A company spun off from WPI-developed technology captured the top prize at the second annual Massachusetts Climatetech Studio Showcase, held during Startup Boston Week, Sept. 8–12, 2025. Thalon Materials is built on a clean, cost-competitive magnesium metal production process developed by Adam Powell, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
The showcase, hosted by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and FedTech, paired entrepreneurial teams with patented climate-related technologies to explore commercialization opportunities. Thalon Materials, founded by entrepreneurs Nuha Abousam and Travis Hampton and based on Powell’s breakthrough magnesium metal production process, distinguished itself for its strong market potential and its ability to advance the Massachusetts clean energy economy.
Magnesium metal is about one-third less dense than aluminum, with better stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios than aluminum or steel, making it ideal for lightweight vehicles, aerospace components, and other critical applications. However, high costs and China’s dominance of the industry have limited its widespread use in the United States. Using Powell’s patented electrolysis process, Thalon Materials could produce magnesium at lower cost while also reducing by more than fivefold the toxic by-products that result from the process used by the industry in China.
“It was a privilege to be selected for the Climatetech Studio program and matched with Nuha and Travis, who are sprinting ahead with this project,” said Powell. “They did a terrific job advancing this work, and this generous award from MassCEC and FedTech will help the company to start on the journey toward realizing the potential of this work.”
As the first-place team, Thalon Materials received a $50,000 award and is now eligible for MassCEC and FedTech’s alumni services, which will provide ongoing mentorship, resources, and industry connections.
