Turning Waste Into an Energy Source

Livestock farming fuels the global food system, but it also comes with a hidden cost. Animal waste contributes significantly to air and water pollution, especially in rural communities. 

Swinergy, a ClimateTech startup based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is working to change that. 

Founded by Eugene Alvey, a former missile defense officer turned cleantech entrepreneur, Swinergy is tackling the environmental impacts of agriculture with a proprietary digester that converts livestock waste into renewable natural gas. 

“We’re solving for the massive detrimental impacts of livestock waste on waterways and the air,” Eugene explains. “Our technology creates a win for farmers, for communities, and for the planet.” 

The Mission: Clean Power From Animal Waste 

Swinergy’s digester system is designed to transform swine waste into a clean, marketable energy source, without the costly, complex infrastructure most solutions require. 

Key benefits include: 

• Reduced agricultural emissions 
• Cleaner groundwater and surface water 
• New revenue streams for farmers through RNG sales 

Their first pilot project is now under development in Southern Minnesota, with support from regional partners and early-stage investors. 

“We’re currently at the seed stage, raising our round to fund the first commercial deployment,” says Eugene. 

From Military Strategy to Climate Solutions 

Eugene’s path to cleantech wasn’t typical. Before Swinergy, he served as an air and missile defense officer, leading technical teams across Asia, Europe, and Israel. 

“My nights and weekends in the Army were spent preparing to launch this company,” he says. “Agriculture was always close to my heart, and I knew I wanted to build a business that made a real environmental impact.” 

Now, he’s applying that same operational rigor to the fight against agricultural emissions. 

Why MassChallenge? A Community of Mission-Aligned Founders 

Swinergy joined the MassChallenge ClimateTech program to tap into the global cleantech ecosystem, and Eugene has already found value in the peer network. 

“Founder conversations are my favorite conversations,” he shares. “I’m also really excited about the mentor process. It’s a rare chance to get high-quality, personal feedback from industry experts.” 

MassChallenge offers early-stage founders like Eugene the resources, connections, and visibility needed to scale innovations that matter.