In HG Ventures; feature, Creating Value from Industrial Wastewater: Lessons from the ElectraMet Leadership, ElectraMet is highlighted as a company reshaping how industries manage their wastewater. Through a conversation with CEO Keith Jacobs and CTO James Landon, led by HG’s Ginger Rothrock, the discussion brings ElectraMet’s innovative technology and mission into focus—showing how the company is turning what was once considered waste into a source of measurable value.
ElectraMet’s Approach to Wastewater Treatment
ElectraMet’s Core Contribution is its membrane-free, chemical-free, on-site electrochemical process that replaces traditional, sludge-heavy wastewater treatment methods. Unlike conventional systems that generate hazardous waste and require transport and disposal, ElectraMet’s solution recovers valuable metals directly from industrial wastewater streams, while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
“We are fundamentally changing how metals are removed, recovered, and how oxidants are treated in wastewater,” says Jacobs, highlighting their focus on industries like semiconductors, battery recycling, aerospace, and mining.
Bringing Lasting Sustainability To Wastewater Treatment
Landon emphasizes the sustainability benefit of treating wastewater on-site, eliminating costly and wasteful logistics. He describes ElectraMet’s mission as “shrinking the sustainability loop” by allowing facilities to both treat water and reclaim materials at the source.
As Rockrock points out, ElectraMet’s technology found a strong fit in semiconductor manufacturing, where we helped a major Minnesota-based customer cut costs and reduce contamination. This success led to multiple system deployments across their facilities.
“Instead of generating sludge that needs to be trucked away, we enable companies to recover valuable materials while keeping their wastewater clean,” Landon explains.
Beyond the tech, Rothrock additionally highlights ElectraMet’s team as a key to their growth. Jacobs originally joined as an investor, drawn to the passion and expertise of the founders. The company’s progress also owes much to strategic partnerships, such as with HG Ventures, which recognized ElectraMet’s commercial potential early.
What’s Next For ElectraMet?
Looking ahead, ElectraMet is expanding into international markets—especially Asia—and growing its oxidant abatement business, which could surpass metals recovery in impact. Our leadership’s long-term vision is to disrupt legacy wastewater treatment and make efficient, sustainable solutions the industry norm.
“We’re not just creating a business—we’re creating a lasting impact on the industry,” Jacobs concludes.