By Riley Kaminer
Steven Wagenberg and Andy Cohen didn’t set out to revolutionize the construction industry – at least, not at first. In late 2019, the two business partners were deep in their consulting work, evaluating hundreds of potential deals each month. But everything changed when a chance opportunity came their way.
“We came across this lightweight cement furniture, and while I wasn’t interested in the product itself, I needed to know more about the admix that made it possible,” Wagenberg told Refresh Miami.
That initial curiosity set the stage for an in-depth investigation that lasted nearly 18 months. The duo reached out to developers, engineers, and even academics at the University of Miami, rigorously testing the technology. “No one could poke a hole in it,” Wagenberg said.
The secret behind this discovery was nano-graphene, a material renowned for its incredible strength and flexibility. But there was a catch. While lab tests had long demonstrated graphene’s potential, widespread use in construction was hindered by its tendency to clump together, reducing its effectiveness.
“The industry’s Holy Grail has always been to build better, cheaper, and faster without compromising on any front,” noted Cohen [pictured above]. “We’re here to deliver all three.”
Cohen explained that Admix Innovations found a way to incorporate graphene into cement mixes seamlessly, ensuring even dispersion without requiring disruptive changes to standard construction processes.
The results speak for themselves: a simple dose of their admixture can boost the compressive strength of standard mortar from 3,310 psi to over 8,300 psi – more than double the original strength. The original technology was pioneered by engineer Matthew Piazza.
One of the most intriguing applications of Admix Innovations’ technology involves using unconventional, sustainable materials like sargassum seaweed – a material plaguing South Florida shores.
Wagenberg described a pilot project in which they created cementitious products with sargassum as a replacement for sand. “We took it straight from the beach, saltwater and all,” he said. “It held up remarkably well in testing, demonstrating near-structural strength and showcasing the potential for greener, more eco-friendly construction solutions.”
The company’s approach has caught the attention of industry leaders looking for sustainable, high-performance solutions. “Everyone’s feeling the pressure: rising material costs, labor shortages, and stringent ESG requirements,” Cohen said. “Our technology allows builders to meet these demands without disrupting current workflows.”
“We’re not in the product business,” Wagenberg emphasized, “we’re in the technology business.” This strategic positioning enables them to partner with manufacturers, builders, and developers, integrating their solutions into existing production lines. The ultimate goal? To empower others to build more efficiently and sustainably. To make this vision come to reality, the co-founders said that they have raised an undisclosed amount of funding in the seven figures.
Looking ahead, Cohen and Wagenberg are excited about expanding Admix Innovations’ partnerships and scaling their impact. “We’re ready to go to market,” Cohen said. “Whether through large-scale licensing deals or direct collaborations with major construction projects, we’re set to continue rolling out our technology over the next 12 to 15 months.”
“If it has cement in it,” Cohen said, “we can upscale the performance.”
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