Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator Spotlight: Austin Bachman

(Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator) Austin Bachmann is an Energy Executive in Residence (EEIR) for Manta Biofuel, an MEIA Startup that has developed an innovative technology and process for producing algae-based biofuels. Austin is also the Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Business Development for Babington Technology, a leader in clean and efficient combustion technology for forward operating base cooking and residential thermal heating.

“I’m interested in seeing renewable low carbon biodiesel replace conventional heating oil,” said Austin. “For example, just to replace residential heating oil, you’re going to need 4 or 5 billion gallons per year. Right now, the entire industry produces less than that, and much of it is going to the transportation sector. Algae is an important feedstock that can expand the supply of biofuel, and I’m excited to help Manta enter the heating oil market.”

Born in DC, Austin has spent most of his childhood and adult life in Maryland. Austin studied History, German, French, Political Science, and European Parliament at Syracuse University. He later received his Master of Arts in Communications from the University of Baltimore.

After joining the Chesapeake Climate Action Network in 2004, Austin became dedicated to fighting climate change. He has been fundraising for them for many years, including participating in several “Polar Bear Plunges.” Austin supports multiple other environmental organizations.

When he started at Babington Technology, Austin was fascinated by the potential for a more versatile biodiesel capable burner. For the past three years, Austin has focused on commercializing and marketing the first 100% biodiesel capable burner for residential heating in the US. Through this work, he has become intimately familiar with the oil industry for residential heating and its efforts to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels through the distribution and use of renewable biodiesel.

As an EEIR, Austin is providing Manta Biofuel with the industry expertise, business acumen, and professional network to get its novel, algae-based biofuel to market, so companies like Babington Technology can utilize their biofuels. READ MORE

Excerpt from Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator: Manta Biofuel has developed an innovative technology and process for producing algae-based biofuels that creates better quality oil and lower costs than other algae technologies. Their proprietary algal harvesting and filtration processes can also be used to support wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Despite COVID-19 turbulence, Manta Biofuel made great strides toward accomplishing their mission to produce renewable biofuel from algae. On the fundraising front, they have successfully raised $600K (and counting!) through an equity crowdfunding campaign on Republic. In addition, the team has substantially improved key technical aspects such as the rate of magnetic separation and process reliability. Following upcoming boiler tests with UMCES in January, Manta's goal for 2021 is to produce and sell 10,000 gallons of their renewable heating oil. Manta has received significant positive feedback while exploring pilot opportunities in the wastewater and eco-remediation industries. NOTE - MCEC and MEIA do not endorse any specific company for any specific investment or purpose, and thus have provided the crowdfunding link for informational purposes only. READ MORE