Spokane, WA — March 23, 2026 — Qualterra Inc., a leader in advanced biochar and biomass processing technologies, and the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), the oldest public HBCU in Texas and the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state, have announced to deploy Qualterra’s biomass processing technology at the University to support biochar research and development.
As part of its ongoing research initiatives, CAFNR Research at PVAMU was awarded a USDA NIFA-EGP grant to acquire a biomass processing system. A key factor in selecting Qualterra’s technology was the platform’s ability to process more than 20 different feedstocks into biochar. This flexibility will enable PVAMU researchers to evaluate and compare a wide range of biochar formulations and study their environmental and agricultural impacts. The project is led by Dr. Ram Ray, and other investigators including Dr. Laura Carson, Dr. Aruna Weerasooriya, Dr. Md Jobair B. Alam, and Mr. Jeremy Peaches with PVAMU Extension.
Qualterra’s biomass processing unit is scheduled for delivery later this year. Teams from PVAMU and Qualterra will collaborate closely over the coming months on logistics, training, and site preparation to ensure a successful installation and launch.
“We are very excited about this collaboration with Prairie View A&M University,” said Mike Werner, Chief Executive Officer at Qualterra. “Advancing the science and technology of biomass processing and biochar utilization is core to Qualterra’s mission. We thank the team at Prairie View A&M for this opportunity and look forward to supporting their important research.”
Dr. Erdogan Memili, Executive Associate Director for CAFNR Research and Director of the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch at PVAMU, added “partnerships with industry are vitally important for applied research that empowers our students with knowledge and skills of the future.”
About Qualterra Inc
Qualterra has developed integrated technologies that drive resilience and scalability in regenerative agriculture. Its platform includes biomass processing systems that generate renewable energy and produce proprietary biochar formulations with demonstrated agronomic benefits, controlled-environment greenhouse and tissue culture plant propagation capabilities, and molecular testing services. Headquartered in Washington State, Qualterra operates three commercial facilities that serve customers all over the world.
Learn more at www.qualterraag.com.
About Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University is a public historically black (HBCU) land-grant university in Prairie View, Texas. Founded in 1876, it is the oldest public HBCU in Texas and the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 master’s degrees and four doctoral degree programs through eight colleges, the School of Architecture, and the School of Public and Allied Health. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, PVAMU is the largest HBCU in Texas and the third largest HBCU in the United States.
About the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at PVAMU
The College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) operates within the tripartite land-grant mission of teaching, research, and service, delivering these through its academic, CAFNR Research, and PVAMU Extension programs. Within CAFNR Research, leading scientists pursue a Vision of Excellence in Research guided by Mission 3+1: conducting relevant and impactful research; securing external funding; producing patents, publications, presentations, and products; and building strong connections among research, student success, and extension outreach.