Hempitecture is proud to announce its selection by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive $8.42 million in funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. This investment will support the creation of an industrial fiber hemp processing and manufacturing facility in northeast Tennessee, focused on producing high-performing, carbon-reducing products for the building materials, packaging, and automotive sectors. The Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program is intended to be a boon towards national decarbonization efforts while directly benefiting communities affected by fossil fuel transition.
What’s Ahead
As one of 14 projects selected from across the nation, being awarded $8.4 million will accelerate Hempitecture’s mission of decarbonization at scale while contributing to the economic revitalization of former coal communities. The facility will create 25 full-time jobs at wages 15% above the local prevailing rate, and will use hemp fiber to reduce carbon intensity by up to 80% in the products it manufactures.
This funding recognizes both the potential of bio-based materials and the role they play in building a cleaner, more resilient economy. This expansion will not only scale production, but it will also create significant economic opportunities along the agricultural supply chain, contributing to a bio-economy built from renewable resources.
Hempitecture’s facility in Tennessee will enhance its ability to meet growing demand for low-carbon, high-performance materials. Flagship products like HempWool and PlantPanel, are critical to decarbonizing the construction industry and are part of a broader vision to transform supply chains using sustainable resources.
Meaningfully Elevating Agriculture
Farm-to-Form at Hempitecture represents a pioneering approach to building materials. By sourcing renewable, carbon-sequestering resources directly from southeastern farms, Hempitecture transforms agricultural feedstock into high-performance, sustainable insulation. This process starts with partnerships with local farmers committed to regenerative practices, cultivating a resilient supply chain that supports rural economies while reducing carbon footprints (more on this in our Sustainability Action Plan). Hempitecture’s new production facility then enables eco-friendly manufacturing processes to create bio-based insulation materials that perform exceptionally in energy efficiency and carbon reduction across a variety of industries – Construction, Automotive, Cold Chain, and Consumer Goods. By merging agriculture and innovation, Farm-to-Form embodies our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable construction, enabling architects, builders, designers, and communities build a healthier, carbon-conscious future.
Recognizing Viability
Hempitecture CIO, Tommy Gibbons, spent two years at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the DOE Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP). While developing a commercialization plan for Hempitecture’s products, it became clear that northeast Tennessee is fertile ground with a rich history of agriculture, textile manufacturing, and a workforce ready for new opportunities outside the coal industry.
Hempitecture’s expansion comes at a time when global demand for clean energy technologies and sustainable building solutions is set to reach over $23 trillion by 2030. By leveraging this awarded $8.4 million investment, we will continue to advance the bio-economy, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions in the communities it serves.
Opportunity for Lead Investors
We are deeply grateful to the Department of Energy for their incredible support in the awarded $8.4 million grant to Hempitecture. This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the vast potential of bio-based, sustainable materials to reshape industries as diverse as building, automotive, cold chain, and consumer goods. This non-dilutive funding not only accelerates our mission but also provides a solid foundation that we believe should inspire investor confidence in Hempitecture’s growth trajectory. As we move forward, we invite you to join the 650+ retail investors in pioneering a carbon-negative future, transforming materials, and driving sustainability at scale. We are also welcoming Series A partner conversations who share in this vision.
