Best Chemicals and Materials Tech Companies in North Carolina, United States
The 40 best Chemicals and Materials Tech companies in North Carolina, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: AgBiome.
Our analysis of 50 Chemicals and Materials Tech companies
$4.4b in tracked funding; 79% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2025.
Ranked: Best Chemicals and Materials Tech companies in North Carolina
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Employees | Founder | Tech stack | Web popularity | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AgBiome Biotechnology company leveraging advanced microbial research | $233M | 59 mo ago | 102 | — | — | — | 434 patents Microbial biocontrol agents and spray‑dry formulations for plant disease management | — |
| 2 | Tethis Manufacturer of plant-based absorbent materials | $28M | 100 mo ago | 16 | — | — | — | 41 patents Biodegradable superabsorbent polymers for hygienic and medical absorbent articles. | — |
| 3 | Keel Labs Manufacturer of bio materials for textile industry | $17M | 50 mo ago | 26 | — | WebflowApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+10 | Top 10M | 8 patents Manufacturing alginate-based polymers for food, pharma, and biodegradable applications | — |
| 4 | Boragen Provider of boron-based crop protection solution for farmers | $13M | 73 mo ago | 4 | Tony Liu Co-Founder & CSO | — | — | 39 patents Patents concentrated in health & consumer products | — |
| 5 | PurThread Online retailer of slot games and related digital entertainment content | $10M | 153 mo ago | 5 | Lisa Grimes CEO & President | — | — | 7 patents Antimicrobial polymer fibers and textiles with enhanced durability and functional additives | — |
| 6 | Adámas Nanodiamond innovator for quantum sensing, imaging, and industrial applications 16Tech top 33%Funding top 41%Global bottom 29%Market bottom 18% All 4 signals ▾Techtop 33% Fundingtop 41% Globalbottom 29% Marketbottom 18% Tech: 34 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon S3, Amazon Web Services Funding: Raised $8.8M across 10 rounds · 10 rounds over 12 yrs (0.8/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 16/100 | $9M | 14 mo ago | 3 | — | Cart FunctionalitySquarespace CommerceSquarespace+15 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 7 | DetraPel Manufacturer of PFAS-free protective coatings and contract manufacturing services | $6M | 35 mo ago | 15 | David Zamarin Founder & CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+27 | Top 10M | 9 patents Waterborne non‑fluorinated hydrophobic polymer coatings and fabric nanoparticle capture technologies. | — |
| 8 | Protochips Electron microscopy products and analytical tools for studying nanoscale materials | $4M | 42 mo ago | 40 40 → 44 (+10%) | — | — | — | 182 patents In situ TEM instrumentation for drift correction, temperature control, and electrochemical analysis | — |
| 9 | Phytonix Corporation Manufacturer of pharmaceutical tablets, syrups, and capsules | $3M | 95 mo ago | 3 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | Wolfspeed Provider of radio frequency-based ICs | $2M | 28 mo ago | 4,802 | John Palmour Co-Founder & CTO | HashnodeSalesforceYouTube+23 | Top 5M | 1,178 patents Silicon carbide power electronics, RF device packaging, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. | 1 launch · 1 partnership · 1 award |
| 11 | Benanova Sustainable materials company creating nature-inspired colloid solutions for diverse markets | $2M | 26 mo ago | — | Alexander Richter Co-Founder | — | — | 8 patents Advanced colloidal formulations for agrochemical delivery (pesticides/fertilizers). | — |
| 12 | Fire Suppression Innovations Provides a fire suppressant system | $1M | 72 mo ago | — | Benjamin Allen CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 13 | Xanofi Nano-fibres for healthcare applications | $825K | 172 mo ago | 9 | Miles Wright CEO & Board of Directors | — | — | 8 patents Patents concentrated in chemistry & materials | — |
| 14 | Bio-Adhesive Alliance Provider of eco-friendly, durable, low cost bio-adhesive | $612K | 124 mo ago | — | Mahour Parast CEO & President | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | Entogenetics Provider of genetically engineered spider silk from silkworms for commercial-scale production | $540K | 157 mo ago | 11 | David Brigham Founder & CEO | — | — | 9 patents Biotechnological production of recombinant spider silk proteins for advanced biomaterials | — |
| 16 | TerMir Provider of innovative solutions for citrus greening and natural weed control | $444K | 72 mo ago | 2 | Chad Brommer Co-Founder | — | — | 16 patents Antimicrobial formulations using xanthene/organic dyes for agricultural and medical applications | — |
| 17 | BNNano Advanced manufacturer transforming industrial commodities with Boron Nitride Nanotube technology | $396K | 52 mo ago | 6 | — | Cart FunctionalitySquarespace CommerceSquarespace+11 | Top 50M | 14 patents BNNano develops boron nitride nanotube composite materials for advanced nanotech applications. | — |
