A startup called Soarce, founded by UCF graduates, is turning seaweed and grass into cellulose-based materials that can make concrete 30% stronger and replace toxic chemicals in everyday products. Their process extracts cellulose from plants like miscanthus and seaweed to create a jelly-like binder called Seabind, which they say can flex instead of crack under hurricane pressure. They also produce coatings for carbon fiber and metals used in phones, cars, boats, shoes, and clothing, aiming to make them lighter and more eco-friendly. The team, based in Lake Nona, Florida, recently made Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for 2026. They are also exploring space applications with NASA, including using moon dust combined with nanomaterials to 3D print structures on the lunar surface. Their work focuses on replacing toxic chemicals in everyday manufacturing with plant-based cellulose, which they say is eight times stronger than steel and can make concrete 30% stronger.
