Purdue Innovates Accelerator is a three-month, investment-based startup program that empowers founders to transform their bold visions into disruptive impact.
FiberX is a biomass refinery that converts agricultural residue into revenue. It mechanically refines stover into fibers used as additives in plastics, rubber, and other materials. Its lignin-first biorefinery produces lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, while its depolymerization technology creates feedstocks for bio-based resins and epoxies, reducing reliance on petroleum and toxic substances such as formaldehyde and PFAS.
FiberX CEO Dave Skibinski shared more about the company’s experience:
The most high-impact component:
“The program’s structured pitch refinement and mentor swarms were universally fabulous. Getting real-time feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and investors sharpened how we tell our story, and insights from founders with successful exits led to changes we implemented immediately.”
What shifted for FiberX because of the program:
“The Purdue Innovates Accelerator helped us sharpen our priorities, and the biggest surprise was how a simple tagline actually suggested by one of the other entrepreneurs in the room—Residue to Revenue—clarified our entire strategy, capturing both the value we create and the new income stream we’re delivering to Indiana farmers.”
On looking forward:
“Over the next three to six months, our focus is on three general asks. We are seeking:
- Accredited investors for our bridge round;
- Introductions to customers who would use the materials from our Merrillville plant;
- Partners for our biorefinery platform development.
This process sharpened our story, focused our priorities, and connected us with the right mentors and partners, positioning us to turn our product into real impact for investors, customers, and Indiana farmers as we scale.”
Purdue Innovates invites you to Accelerator Pitch Night, an evening dedicated to celebrating FiberX and the other members of the second Accelerator cohort.
