InventWood is preparing to start large-scale production of wood that's stronger than steel

InventWood aims to mass-produce Superwood, a modified wood stronger than steel, with diverse applications.

: Liangbing Hu, a materials scientist at the University of Maryland, developed a method to transform ordinary wood into a material that surpasses the strength of steel. This innovation is being commercialized by InventWood, a startup led by CEO Alex Lau, which licensed Hu's technology. With raised funding of $15 million from supporters including the Grantham Foundation and Baruch Future Ventures, InventWood is establishing a commercial facility to produce Superwood. The product is notably stronger due to denser hydrogen bonds, offers impressive durability, and is designed to replace concrete and steel in construction, starting with skin applications for buildings.

InventWood, the Maryland-based startup, is harnessing Liangbing Hu's revolutionary method to produce Superwood, a material stronger than steel. This method involves treating ordinary wood to enhance its natural cellulose content, resulting in a stronger, lighter, and more resistant material. By compressing wood treated with 'food industry' chemicals, InventWood enhances its structural integrity, making it ten times stronger, although it's densified four times over. The company plans to focus initially on building facades, leveraging its fire and pest-resistant properties.

The company recently secured $15 million in Series A funding, led by the Grantham Foundation and supported by Baruch Future Ventures, Builders VC, and Muus Climate Partners. This funding will facilitate the construction of their first commercial manufacturing facility, transitioning their innovative technology from lab-scale proof of concept to industrial-scale production. InventWood’s approach aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional building materials, positioning Superwood as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete.

InventWood's strategic plan includes the eventual manufacturing of structural beams and other components typically fashioned from traditional hardwoods or metals. Superwood's natural appearance, enhanced by its concentrated colors through the compression process, offers aesthetic benefits without the need for additional staining. CEO Alex Lau envisions Superwood being used broadly in construction, describing it as aesthetically comparable to tropical hardwoods like walnut or ipe.

The potential applications of Superwood extend beyond mere aesthetics; the material's strength-to-weight ratio significantly outperforms that of steel, making it particularly advantageous for structures requiring lightweight yet formidable support. The initiative aligns with increasing industry demand for sustainable building materials, responding to ecological concerns and resource efficiency alongside conventional performance metrics.

Moving forward, InventWood's commitment to advancing the commercial viability of Superwood will undoubtedly attract further interest and investment. As environmental regulations tighten and demand for low-carbon materials grows, the successful scale-up and integration of Superwood in industry-standard applications could represent a transformative leap in sustainable construction practices.

Sources: TechCrunch, University of Maryland, Nature, Grantham Foundation, InventWood

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