{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Energytech Startups","title":"Aaron Fitzgerald from Mars Materials ","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/606c63ff\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4117,"description":"Turning CO₂ into carbon fiber sounds like science fiction, but Aaron Fitzgerald and the crew at Mars Materials are making it happen. Their process creates carbon-negative acrylonitrile, the stuff that goes into everything from sleek carbon fiber to water filters and high-tech textiles and they’re doing it with big-name partners like NREL and Shell. Aaron talks about reshoring carbon fiber production to the U.S., cutting carbon from supply chains, and what it takes to build a climate-driven company from the ground up. It’s a mix of chemistry, entrepreneurship, and a clear vision for a more sustainable future.Click here to watch a video of this episode.00:00 - Energy Tech Nexus00:17 - Intro to Mars Materials03:48 - Aaron’s Background in Energy08:11 - Overview of Kairos Aerospace10:46 - Understanding Acrylonitrile14:33 - Acrylonitrile Production Process17:29 - The Sohio Process Explained22:04 - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)24:40 - Tech Transfer from National Labs27:39 - Finding the Right Technology29:26 - Carbon180 Overview30:35 - Collaborating with Lawrence Livermore Lab32:19 - EnergyTechNexus Insights33:56 - LabStart Initiatives35:37 - Request for Information (RFI) Explained38:36 - Building a Business Deliberately41:15 - Mars Materials Today and Future48:30 - Fundraising Strategies52:40 - What's Next for Mars Materials54:45 - Erin's Shell Partnership Journey57:16 - Shell's Support for Erin1:00:11 - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts1:03:44 - How to Help Mars Materials1:06:20 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/BcLvBZs7KjKyKwxjCN7uM3ceaU5nLSxOZljzKK515LE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kM2Fj/MzRlYTQ3ZDM0NmJm/ZDllOWE1Y2Y3MmRm/MDFkOS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}