STEEL-KILLER ALERT: This Maryland Startup is Mass-Producing Wood STRONGER Than Metal
Forget Everything You Know About Wood – The Future is HERE
This isn’t some lab experiment collecting dust – InventWood is about to DROP the construction equivalent of a nuclear bomb. We’re talking about Superwood: a material with 50% more tensile strength than steel that’s hitting production lines THIS SUMMER.
“The cellulose nanocrystal is actually stronger than a carbon fiber. We’re creating hydrogen bonds that make it 10x stronger than the density increase suggests.”
Alex Lau, CEO of InventWood
From Lab Curiosity to Industry Game-Changer
Back in 2018, University of Maryland’s Liangbing Hu cracked the code on transforming regular timber into a supermaterial. But here’s what separates the dreamers from the DOERS:
- Process time slashed from 1+ week to mere HOURS
- $15M Series A secured to build first commercial plant
- Grantham Foundation leading the charge with climate-focused investors
The Superwood Advantage: Why This Changes EVERYTHING
This isn’t just about strength – it’s about reinventing construction from the ground up:
- 10x better strength-to-weight ratio than steel
- Class A fire rating – laughs in the face of flames
- Rot and pest resistant – termites just got unemployed
- Naturally stunning – rich tropical hardwood colors without stains
Phase 1: Building Skins. Phase 2: WORLD DOMINATION
InventWood is playing the long game:
“Right now we’re focused on skin applications. But 90% of a building’s carbon impact comes from concrete and steel in the structure. That’s where we’re going next.”
Alex Lau dropping truth bombs
Imagine I-beams that look like premium walnut. Structural elements that don’t need finishing. A future where buildings are stronger, lighter, and more sustainable – all from modified wood chips.
The Bottom Line
The construction industry is about to get WOOD in ways it never imagined. With first production runs starting this summer and $15M fueling their fire, InventWood isn’t just making materials – they’re making HISTORY.