I am incredibly grateful to share that Forsee, LLC was chosen to be part of the Techstars 2026 Cohort for Water Sustainability. Over the past 12 weeks, this experience has opened the door to so many wonderful opportunities. From learning alongside innovative founders and mentors, to refining Forsee’s mission, strengthening our pitch, and sharing our work with people who truly care about sustainability, safer materials, and community impact. This cohort gave me the space to grow as a founder, gain valuable feedback, build meaningful connections, and continue advancing Forsee’s vision: creating fire-safe materials made from recycled biomaterials while supporting a more sustainable future. Standing on stage and sharing the journey of Forsee . From idea to innovation was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Our goal is to turn local waste streams into product-ready materials that can help protect homes, communities, and the environment. Thank you to everyone who supported, mentored, encouraged, and believed in Forsee throughout this 12-week journey. I am honored to have been part of this cohort and excited for what is ahead. Here’s to building sustainable materials for safer communities. 🌱🔥💧 Learn more about our research and how to support it at www.forseefund.com.

Most irrigation thinking stops the moment the sprinkler shuts off. The water has been delivered, the timer resets, and the job is considered done. But that moment, the one nobody watches, is exactly where the waste begins. A large share of the water we put on lawns never reaches the roots that need it. Some runs off. Some evaporates before it sinks in. Some drains straight past the root zone and disappears underground. We measure success by how much water we apply, when the number that actually matters is how much of it stays where it can do work. Forsee's system is built around that overlooked window. Instead of focusing only on delivery, it optimizes what happens after the water arrives. A simple test, a clear result The principle is easy to see for yourself. Take a clump of Forsee's pelletized organic fiber, saturate it, and hold it in your hand. It doesn't shed water the way loose soil or mulch does. It holds and when you press it, it releases that moisture slowly and deliberately, the way a sponge gives water back to the things growing around it. That behavior is the whole idea, scaled down to something you can watch happen in a few seconds. A reservoir below the surface Placed beneath the sod, Forsee's organic matrix functions as a subsurface reservoir. It retains moisture from each irrigation event, supports nitrogen availability in the root zone, and redistributes water back toward the roots as the soil dries. Rather than letting a single watering run its course and vanish, the matrix extends the value of that water across time. The result is a root zone that stays hydrated longer on less water turning one irrigation event into sustained availability instead of a brief, leaky pulse. What that could mean The advantages compound. A root zone that holds moisture more efficiently points toward reduced water use, turf that stays resilient under heat and drought stress, and lower maintenance intensity over a season. And because the matrix is saturated and sitting beneath the surface, it carries a second function few irrigation systems can claim: emergency fire-wetting capacity, holding moisture in place where it can help slow ignition during elevated wildfire risk. These are potential advantages, and we treat them that way. They're the questions driving Forsee's ongoing research, including field work alongside Auburn University's Turfgrass Research Unit. What the demonstration makes plain is the mechanism: water that would otherwise be lost, held and returned to the plants that need it. Conventional irrigation asks how much water to put down. Forsee asks a better question. What happens to it next. Learn more about Forsee's water conservation research at forseefund.com.

