Charging Ahead

Patrick Memoli, an employee at Rivertop Renewables and UM graduate, checks for spotting on glasses in one of the company’s Missoula labs.

Rivertop Renewables, a Montana-based producer of chemicals derived from natural plant sugars, recently announced a $26 million infusion from Cargill, First Green Partners, and existing investors. These contributions will enable Rivertop to commence commercial production of a new class of high-performance chemicals targeted at consumer product and industrial markets. Rivertop’s initial focus will be on commercializing opportunities in the dishwasher detergent and corrosion inhibitor markets.

The company will explore additional opportunities from among several large industries, including home and personal care products, oil and gas, building and infrastructure, agriculture, and food. Rivertop is the anchor tenant of the Montana Technology Enterprise Center [MonTEC], UM’s business incubator.