About The Company
Meet rStream, the company reimagining waste collection with autonomous technology that unlocks a smarter, more sustainable recycling future.
Founded in 2021 by mechanical engineers Ian Goodine and Ethan Walko out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, rStream began as a research project aimed at solving one of recycling’s toughest challenges: contamination and inefficiencies at the point of disposal. Today, rStream’s autonomous systems harness advanced computer vision, robotics, and machine learning to identify, separate, and divert recyclables, organics, and trash with industry-leading precision—transforming mixed waste streams into clean, highly recoverable materials.
At the core of rStream’s mission is the belief that truly circular material flows begin not in large sorting facilities, but where waste is first discarded. By embedding smart sorting technology directly into waste collection points—from stadiums and universities to commercial campuses—rStream dramatically increases recycling capture rates while reducing operational costs and contamination. The company’s solutions are purpose-built to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enabling facility managers to achieve sustainability goals without disrupting workflows or requiring extensive manual sorting.
rStream’s innovative approach has attracted attention and investment from the clean technology ecosystem. The company has raised millions in grant funding, participated in prestigious accelerators, and is backed by support from entities such as the US Department of Energy and National Science Foundation. In recognition of their leadership and impact, Goodine and Walko were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30—Energy & Green Tech list, highlighting their role in advancing high-impact technology for climate and sustainability.
By unlocking the power of automated material recovery at scale, rStream is helping facilities capture value from previously lost recyclables, reduce landfill waste, and move closer to a truly circular economy—where waste is no longer simply discarded, but recognized as a valuable resource.
Wolf Greenfield & rStream
Wolf Greenfield began working with rStream early in the company’s journey, following introductions through the University of Massachusetts start-up ecosystem. From the outset, we assembled a dedicated team that built strong trust with the founders and supported them as they transitioned from an academic project into a growing company.
As rStream evolved, the Wolf Greenfield team partnered closely with its founders to develop and implement an IP strategy aligned with both their technical innovation and business goals. Our collaboration has included foundational patent work, time-sensitive filings, and creative approaches to protecting and leveraging their intellectual property, always with an eye toward supporting the company’s broader growth and market presence.
