Advancing Sustainable Concrete Solutions: NSF I-Corps Grant Awarded to Circle Concrete’s Founders

Circle Concrete was happy that two of its founders, Dr. Zach Grasley (Texas A&M) and Dr. Xijun Shi (Texas State), were awarded the $50,000 NSF I-Corps Grant, which started on July 15, 2021. This grant is geared towards helping budding technologies transition from the lab to industry.

Our focus at Circle Concrete is on developing recycled steel fiber technology for reinforced concrete, a venture that stands out for its lower carbon footprint compared to traditional reinforced concrete. What makes our technology distinct is the ease of integrating steel fibers compared to the conventional use of steel rebar, simplifying the construction process while enhancing sustainability.

The NSF I-Corps Grant enabled us to accelerate our project. The grant is not only a financial lift but also a validation of the potential our technology holds. With the backing of the NSF I-Corps Grant, we are better positioned to navigate the road ahead, bringing our sustainable concrete solution closer to commercial reality.

We are thankful to the National Science Foundation for this support. As we continue working diligently towards our goals, the grant fuels our determination to make a notable difference in the construction industry, offering a viable and eco-friendly alternative for reinforced concrete.

It’s an exciting time at Circle Concrete.