Revex, Michigan Tech SmartZone enter collaboration agreement

What's happening: Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation, also known as the MTU SmartZone, will be entering into a collaboration with Revex Technologies, a mineral processor in Houghton. The collaboration will help develop new technology for manufacturing and material processing to help companies find more environmentally sustainable options for nickel and other mined materials in the region. The partnership benefits from an $8.1 million sponsored-research award to Michigan Tech for battery recycling and metal refining.

Growing a business: Revex Technologies is a start-up company in Houghton, which has received many business development services from the SmartZone. According to SmartZone leadership, the company was specifically created to help address increasing need of domestic critical mining processing. The goal is to find new ways to help strengthen Michigan’s recent push into EV batteries and develop new options for recycled materials.

What they're saying: “Revex Technologies exemplifies MTEC’s leadership position in accelerating high-tech business growth and facilitating the transition of innovative technology and processes from the lab bench to industrial-scale applications. MTEC’s collaboration with Michigan Tech’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization on an ongoing basis continues to pay dividends for Michigan’s economy,” said David Rowe, MTEC SmartZone CEO.    

What's next: Revex will continue to establish its Michigan locations to help with mineral processing. These minerals come from dead batteries and mining waste, providing sustainable options for the future of the state’s mining industry.

“Revex is grateful for the help received by MTEC SmartZone since 2022, to position our company for commercial success utilizing sustainable technologies that will create domestic critical mineral solutions for energy transition”, said John Rockwell, CEO of Revex. “Michigan Tech’s research will have the potential to add additional benefits to Revex’s current processing solution.”