CleanRobotics gets SBIR funding for AI trash-sorting system

LONGMONT — CleanRobotics Inc. will receive $400,000 in Small Business Innovation Research funding to develop its TrashBot waste-diversion technology, which is powered by artificial intelligence.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency announced the funding Wednesday. The system developed by the Longmont-based company helps sort and audit waste. According to the company, TrashBot improves on-site and user-facing waste diversion 300% more accurately than human beings could.

CleanRobotics is among eight small businesses nationwide that were selected to receive a total of $3,169,239 in funding to further develop and commercialize their environmental technologies.

“Companies like CleanRobotics are demonstrating true leadership in developing innovative products that improve the environment and quality of life in our communities,” EPA Regional Administrator K.C. Becker said in a prepared statement. “The commercialization of the company’s trash sorting and auditing system will enhance recycling efforts across a wide range of applications and customers.”

EPA issues an annual SBIR solicitation for technology proposals for specific high-priority environmental topics. Proposals are evaluated on their technical merit, potential for commercialization and impact in the given topic area.

CleanRobotics and the other companies receiving the grants already have received Phase I contracts from EPA of up to $100,000 for six months to prove the concept for their proposed technology. The companies are receiving Phase II awards of up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technologies.

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