| 18 | SpecMetrix Manufacturer of coating thickness measurement systems | $390K | 124 mo ago | 35 | Greg Frisby CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Renaissance Fiber Manufacturer of softened hemp fiber for textile industry applications 21Talent top 38%Funding bottom 39%Market bottom 37%Global bottom 29% All 4 signals ▾Talenttop 38% Fundingbottom 39% Marketbottom 37% Globalbottom 29% Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $125k across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 5 yrs (0.4/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 21/100 | $125K | 4 mo ago | — | Michael Long Founder | — | — | — | — |
Top 12 Chemicals and Materials Tech companies in North Carolina
#1
Funding Raised · Raleigh, North Carolina · founded 2011 · 3 employees$8.8Mraised▾
Nanodiamond innovator for quantum sensing, imaging, and industrial applications. The company specializes in nanodiamond particles and their applications, backed by numerous patents. They are dedicated to advancing science and technology, offering innovative nanodiamond products to support new discoveries. Their products include fluorescent diamonds, detonation nanodiamonds, seeding for CVD films, nanodiamond polish, boron-doped nanodiamond, and lubricant additives. They provide solutions for quantum sensing, including ODMR instrumentation and quantum diamond products, with use cases spanning temperature sensing, magnetic field detection, and oxidative stress measurement. They serve both biomedical and industrial sectors, offering materials for wear resistance, durability, and nanolubrication. They are committed to innovation and development of ultra-small quantum sensor technology, revolutionizing industries through groundbreaking advancements.
- Jun 2025Grant (prize money)$189.5K
- Apr 2025Grant (prize money)$1.9M
- Jun 2024Grant (prize money)$312.4K
- Sep 2022Grant (prize money)$285.3K
#2
Seed · Wilmington, North Carolina · founded 2018$125Kraised▾
Manufacturer of softened hemp fiber for textile industry applications. It offers degummed hemp fiber ready for integration into spinning operations. Custom yarns and textiles can be created for specific applications. The company provides traceability and a reliable supply chain. Hemp fiber improves cotton performance, enhancing durability, abrasion resistance, and resistance to fire, mold, mildew, and UV light.
- Apr 2026Grant (prize money)—
- Apr 2026Conventional Debt—
- May 2025Seed$75K
- Dec 2021Grant (prize money)$50K
#3
Series D · Raleigh, North Carolina · founded 2012 · 102 employees$233Mraised▾
Biotechnology company leveraging advanced microbial research. It leverages knowledge of plant-associated microbiomes to develop innovative biological products for agriculture, with a focus on improving crop protection and soil health.
- Sep 2021Series D$116M
- Sep 2019Grant (prize money)—
- Jul 2018Series C$65M
- Aug 2015Series B$34.5M
#4
Funding Raised · Raleigh, North Carolina · founded 2013$1.7Mraised▾
Sustainable materials company creating nature-inspired colloid solutions for diverse markets. The company develops cost-efficient, environmentally benign particle systems from natural materials using sustainable processes. They focus on creating functionally active and sustainable materials based on bio-degradable and bio-renewable resources. Their innovations aim to have a global impact, offering sustainable products with advanced functionality for lasting benefits. The company is committed to innovation, translating scientific advances into robust benefits. They develop renewable and biodegradable particle delivery systems and superhydrophobic coatings. Their materials are applicable in agriculture for reducing pesticide use, in textile finishes for improved water repellency, and in filtration for enhanced efficiency. The company aims to develop green innovations that positively impact the environment and help mitigate global warming and climate change. They commercialize high-performance, safe, and sustainable material solutions.
- Jul 2024Grant (prize money)$175K
- Aug 2020Grant (prize money)$256K
- Apr 2020Grant (prize money)$800K
- Jan 2020Grant (prize money)$256K
#5
Series A · Charlotte, North Carolina · founded 2013 · 15 employees$5.9Mraised▾
Manufacturer of PFAS-free protective coatings and contract manufacturing services. The company synthesizes protective coatings, offering private labeling, custom formulation, and contract packaging. It provides alternatives to traditional fluorinated chemistries. The company serves industries including industrial paper, food packaging, healthcare, technical textiles, and electronics.
- Sep 2023Series A—
- Nov 2022Series A$5.3M
- Sep 2019Seed$546.1K
- Oct 2017Seed$70K
#6
Series A · Morrisville, North Carolina · founded 2017 · 26 employees$17.4Mraised▾
Manufacturer of bio materials for textile industry. The platform provides threads and materials from seaweed-based yarn.
