# SBIR Phase II: A biological solution to improving the United States rare earth supply chain

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · REEGEN INC (NY) · $1,112,040

## Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project relates to reducing the United States’ (US) dependencies on foreign countries for obtaining rare earth elements (REE). In 2023, China produced 240k tons of REE from mined sources whereas the United States produced 43k from mined sources. Given the demand for REE in technologies like high-temperature superconductors, high-strength lightweight alloys, battery anodes, and electric motors as well as the need to protect national security, the United States needs to have a large, stable, domestic supply chain. While U.S. mining is expected to grow, the most reliable supply chain strategy is to diversify sources beyond just mined rare earth elements. With the company’s technology, REE can be obtained through a variety of sources that are otherwise considered waste or, at best, low quality building materials. The company can recover REE from platinum-group-metal slags, magnetic waste, incinerated insulin pumps, and steel slag, among other sources. Obtaining REE from these sources that are sitting domestically will enable the US to create a stable domestic supply chain, minimizing or eventually eliminating dependence on foreign countries for these critical minerals.

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the efficiency of REE extractions from waste materials for high-volume REE production, enabling commercialization of the technology. The company’s 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2527909
- **Awardee organization:** REEGEN INC (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NB2UHKPGJN95
- **PI:** Alexa Schmitz
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $1,112,040
- **Funds obligated:** $1,112,040
- **Transaction type:** Cooperative Agreement
- **Period:** 09/15/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2527909

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2527909, SBIR Phase II: A biological solution to improving the United States rare earth supply chain. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2527909. Licensed CC0.

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