Press Release: October 6th, 2026
Read on Fast Company
Supra recognized on Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech List
The annual list honors groundbreaking technologies with the potential to reshape industries and redefine the way we work and live
October 6th, 2026 – Austin, TX
Supra Elemental Recovery, Inc. (“Supra”), a critical minerals technology startup, today announced that Supra has been named to Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech, an annual list recognizing breakthrough technologies with the potential to transform industries and shape the future. Supra was recognized among 145 companies with breakthrough ideas, and was listed as just one of four companies in North America. You can read Fast Company’s article on Supra here.
Supra was selected under the manufacturing industry for inventing a more efficient way to refine critical minerals. Supra’s proprietary platform utilizes advanced chemical separation technology to selectively recover target elements from industrial feedstocks. Supra is initially targeting elements including gallium and scandium, which the U.S. is currently 100% import dependent on, and which are essential to semiconductors, aerospace, energy, defense, and communications.
Supra’s technology has been validated in peer-reviewed research and is tunable across other minerals and feedstocks. Early results indicate up to 100× greater selectivity and speed compared to incumbent methods, enabling higher purity and lower costs. This recognition comes on heels of Supra’s recent U.S. Department of Defense contract announcement, which will further support the company’s recovery of rare earth elements from North American industrial byproducts.
“We’re honored that Fast Company selected us,” said Katie Durhman, CEO and Co-founder, Supra. “We’re proud to be advancing a more selective, clean, and modular approach to critical materials recovery.”
“The most exciting technology innovations are the ones that move beyond promise to demonstrate real potential for impact,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “The companies and teams recognized on this year’s list are tackling ambitious problems with new ideas, products, and approaches that have the potential to fundamentally shape the years ahead.”
Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech recognizes innovative technologies developed by established companies, startups, and research teams that are making meaningful progress toward transforming the lives of consumers, businesses, and society. This year’s honorees span industries, with each innovation demonstrating the potential to create significant impact in the years ahead. For more information or to view the complete Fast Company 2026 Next Big Things in Tech list, visit here.
[Photo: Supra]
About Supra Elemental Recovery, Inc.
Supra Elemental Recovery, Inc. is building the technology layer for low-cost, high-purity critical mineral production. Spun out of the University of Texas at Austin, Supra recovers and refines critical minerals using peer-reviewed separation technologies at mining and industrial sites. Supra is a member of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium, and headquartered in Austin, Texas. Learn more at www.getsupra.com
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
Media Contact
Ariel Marantz
supra@antennagroup.com