Grapherry Joins mHUB Accelerator to Scale Sustainable Graphene Manufacturing and Expand Industrial Partnerships
Grapherry, a Chicago‑based clean‑tech materials startup focused on upcycling carbon waste into high‑quality graphene and graphene‑based materials, has strengthened its innovation footing through inclusion in a nationally recognized accelerator program that pairs young companies with capital, mentorship and industry networks to support growth and commercialization. The company’s participation in the mHUB Climate & EnergyTech Accelerator marks a significant milestone in its journey to scale its proprietary continuous‑flow graphene manufacturing process and drive adoption of sustainable materials across energy, agriculture, construction and advanced composites markets.
Founded in 2024 with a mission to make graphene more affordable, scalable and accessible, Grapherry has developed an energy‑efficient method for converting carbon‑rich waste into industrial‑grade graphene. This process, which significantly reduces the energy requirements and environmental impact compared with traditional graphene production methods, positions the company at the forefront of sustainable materials innovation. Grapherry’s work aligns with major industry trends toward circular economy principles and the use of advanced materials to enhance performance across sectors from batteries and composites to soil health and agricultural productivity.
Grapherry’s inclusion in the mHUB Climate & EnergyTech Accelerator—a program run by mHUB Ventures, the venture arm of the Chicago‑based innovation center that invests in early-stage hardtech startups—provides the company with access to early-stage funding opportunities alongside hands-on mentorship, prototyping facilities and connections to prospective partners and investors. Participation in the accelerator is itself an important funding signal given mHUB Ventures’ track record of supporting startups through both capital deployment and operational support aimed at de‑risking new technology commercialization and accelerating path-to-market.
In addition to capital access, the accelerator cohort gives Grapherry opportunities to collaborate with industry stakeholders, pilot partners and researchers—an advantage that complements the company’s collaborations with academic institutions such as the University of Illinois Chicago. Grapherry has been working with partners to test its graphene products in applications ranging from battery electrodes to agricultural soil enhancers, validating performance improvements and broadening the potential commercial use cases for its materials.
Grapherry’s leadership team, including President and Co‑Founder Namrita Berry and Acting CEO Dr. Vikas Berry, has emphasized that participation in mHUB’s ecosystem will help the company refine its manufacturing technology, accelerate industrial-scale readiness and attract further investment as it moves from prototype toward commercial deployment. The accelerator environment also connects Grapherry with mentors and industry experts who can provide insights into supply chain integration, regulatory pathways and market entry strategies—critical aspects of establishing a sustainable materials business in competitive markets.
While Grapherry has not publicly announced a traditional venture capital funding round, its inclusion in an accelerator backed by investment vehicles and its collaborations with ecosystem partners serve as important financial and strategic backing as the company advances its technology. The mHUB Ventures Spark Fund and related accelerator programs are designed to supply early capital, prototype support and market connections to startups like Grapherry working at the intersection of sustainability, advanced manufacturing and energy.
Grapherry’s value proposition centers on transforming waste streams into high‑performance nanomaterials that can reduce costs and environmental impact for manufacturers while aiding global efforts to create more sustainable supply chains. With access to prototyping facilities, mentorship and investment pathways through mHUB Ventures, the company is positioned to accelerate its industrial partnerships and expand its technology development into real-world applications.
The company’s graphene products—such as soil enhancers that improve root health and water retention, composite materials that boost strength and durability, and graphene solutions for energy storage—have potential to impact industries seeking both performance and sustainability gains. As Grapherry deepens its engagement with investors, ecosystem partners and pilot customers, its progress highlights broader interest in climate-tech innovations that leverage circular economy principles to create economic and environmental value.
Grapherry’s journey from early-stage venture support to pilot collaborations and industrial scaling reflects a model in which capital is deployed not only as direct funding but as part of an integrated ecosystem that includes mentorship, prototyping infrastructure and investor networks. As the company continues its work in sustainable materials, its participation in programs like the mHUB Climate & EnergyTech Accelerator could lead to further funding opportunities, strategic partnerships and commercialization momentum in the growing market for low-carbon graphene technologies.
