Rise Reforming, founded by George, Lucas, and Jona, is developing a modular process to convert biogas from landfills, farms, and wastewater plants into higher-value chemicals like dimethyl ether (DME) and methanol. Their technology addresses vulnerabilities in the chemical industry, such as reliance on fossil fuels and supply chain disruptions, by offering decentralized, fossil-free production.

The U.S. produces significant amounts of biogas, much of which is currently underutilized. Rise Reforming's process cleans biogas, reforms it into syngas using a bi-reforming process, and then upgrades it into target chemicals. This approach aims to be cost-competitive and reduce the chemical industry's greenhouse gas emissions.

The company has completed its lab proof-of-concept and is breaking ground on a pilot plant at a Chicagoland wastewater facility, with commissioning estimated for Q1 2027. Rise Reforming also recently joined Y Combinator's S26 batch to accelerate its growth and market entry.