Niron Magnetics Named “Green Materials Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 CleanTech Breakthrough Awards

Niron Magnetics, the company behind the world’s first high-performance permanent magnets made without rare-earth elements, has been awarded the “Green Materials Innovation of the Year” title by the 2025 CleanTech Breakthrough Awards. The program, organized by CleanTech Breakthrough—an independent market research firm—recognizes the top global achievements in climate and clean technology.

Niron’s cutting-edge Iron Nitride magnets are crafted from abundant, U.S.-sourced materials—iron and nitrogen—which are widely used in steelmaking and fertilizers. Recognized as the most magnetic material known, Iron Nitride enables the creation of powerful magnets with exceptional thermal stability, functioning reliably from cryogenic temperatures up to 180°F. These magnets also feature high tensile strength and customizable shapes, making them suitable for demanding applications in electric motors, automotive systems, electronics, and defense.

Niron’s production process is highly sustainable, recycling 80% of the water and 97% of the hydrogen used, while its products are fully recyclable within existing iron scrap systems, supporting a circular economy. The manufacturing is designed to scale efficiently using proven industrial equipment.

In addition to environmental impact, Niron contributes to strengthening domestic manufacturing. Operating from a 70,000-square-foot pilot facility in Minneapolis, the company is planning to expand with a 190,000-square-foot plant in Sartell, Minnesota, helping to reduce reliance on foreign magnet supply chains.

“Our magnets enhance technology and enable businesses to achieve advanced performance, all while supporting a more sustainable, scalable, and secure future for U.S. industry,” said Jonathan Rowntree, CEO of Niron Magnetics.

“Our rare-earth-free permanent magnets are revolutionizing modern technology and empowering our partners to meet their design objectives today. We’re honored by the recognition from CleanTech Breakthrough and remain committed to tackling environmental challenges through our innovative approach while also bolstering national security and promoting economic development via domestic manufacturing.”

The CleanTech Breakthrough Awards aim to highlight global pioneers who are redefining climate and clean technology. The program conducts an in-depth evaluation of leading innovations and companies driving the shift toward a sustainable future. This year, the competition received thousands of entries from over 14 countries, showcasing the worldwide momentum behind clean tech innovation.

“Niron provides high-performance permanent magnets without relying on rare earth elements, addressing major environmental and supply chain concerns,” said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director at CleanTech Breakthrough. “Permanent magnets are critical to a wide range of technologies—from consumer electronics to industrial motors—but conventional rare-earth production is environmentally harmful and dependent on complex international supply lines.

Niron’s use of locally sourced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly and scalable magnet production. They demonstrate how manufacturing innovation can drive industrial growth while remaining environmentally conscious. Congratulations on winning the ‘Green Materials Innovation of the Year’ award!”

About Niron Magnetics

Niron Magnetics is scaling the world’s first advanced manufacturing process for the mass production of permanent magnets powered by its breakthrough material formulation. The company’s proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and will drive innovation in various industries. For more information about Niron Magnetics and its technology, please visit https://www.nironmagnetics.com/.

About CleanTech Breakthrough

 Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in energy, climate and clean technologies, services, companies and products around the world. The CleanTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of clean technology companies and products in categories including solar technology, smart grid, energy management, wind energy, waste & recycling, transportation and more. For more information visit CleanTechBreakthrough.com.