Woodchuck
Category: AI in Climate / Energy
An AI-powered platform that converts construction and manufacturing wood waste into renewable biomass energy. Woodchuck was founded in 2023. The company is led by Todd Thomas. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Team size: 14. Total funding raised: $6.3628 million. Latest round: Venture Round. Key investors include Mason Fink, NorthStar Clean Energy, Beckett Industries, Alloy Partners, CMS Energy, Michigan Rise.
- Founded
- 2023
- Headquarters
- Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Team size
- 14
- Total funding
- $6.3628 million
Value proposition
Woodchuck helps companies reduce wood waste sent to landfills, which can lower waste hauling costs by up to 30%, and produces high-quality biomass for clean energy generation.
Products and solutions
AI-based waste wood identification and sorting platform, Production of high-quality biomass from wood waste
Unique value
Woodchuck's use of advanced AI and image recognition technology at a commercial scale to identify, sort, and process usable wood from mixed construction debris is a key unique factor. This improves the quality and efficiency of biomass production.
Target customer
Construction companies, manufacturing facilities, and bioenergy producers.
Industries served
Construction, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Bioenergy, Environmental Services
Technology advantage
The integration of a proprietary AI platform with a full-scale operational biomass facility allows for continuous improvement and optimization of the waste-sorting and energy-conversion process. This creates a more reliable and higher-quality feedstock for bioenergy producers.
How they differentiate
The company's key differentiation lies in its proprietary AI platform that uses advanced image recognition to improve the efficiency and quality of biomass processing. This, combined with a full-scale operational facility and a specific focus on the Michigan region, sets it apart from general waste handlers and biomass producers.
Main competitors
Traditional waste management companies, Other biomass producers, Waste-to-energy startups
Key partnerships
NorthStar Clean Energy, CMS Energy, Beckett Industries, Alloy Partners
Notable customers
Walbridge, Barton Malow, Ford, Amazon, and major data center builders (as of Dec 2025). Also collaborates with IKEA, Ryan Companies, Waste Management, and GM (per Aug 2024).
Major milestones
Secured $3.75 million in seed funding (June 2025)., Launched its global headquarters and AI innovation lab in Grand Rapids, Michigan in September 2024., Received recognition from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for its contribution to clean energy innovation., Secured growth investment from Michigan Rise (Dec 2025)., Named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list for 2026, ranking #4 in Small and Mighty: Fewer than 50 Employees category (March 2026)., Opened a Regulation Crowdfunding investment offering through Fundify on September 17, 2026; offering launch does not establish a completed funding round.
Growth metrics
The company has successfully opened a large-scale biomass processing facility in Grand Rapids capable of processing 100 tons of wood scraps into 83 million BTUs of clean energy. They are expanding operations to more manufacturers and construction companies across Michigan.
Market positioning
Positioned as a clean-tech innovator in the waste-to-energy sector, with a focus on applying artificial intelligence to solve a major industrial waste problem.
Geographic focus
West and Southwest Michigan, with plans for expansion.
Patents and IP
Not available
About Todd Thomas
Todd Thomas has an extensive background in both startup environments and Fortune 100 companies. His career has been focused on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and drive commercialization. He is a recognized authority in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and sustainability. His work with Woodchuck showcases his commitment to creating cost-effective, tech-driven solutions for waste reduction and renewable energy.
Latest news about Woodchuck
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Official website: https://woodchuck.ai/