Articles Tagged with: Solid Carbon

Building a Greener Future: The Visionary Work of Dr. Sean Muir

How do you inspire change across disciplines? For Dr. Sean Muir, it’s about turning bold ideas into transformative action.

An interdisciplinary scientist, educator, and artist, Dr. Muir doesn’t just imagine solutions. He creates them. From developing cutting-edge virtual reality tools for teaching chemistry to pioneering sustainable construction materials, he proves that bold ideas can reshape the future. 

His work is as diverse as it is impactful, driven by a singular mission – to inspire change and leave the world better than he found it.

A scientist and academic

Dr. Muir’s academic career reflects his dedication to advancing science education through innovation.

Currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Innovation and Technology at Linfield University, he is known for rethinking how students engage with science in meaningful and transformative ways.

Dr. Muir’s teaching approach helps students see the broader societal impact of scientific concepts. He also guides them in engaging with the application of these concepts in immersive ways so they can develop meaningful careers in STEM fields. 

Before joining Linfield University, Dr. Muir did research with the Oregon State University. He also co-founded Amorphyx, a flexible electronics and display startup.

Building a sustainable legacy with Solid Carbon

Aside from his academic work, Dr. Sean Muir is the Director for Research and Development at Solid Carbon, a company that develops carbon-sequestering concrete products.

Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization. But its environmental impact is staggering. Traditional production releases one pound of carbon dioxide for every pound of concrete made.

For Dr. Muir and the Solid Carbon team, this method of producing concrete must change.

Solid Carbon flips the script on concrete production entirely. By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials sourced from waste, the company’s products absorb and store carbon during production and use. This innovation transforms buildings into tools for fighting climate change, thus making sustainability integral to the built environment.

The work is as ambitious as it is impactful. Solid Carbon’s concrete has been used in groundbreaking projects, including homes for Habitat for Humanity, installations at Portland’s Burnside Skatepark, and the massive flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville. These projects demonstrate that environmentally conscious materials can meet and even surpass industry standards for quality and durability.

Watch Dr. Sean Muir at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend

Dr. Sean Muir’s passion for fostering innovation isn’t confined to his lab or classroom. He is an avid supporter of the McMinnville entrepreneurial ecosystem and has hosted Launch Mid Valley events at Linfield University.

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend will take place at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex. There, Dr. Muir will share his insights on leveraging publicly funded labs to accelerate entrepreneurial innovation. 

This event is a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and launch the next wave of game-changing businesses.

Just as Dr. Muir has shown through his own journey, the intersection of innovation and sustainability can create solutions that leave the planet better than we found it.

Register for the Bootcamp now and take the next step towards building a brighter future.


Turning Carbon Footprints into Climate Solutions: John Mead’s Innovative Approach to Concrete Construction

Concrete is a cornerstone of modern construction, from towering skyscrapers to humble homes. However, its environmental cost is staggering.

Cement, a key ingredient of concrete, accounts for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions – a significant contributor to climate change. Beyond cement production, the environmental toll of concrete includes mining and quarrying resources like limestone, heating limestone with fossil fuels, and transporting materials.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, John Mead has made it his mission to transform concrete from a climate culprit into a solution. He achieves this through Solid Carbon, a company he co-founded in 2022.

Solid Carbon is pioneering carbon-negative construction, reducing emissions by producing sustainable, durable concrete that sequesters carbon rather than releasing it.

Concrete that Reverses Climate Impact

According to John, a pound of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere for every pound of concrete produced. Solid Carbon’s innovations are designed to flip this equation.

By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials, their concrete absorbs and stores carbon during production and use, creating a built environment that actively contributes to climate change.

Their products also emphasize that sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of quality or profitability. Solid Carbon’s products are durable and versatile, suitable for structural and decorative applications in both commercial and residential projects. From factory floors to winery conversions, their concrete proves that sustainability and performance go hand in hand.

From Innovation to Impact

Solid Carbon’s success is fueled by collaboration with key partners such as the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), and Business Oregon.

With a $241K High Impact Opportunity Grant, the company partnered with Oregon State University for solution testing and community projects. These community projects included pilot pours for the Miller Woods welcome pavilion and the Alpine Crossing patio. These initiatives have expanded their capacity to revolutionize the construction industry.

Since then, the company has worked on significant projects such as:

  • Homes for Habitat for Humanity in Gig Harbor, WA
  • An installation of vertical walls and a tunnel for Burnside Skatepark in Portland, OR.
  • The 5,000 square-foot floor of Remy Wines’ winery production space
  • The 440 cubic-yard factory flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville, their biggest pour to date

Impressive achievements and recognition have marked Solid Carbon’s journey.

In 2022, it received the SEDCOR Innovative Product Award, which honors its groundbreaking work in sustainable concrete. 

In 2023, MEDP celebrated its contributions to local sustainability efforts with the McMinnville Innovator Award.

In 2024, Building Green Magazine included Solid Carbon’s concrete among its Top 10 Products list, acknowledging their industry-transforming innovations.

For Solid Carbon, profitability and sustainability are not at odds – they are essential to creating a better future. John believes in leaving the planet better than we have found it. Through innovative materials and visionary leadership, John and Solid Carbon prove that even the most entrenched industries can become agents of climate action.

Hear John Mead’s Story at the LMV Startup Bootcamp

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, John will share his vision and story at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp. He will show how businesses can grow and profit while positively impacting society and the environment.

The Startup Bootcamp is an excellent opportunity to learn how to take your business to the next level. Save these dates and stay tuned for details.


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