When a structure fire or wildfire fails to contain, it usually isn't because the firefighters were slow. It's because the materials were faster. Flame spread rate determines how quickly fire travels across a surface. Thermal resilience determines how long that material holds before heat breaks it down. Both are measurable. Both are improvable. And both are where Forsee is focused. At Auburn University, Forsee Founder and Environmental Scientist Chera Howard is running a connected series of controlled experiments to answer one question: can a bio-based, fiber-derived material outperform conventional fire-resistant components on the benchmarks that govern real-world performance? Experiment One: Flame Spread Rate of Forsee Reinforced Products Using marked intervals and precise timing, the first test compares how quickly flame travels across Forsee-treated material versus untreated alternatives under identical conditions. Flame spread rate is the metric behind ASTM E84 and UL 723. It's why interior finishes are classified Class A, B, or C, and why wildland-urban interface codes increasingly require tested materials in high-risk zones. A slower spread isn't just a number it's response time for the engine company, evacuation time for the homeowner, survivable time for anyone inside. Watch: Forsee Founder Chera Howard demonstrates a controlled flame spread test at the Auburn University lab. Experiment Two: Thermal Resilience of Reinforced Polyester Fire Hose The second experiment applies Forsee's specialized additive as a paint-on coating to reinforced polyester, the same material family used in modern fire hoses then exposes it to direct flame. Untreated samples fail quickly. Burn-through occurs and structural integrity is lost. Treated samples behave differently: the coating creates a thermal barrier that resists burn-through under the same flame exposure, maintaining working condition longer than untreated controls. For firefighters carrying charged lines into structure or wildland operations, that difference isn't theoretical. It's the difference between equipment that holds and equipment that doesn't. Thermal resilience testing on Forsee-treated reinforced polyester at Auburn University. Why These Two Tests, Together Fire-resistant materials tend to be optimized for one variable at a time. A coating that resists ignition might not resist heat soak. A material with low flame spread might fail catastrophically once it does ignite. Forsee validates across both axes the speed at which fire moves and the duration the material stands against it because the operational reality fire professionals face isn't either-or. It's both, simultaneously, under conditions that don't accommodate single-variable solutions. Bio-based materials have historically been seen as a sustainability story, not a performance story. Forsee's research is built on the position that those two things aren't in tension. What's Next These experiments are early-stage and ongoing. The data will continue to develop, and we'll publish results, methodology notes, and field-application updates as the research progresses. The next generation of fire-resistant materials won't be defined by what catches fire slowest. It'll be defined by what gives the people on the line the most time to do their work. Learn more at www.forseefund.com Forsee LLC is a minority-woman-owned green technology firm that repurposes recycled organic fibers into patented, high-performance materials for environmental safety. Under the leadership of Chera Howard, the company produces bio-based polymers designed to mitigate wildfire risks, drastically reduce water consumption, and prevent fertilizer loss in agriculture. These innovative products, such as fire-resistant shingles and specialized mats, provide a circular economy solution by transforming waste into infrastructure for climate resilience. The brand’s credibility is supported by federal grants, university accolades, and rigorous research rather than superficial marketing. By targeting homeowners, farmers, and policymakers, the organization aims to foster economic opportunity and sustainability in underserved communities. Ultimately, the source outlines a multi-solve platform that addresses three distinct environmental crises through a single, scientifically validated innovation.

Forsee Fund research has found that up to 50% of applied nitrogen fertilizer can be lost through combined leaching and volatilization, with roughly 10–30% lost to ammonia (NH₃) volatilization and 10–20% or more lost via nitrate leaching. Forsee's bio-based innovative research seeks to reduce these losses. Revolutionize Green Technology Discover More New Age of Fire-Retardant Material Research Forsee LLC's research can prove that Forsee Mats derived from Bio-Based Organic Fibers can be placed underneath lawns to conserve water and create fire defense barriers, accessing beautiful lawns and protection. Discover our groundbreaking project research by Forsee that demonstrates the incredible potential of utilizing Forsee Mats and other structures. Not only can this innovative material provide the benefits of a lush and stunning lawn, but it can also provide peace of mind knowing that you're providing an extra layer of protection from fires. Innovation & Research Fire Retardant Water Conservation Fertilizer Recycling Community Development Research Advancements Forsee Fire-Resistant Bio Polymer Shingle SBIR Phase I Tiger Cage Competition 2024 Testing Fire Resistance: Forsee Composite vs Control Sample Fire-Resistant Polymer Composites Using Bio Based Recycled Polymers Learn More Project Title : SBIR Phase I: Fire-Resistant Polymer Composites Using Recycled Natural Organic Fibers. Funding Opportunity : National Science Foundation (NSF) 23-515 NSF Small Business Innovation Research, (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I Tiger Cage Competition 2024 In a thrilling turn of events at the Auburn University Tiger Cage Competition 2024, Environmental Science major Chera Howard stood out amongst the brightest minds, securing an impressive second place. Her innovation promises to revolutionize several key sectors, including sod, turf, water conservation, and fire retardant industries. Learn More Forsee Organic Composite Fire-Resistant Shingle Learn More In this detailed comparison, Chera Howard uses Forsee's specially designed shingle product alongside a standard shingle to evaluate their performance. Through this analysis, Chera highlights the advantages and unique properties that make Forsee's fire-resistant solution stand out in the market. Testing Fire Resistance: Forsee Composite vs Control Sample Learn More The Forsee composite resisted burning for 3 minutes and 22 seconds, compared with only 36 seconds for the control. That means the Forsee material lasted about 5.6 times longer under direct heat exposure, giving it an additional 2 minutes and 46 seconds of burn resistance. Featured Images Chera Howard BA Chera Howard 2025 BA Award Finalist recipient Chera Howard and BA Family 2 Chera Howard and BA Family 2025 Drip Hose to Mat_edited Drip Hose and Forsee mats Chera Howard BA Chera Howard 2025 BA Award Finalist recipient 1/30 Featured Videos Featured Articles What Happens After the Water? Water Conservation Editorial Team 2 min read Fire Hose Thermal Resilience Innovation Fire Retardant Products Forsee Editorial Team 3 min read From Barber Shop Floors to Fire Defense: Forsee LLC's Bio-Based Breakthrough Fire Retardant Products Editorial Team 1 min read 1 2 3 4 5 Frequently Asked Questions General Community Service & Development Fire Retardants Agriculture Water Conservation Climate Change New Category Are Forsee's green technology products safe to use around humans and animals? Yes, the products are formulated using chemical-free organic polymers and eco-friendly processing that is safe for both humans and animals. Join The Community Receive exclusive updates, industry news, and opportunities in your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe Thanks for signing up! Please confirm in your email.

