Chicago, IL – December 9, 2025: Evergreen Climate Innovations, together with the U.S. Bank Foundation, announced today that Swinergy and Aquarry have been named the 2025 recipients of the U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Award, which supports entrepreneurs who are working at the earliest and most critical stages of climate tech development, and are developing solutions with meaningful environmental and economic impact.
Swinergy, based in Minneapolis, is developing a rapid anaerobic digestion system that transforms livestock manure into renewable natural gas (RNG) and fertilizer significantly faster and more efficiently than current methods. The company’s Rapid Anaerobic Modular System (RAMS) reduces manure processing from 60–90 days to just 13 while capturing approximately 90% of methane emissions and improving water and soil quality in surrounding communities.
“Our solution is a win-win-win,” explained Swinergy founder and CEO Eugene Alvey. “Farmers benefit from better margins through RNG profit sharing, improved animal health and continued access to manure for crops. Rural communities benefit from reduced farm odors and cleaner well water. And the environment is better off because we capture a significant portion of livestock emissions, reduce nitrate runoff in waterways and generate renewable natural gas for growing energy needs.”
Aquarry, headquartered in Golden, Colorado, converts flooded open pit mines into durable carbon removal systems capable of storing tens of millions of tons of CO₂ while improving water quality and creating long-term regional economic benefits. The company’s alkalinity-enhancement approach offers a scalable pathway for mining companies to reduce environmental liabilities, unlock new revenue streams, and support community revitalization.
“Our technology turns mining liabilities into climate assets,” said Kate Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of Aquarry. “We capture carbon dioxide, improve water quality, recover valuable metals and boost local economies. By using existing equipment and resources, we can cost-effectively help mining companies reduce their carbon footprint, generate new revenue and lower tax liabilities.”
Now in its sixth cohort, the U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Award pairs grant funding with mentorship to help early stage cleantech founders access networks, refine their business models, and accelerate the development of impactful climate solutions.
“Through the Cleantech Award, we strive to identify and support promising talent and ideas in the cleantech sector,” said Ariel Meyerstein, Head of Sustainability at U.S. Bank. “The award aims to accelerate the development of transformative climate solutions that also promote economic growth and job creation.”
“At Evergreen, we back founders building practical, scalable climate technologies that drive both environmental and economic impact,” said Michelle Carr, CEO of Evergreen Climate Innovations. “Swinergy and Aquarry represent exactly the kind of solutions our communities and our climate need. We’re proud to partner work with the U.S. Bank Foundation to support these entrepreneurs as they take the next step in their journeys.”
Read more about the Swinergy and Aquarry stories on U.S. Bank’s News & Stories here.
U.S. Bank Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Foundation’s mission is to close the gaps between people and possibility in the areas of work, home, and play.
About Evergreen Climate Innovations
Evergreen Climate Innovations deploys patient capital for a world that can’t afford to wait. As the pioneer of the 501vc® model, Evergreen turns philanthropic contributions into early-stage investments in climate tech founders across the Greater Midwest. The team provides capital, mentorship, and ecosystem access to help breakthrough ideas scale. Evergreen has invested $10.4M in 49 startups, catalyzing $630M in follow-on funding, creating 980 jobs, and supporting 5 exits, with 57% of founders identifying as female or minority. Learn more at evergreeninno.org.
