Aberdeen, MD – October 8, 2025 – BrightWave and Early Charm today announced the launch of BrightCharm Proving Ground LLC, a joint venture dedicated to algae-based biomanufacturing for industrial and specialty materials markets. Headquartered in Aberdeen, Md., the company provides a new platform for global customers seeking scalable, flexible and sustainable production of chemicals and materials.

BrightCharm Proving Ground combines BrightWave’s expertise in algae photobioreactor (PBR) technology with Early Charm’s experience in materials science and manufacturing. The venture offers toll manufacturing, contract research and contract manufacturing, making it a versatile partner for companies worldwide.

“BrightWave’s technology has already achieved exceptional adoption rates around the world,” said Ken Malone, Executive Officer of Early Charm. “Their patented PBR design optimizes heat removal, allowing for the highest possible production rates on the smallest footprint. That cultivation capability is at the heart of BrightCharm’s ability to scale algae-based manufacturing.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Early Charm,” said Tim Shaw, BrightWave’s President. “Their proven expertise in production and materials science makes them the perfect partner to power BrightCharm’s growth.”

Kelsey Abernathy, who will lead operations at BrightCharm Proving Ground, has a background in developing, scaling and manufacturing algae-based innovations. She previously founded and served as CEO of AlgenAir, a startup that commercialized algae-based systems for air purification in commercial and residential settings. She continues to serve as Commercialization Officer at Early Charm, while bringing her deep algae expertise to BrightCharm.

The new company is strategically located near Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), enabling collaboration with U.S. Army researchers. Its algae-based systems complement the DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center’s biomanufacturing pilot facility, expanding the region’s ability to address diverse biological production needs.

While BrightCharm is built first and foremost to serve global industrial customers, it is also a dual-use venture designed to meet the needs of both commercial and defense markets. Military applications include scalable production of chemicals and materials relevant to fuels, protective polymers and deployable field systems that are critical for modern defense logistics.

BrightCharm is part of a larger public-private partnership between Harford County, the State of Maryland, the Greater Baltimore Committee, Aberdeen Proving Ground and Early Charm, with the mission to establish Aberdeen as a leading center for biomanufacturing for dual-use materials.

About BrightWave
BrightWave is a Maryland-based innovator in algae photobioreactor systems, providing scalable solutions for the renewable production of chemicals, intermediates, and materials across a dozen industries.

About Early Charm
Early Charm is an advanced manufacturer of dual-use materials and technologies. The company scales laboratory breakthroughs into production of advanced materials, engineered products, and computational science-based products.

Media Contact:
Kelsey Abernathy
BrightCharm Proving Ground Operations Lead
info@brightcharmprovingground.com