As the world population continues to grow, it becomes more important than ever to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment. One way we can do this is by recycling organic polymer products. Introducing the Fertilizer Recycling System: a revolutionary way to save money Fertilizer Recycling Research for Industrial Crops Up to 50% of applied nitrogen fertilizer can be lost through combined leaching and volatilization, with roughly 10–30% lost to ammonia (NH₃) volatilization and 10–20% or more lost via nitrate leaching. Forsee's innovative research seeks to reduce these losses. Introducing: A Fertilizer Recycling System As the world population continues to grow, it becomes more important than ever to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment. One way we can do this is by recycling organic polymer products. Introducing the Fertilizer Recycling System: a revolutionary way to save money and help the environment! This system uses organic products, and Bio-Based Fibers and converts them into water-conservative and fertilizer-recycling products.

Discover the significant achievements, prestigious honors, and impactful awards garnered by Forsee, highlighting their contributions and recognition in their field. Achievements Forsee's primary objective is to secure $25,000,000 in funding to further develop our innovative product, further research, and expand our market reach. Current Funding: $495,000 Funding Goal: $25,000,000 Donate to the fund Auburn University Tiger Cage Pitch Competition 2024 $15,000 2nd Place Winner Burr & Forman Services in Kind Award $5,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR Phase I $275,000 BIO Alabama Manufacturing (Arrowpoint Labs) $100,000 Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant $100,000 Chera Howard, Elon Miree, and Mayor Omar Neal Chera Howard, Elon Miree, and Mayor Omar Neal Chera Howard BA 2025 Award Finalist Chera Howard BA 2025 Award Finalist Chera Howard and BA Family Chera Howard and BA Family Chera Howard & Forsee LLC National Science Foundation_SBIR Phase I Grant Awardee Chera Howard & Forsee LLC National Science Foundation_SBIR Phase I Grant Awardee Chera Howard presenting Forsee Mammoth Sod at Auburn University Tiger Cage Pitch Competition 2024 Chera Howard presenting Forsee Mammoth Sod at Auburn University Tiger Cage Competition 2024 Plot Comparison: Mammoth Sod (right) Turf Sod (left) Plot Comparison: Mammoth Sod (right) and Traditional Turf (left) Comparison Chera Howard Innovative Presentation Chera Howard innovative Mammoth Sod presentation Chera Howard winning award at Auburn University Tiger Cage Competition 2024 Chera Howard winning 2nd place award at Auburn University Tiger Cage Competition 2024 Chera Howard posted homogeneous winning 2nd place prize at Auburn University Tiger Cage Competition Chera Howard posted homogeneous winning 2nd place prize at Auburn University Tiger Cage Competition 2024 Show More Images Invite Forsee LLC To Join Your Next Science or Technology Event Leader Strong Forsee seeks to become the forefront of science and technology innovation. Our team of experts in the industry are dedicated to continuously improving Forsee's products, ensuring that it becomes the top choice for maintaining healthy and vibrant landscapes. We continuously conduct thorough research and development to enhance the effective properties of our product, as well as improve its fire resistance capabilities. Forsee understands the importance of sustainable practices in modern agriculture and landscaping. That's why we work closely with local and national organizations to promote eco-friendly methods of maintaining green spaces. Our goal is to not only to innovate superior products, but also contribute to the preservation of our environment. At Forsee, we believe in the power of community. Our goal is to strive to support and empower local farmers and lawn care professionals by developing our product to help them succeed. Through collaborations and partnerships, we aim to create a network of individuals and businesses that share our passion for maintaining lush and healthy green spaces. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community will set us apart from other lawn care companies. With Mammoth Super Sod, Forsee LLC is not just providing a product, but also promoting a way of life - one that prioritizes the health and safety of our environment and our communities. Join us on this journey towards a greener and safer world. #maketheworldgreenagain