Over the years, UH Technology Bridge (TB) has steadily built a reputation of being the preferred destination of companies developing scalable solutions using innovative technology. Be it to build pilot projects or take a lab idea to commercialization, companies choose TB for its state-of-the-art facilities and services to ensure success.
This is reflected in the newest cohort of startups at TB, which are translating laboratory innovation into deployable technologies that support decarbonization, industrial efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing. 1PointFive, Precision Carbon Technologies Inc, and LUCID Chemical Solutions LLC bring cutting-edge technologies in fields such as advanced materials and direct-air capture solutions, further strengthening TB’s role as a hub for next-generation research and commercialization.
Moreover, 1PointFive has chosen Technology Bridge as the site for its pilot project, marking an important milestone in the facility’s mission to support the hi-tech innovation that drives real-world impact. “Houston is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter of energy and carbon capture, and these startups reinforce that leadership. Through Technology Bridge, we’re helping de-risk commercialization and connect founders to the industry partners who can scale their impact,” said Tanu Chatterji, Director, Startup Development and UH Technology Bridge Incubator.
1PointFive
1PointFive is a carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) company offering
fully integrated solutions to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and unlock
value from emissions reduction efforts. Through large-scale DAC facilities and geological
sequestration hubs, 1PointFive aims to deliver durable carbon dioxide removal and
storage while enabling development of low-carbon products and fuels.
Direct air capture has been identified by the National Academy of Sciences and the IPCC as a critical tool in managing atmospheric carbon dioxide and limiting global warming. Aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, 1PointFive’s mission is to develop and derisk DAC technology to generate verified carbon removal credits and offset residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through operational changes. The company’s energy-efficient, cost-effective technology seeks to support corporations and governments in achieving net-zero and carbon-neutral commitments.
Anca Timofte, President of 1PointFive, leads the company’s strategic initiatives. With a background in chemical and environmental engineering and an MBA focused on climate technology deployment, Timofte guides 1PointFive’s efforts to advance climate solutions at scale.
Working on another aspect of capturing atmospheric carbon is LUCID Chemical Solutions.
LUCID Chemical Solutions LLC
LUCID Chemical Solutions LLC emerged from the research group of Dr. Praveen Bollini
in the University of Houston Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department and focuses
on chemical solutions for the energy transition. LUCID’s first product is a new class
of sorbent material designed for direct air capture applications. By selectively binding
CO₂ even in humid environments, this sorbent addresses key limitations of existing
materials and supports efficient capture of atmospheric carbon. LUCID is commercializing
University of Houston Intellectual property and is also a graduate of Innov8 hub accelerator
program at TB. 
Direct air capture facilities rely on effective sorbent materials to remove CO₂ from the air and later release it in pure form for storage or utilization. LUCID plans to supply these facilities with its advanced sorbent technology, aiding in the generation of carbon credits and contributing to broader decarbonization efforts.
Praveen Bollini, CEO, leads LUCID’s efforts, supported by key team members including COO Joseph Lane and research scientists Clinton Obeng Manu and Toriqul Islam. This is what Joseph had to say: “Our team at LUCID is excited to open our new research lab at the UH Technology Bridge. As a UH spin-out, we could think of no better place to start our start-up journey. We are looking forward to contributing to a great community of innovators and bringing our new carbon capture material to market.”
The third company, Precision Carbon Technologies, Inc, joining TB works on developing advanced materials too.
Precision Carbon Technologies, Inc
Precision Carbon Technologies, Inc is a pre-seed startup that has developed a proprietary polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer, which is the precursor to high-performance carbon fibers. The new PAN composition simultaneously enhances the tensile modulus and strength of carbon fibers while maintaining elasticity, offering the potential to transform industries such as automotive and aerospace with lighter, stronger, and more efficient materials.
The company’s mission is to create a new class of carbon fiber materials that exceed
the performance of existing technologies and reduce harmful emissions through lightweight
structural applications. 
Dr. Shenda Baker, CEO and cofounder, along with CTO and cofounder Dr. Jonathan Barnes, lead the company’s technical and strategic development. Precision Carbon Technologies is poised to make significant contributions to advanced manufacturing and sustainable materials innovation. “We are excited to launch PCT at the UH Technology Bridge where we have access to Tech Bridge support, university talent and leaders in the chemical industry. We look forward to meeting our community of innovators and getting to work on advancing our technologies,” said Dr. Baker.
Together, these three companies exemplify the kind of scalable innovation TB was created to support. As Dr. Baker and Joseph emphasized, here startups can leverage UH’s deep expertise in engineering, materials science, and applied research, while at the same time accessing a community of like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs. By welcoming the newest cohort of startups to TB, UH reaffirms its leadership in making Houston a hub of innovation that will shape the future.
About University of Houston Technology Bridge
The University of Houston Technology Bridge is a thriving innovation hub that supports startups, corporate partners, and research initiatives providing exciting opportunities for strategic growth and investment. With laboratory space, pilot-scale facilities, and collaboration resources, Technology Bridge provides practical tools and access points to build and test new ideas.
For more information about Technology Bridge and its industry partners, click here.