovation in the forest products sector. Interested parties can visit forestaccelerator.com for more information.
About the Forest Business Accelerator
Based in Vermont, the Forest Business Accelerator supports startups and seed-stage ventures in the forest and wood industry, aiming to enhance business models and prepare companies for growth. This initiative is a collaboration between the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Vermont State University, and the Northern Border Regional Commission, working to advance a resilient forest economy.
About the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) manages various programs, including the Forest Business Accelerator, to support innovation in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental technology. Learn more at vsjf.org.
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University offers diverse educational opportunities, from associate to master’s degrees, with a history of public education dating back to 1787. More details are available at vermontstate.edu.
Original Story at vermontbiz.com