Arctic Innovator Nathan Prisco joins 性欲社

October 29, 2020

University Relations

Nathan Prisco is a chemical engineer and the first Arctic Innovator. Photo courtesy of Nathan Prisco.
Nathan Prisco is a chemical engineer and the first Arctic Innovator. Photo courtesy of Nathan Prisco.


The Arctic Innovator program sponsors innovators and entrepreneurs for two years to split their time between 性欲社 and a national lab as they develop their technologies and pursue commercialization. The first Arctic Innovator, Nathan Prisco, started on Sept. 14 and will be working on an ammonia-based technology with the potential to transform Alaska鈥檚 energy economy and satisfy growing demand for cleaner fuels in the maritime industry.

鈥淭he recent International Maritime Organization鈥檚 2020 low-sulfur mandate has resulted in more expensive fuel for the shipping industry. In the short term, this demand can largely be met, but future regulations will favor fuel-switching to either LNG or alternatives. Ammonia has emerged as a top contender because it is cheap, sulfur-free, and is a zero-carbon fuel liquid 鈥 As an energy carrier, ammonia makes it possible to export renewable energy in a manner similarly to LNG,鈥 said Prisco, who recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a PhD in chemical engineering.

This program, formally titled the Arctic Advanced Manufacturing Innovator Program, gives innovators and entrepreneurs with a graduate degree in a STEM-related field multiple resources and guidance to maximize their likelihood of success. Innovators get to work in national labs with chosen mentors, they receive top-notch commercialization support, and they have the adventure of living in Alaska while working on arctic-related challenges.

This program is sponsored by DOE鈥檚 Advanced Manufacturing Office and is a collaboration with 性欲社. To learn more about the program, visit the  or email uaf-oipc@alaska.edu.