DETROIT, MI — June 15, 2026 — Ecosphere Organics, a Detroit-based sustainable materials company transforming discarded organic by-products into manufacturing-ready materials, was recognized with the Best Speed Pitch special award at the 18th annual SXSW Pitch competition held during South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas this past March.
Presented by KPMG, SXSW Pitch showcases emerging startups developing breakthrough technologies across industries. The 2026 competition featured 45 companies selected from 589 applicants worldwide, representing some of the most promising early-stage ventures across nine categories.
After initially being selected as an Alternate in the Sustainability, AgTech & Food category, Ecosphere Organics advanced to the SXSW Pitch stage to present its work alongside leading startups from around the world. The company was ultimately honored with the event’s Best Speed Pitch award, one of several special recognitions presented during the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony.
Ecosphere Organics transforms discarded organic by-products into manufacturing-ready materials through modular processing systems. The company develops bioplastic sheets, pigments, and material intermediates that help manufacturers reduce material risk, localize supply chains, and build more resilient, circular production systems.
“Being selected by SXSW Pitch is a meaningful validation of the work we’re doing to transform discarded organic by-products into manufacturing-ready materials,” said Brittanie Dabney, Founder and CEO of Ecosphere Organics. “We’re excited to be part of this amazing community and to represent circular materials innovation.”
Founded in 2024, Ecosphere Organics is led by Founder and CEO Brittanie Dabney and is based at Newlab at Michigan Central in Detroit, with active partnerships across the Midwest. The company collaborates with food producers, processors, designers, and manufacturers to develop regionally sourced materials that support domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on conventional inputs.
According to SXSW, participating companies have collectively raised more than $22 billion in funding since the program launched in 2009, and 22% of SXSW Pitch finalists have been acquired by industry leaders including Google, Apple, Meta, Live Nation, OpenTable, Michelin, and others. This year’s Best Speed Pitch recognition serves as an encouraging milestone as Ecosphere Organics continues to expand its partnerships and commercialization efforts.
As part of the recognition, Ecosphere Organics received a cash prize, two badges to next year’s SXSW conference, and the SXSW Arrow Trophy.
For more information about SXSW Pitch and the 2026 winners, visit: https://sxsw.com/news/2026/sxsw-pitch-winners-announced/
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About Ecosphere Organics
Ecosphere Organics is a Detroit-based sustainable materials company transforming pre-consumer food waste into domestically sourced, manufacturing-ready bio-based materials. Through modular processing systems, the company supplies materials that support resilient, circular supply chains across packaging, textiles, and consumer goods.
Ecosphere Organics collaborates with food producers, processors, restaurants, designers, and manufacturers to validate materials through paid pilots and small-batch production, with pathways to scale. Its approach prioritizes material performance, traceability, and consistency, enabling partners to evaluate and adopt circular materials with confidence.
Founded in 2024, Ecosphere Organics is led by Founder and CEO Brittanie Dabney and is based at Newlab at Michigan Central in Detroit, with active partnerships across the Midwest.
Media Contact:
Brittanie Dabney
Founder & CEO, Ecosphere Organics
info@ecosphereorganics.com
www.ecosphereorganics.com