- Jun 2022Series A$13M
- Mar 2021Seed$2.1M
- Nov 2018Seed$2.2M
- Jan 2018Seed$100K
#7
Public · Durham, North Carolina · founded 2015 · 4802 employees$2.5Mraised▾
Provider of radio frequency-based ICs. It designs and develops GaN on silicon carbide technology. Its technology is deployed in the communication industry for RF communication and space exploration. It is also a manufacturer and distributor of silicon carbide diodes and MOSFETs for power conversion.
- Apr 2024Post IPO—
- Oct 2015Grant (prize money)$1M
- Jun 2015Grant (prize money)$1.5M
#8
Series C · Raleigh, North Carolina · founded 2012 · 16 employees$28.2Mraised▾
Manufacturer of plant-based absorbent materials. It develops and markets plant-based and biodegradable absorbent foams and powders using commodity feedstock, brine waste, and hazardous wastes. It also uses a process that converts simple carbohydrates like cornstarch into high-value products.
- Apr 2018Series C$3.6M
- Feb 2018Series C$3.9M
- Feb 2018Series C$17.6M
- Nov 2017Conventional Debt$900K
#9
Series A · Morrisville, North Carolina · founded 2002 · 40 employees$3.7Mraised▾
Protochips' core competency is in the application of semiconductor techniques to the development of MEMS devices capable of providing heat, electrical, liquid and gas environments to samples in situ. Their products enable the study of materials for the life and materials sciences in ways currently not possible(Claimed), and will ultimately provide the solution for the development and commercialization of revolutionary new nano-scale materials. They focused on developing and manufacturing electron microscopy products and analytical tools for studying nanoscale materials by providing stimulus in their natural environments.
- Feb 2023Grant (prize money)$205.1K
- May 2019Series A$350K
- Dec 2017Series A$2M
- Nov 2011Seed$507K
#10
Deadpooled · Durham, North Carolina · founded 2017 · 4 employees$12.5Mraised▾
Provider of boron-based crop protection solution for farmers. It leverages the chemical properties of boron to develop synthetic chemistry platforms to produce fungicides for crop protection. It also offers solutions for animal health and human health.
- Jul 2020Grant (prize money)$300.5K
- Jul 2020Grant (prize money)$600.1K
- Jan 2020Series A$2M
- Feb 2019Conventional Debt$3M
#11
Series A · Cary, North Carolina · founded 2009 · 5 employees$10Mraised▾
Online retailer of slot games and related digital entertainment content. The platform provides access to various slot games through mobile and desktop devices. It offers official and alternative links to ensure stable access. The platform focuses on providing convenient access and a user-friendly experience for digital entertainment.
#12
Seed · Black Mountain, North Carolina · founded 2009 · 3 employees$3Mraised▾
Manufacturer of pharmaceutical tablets, syrups, and capsules. It offers third-party manufacturing services and pharmaceutical franchise opportunities. Production adheres to FDA guidelines, ensuring product effectiveness and shelf life. The company utilizes a well-equipped manufacturing facility divided into operational units for efficient management. It also provides PCD Pharma services.
- Sep 2018Seed$3M
- Oct 2010Conventional Debt$59K
Funding & investor landscape
Notable founders
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Chemicals and Materials Tech coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising
How research on Advanced Materials is moving in the United States
A read on the academic research around Advanced Materials — which themes are gaining ground, the institutions and researchers driving them, and how the tone is shifting. Based on 1,306 United States-affiliated papers.
- Georgia Institute of Technology46
- Purdue University West Lafayette46
- North Carolina State University39
- Northeastern University36
- Texas A&M University34
- Smart material61→108
- Soft robotics4→36
- Morphing8→35
- Nanotechnology19→46
- Elastomer18→41
- Nanotechnology12→29
- Soft robotics2→13
- Fabrication4→12
- Liquid crystal3→10
- 3D printing6→12
- Smart material10→18
- Nanotechnology7→9
- Shape-memory alloy2→4
Where advanced materials is researched across United States
Location clusters by institution affiliation — each city's volume, stance tone, and a quick read on its hot topic, what's advancing, the opening opportunity, and the main concern.
Who's filing advanced materials patents in the United States
United States advanced materials patent filing is cooling — 88,582 filings from 8,000 assignees (2016–2025), led by IBM, General Electric, Halliburton Energy Services; annual filings 9852→6833.
- IBM5881
- General Electric4493
- Halliburton Energy Services3870
- Intel3631
- UNIV California3335
- 3M Innovative Properties3293
- Corning3129
- United States Gypsum2665
Common questions
Rohit lives in the feed. He covers what's moving right now — the funding rounds, launches and shifts breaking across the trade press — and ties them back to where the sector is heading.