The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) has selected eight startup companies from across the United States to participate in the 2026 Forest Business Accelerator to help entrepreneurs develop innovative products and services that strengthen the forest and wood products economy.
Managed by VSJF, the Forest Business Accelerator brings together early-stage companies for a four-month business development program using the ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum. Participating companies receive mentorship, customer discovery training, industry connections and investor readiness support while competing for a $15,000 award.
“This year’s cohort demonstrates the breadth of innovation emerging from the forest products sector,” said Christine McGowan, forest and fiber products program director at VSJF. “These founders are using technology, advanced manufacturing and novel forest-based materials to address challenges ranging from sustainable construction and packaging to forest stewardship and carbon management. We are excited to help them accelerate their growth and connect with industry partners.”
The 2026 cohort reflects growing innovation across the forest economy, including advanced building materials, carbon-smart forestry, forest data technologies, biomass utilization, sustainable packaging, carbon fiber manufacturing and automated wood products production. Together, these companies are creating new markets for forest resources, improving forest management and developing products that support a more resilient and sustainable economy.
“The entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 cohort represent exactly the type of market-driven innovation the Accelerator was designed to support,” said Judy Giordan, managing director of ecosVC. “Their companies are translating scientific, technical and operational advances into real-world products and services. Through the Lens of the Market process, they will refine their business models, validate customer demand and build a stronger foundation for growth.”
2026 Forest Business Accelerator Cohort:
- Cast Carbon (NY) produces biochar enriched interior wall tiles that enable designers to layer in nature, carbon storage and material health into interior finishes. (www.castcarbon.com)
- CORE Timber (CT) develops mass timber structural components that support forest restoration while reducing reliance on emissions-intensive building materials.
- Jones Wood Products (NH) manufactures hardwood flooring, kiln-dried lumber and timber frame packages through its integrated sawmill operation. (joneswoodproducts.com)
- Latis Materials (ME) develops carbon fiber derived from forest resources, creating high-performance materials that support sustainable manufacturing and new markets for the forest products industry. (latismaterials.com)
- Renoster (TX) uses LiDAR and forest science to help woodland owners and forestry professionals make informed management decisions and generate value through carbon markets. (renoster.co)
- RETRN (NY) develops biobased materials and coatings from industrial waste streams, providing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products for packaging and other applications. (www.retrnbio.com)
- Structmill (WV) is developing automated lumber processing technology that enables lumberyards to deliver pre-cut framing materials directly to construction sites, reducing waste, improving efficiency and eliminating on-site cutting. (structmill.com)
- Takachar (CA) converts low-value biomass residues into higher-value products, including biochar, chemicals and biofuels, through portable, decentralized processing technology. (www.takachar.com)
The Forest Business Accelerator is made possible through a partnership with Vermont State University and support from the Northern Border Regional Commission.
VSJF is actively seeking additional sponsors and industry partners to help expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation in the forest products sector. Sponsors receive visibility, access to emerging companies and technologies, and opportunities to engage with the next generation of forest economy innovators.
To learn more about the Forest Business Accelerator or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit forestaccelerator.com.
About the Forest Business Accelerator
The Forest Business Accelerator is a Vermont-based program that supports startup and seed stage ventures developing innovative products, services, and technologies in the forest and wood industry. The program provides an intensive learning and business development process to help entrepreneurs validate their business model, strengthen operations, prepare for investment, and position their companies for meaningful growth. The Forest Business Accelerator is an initiative of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU) and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). Together, these partners work to advance a modern, resilient forest and fiber economy in Vermont and Northern New England. forestaccelerator.com
About the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
In addition to managing the Forest Business Accelerator for startup and seed stage entrepreneurs, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) also manages the DeltaClimeVT energy accelerator, provides business assistance, supply chain coordination, network development, and strategic planning in agriculture and food systems, forest and fiber products, renewable energy, environmental technology, and waste management sectors. vsjf.org
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. More information about Vermont State University can be found at vermontstate.edu