Fargo, North Dakota, March 28, 2026 — ReSpark Innovations LLC, a North Dakota-based technology company advancing asset integrity solutions for the energy industry, today announced its acceptance into the gener8tor gBETA Grand Forks accelerator program, a highly competitive startup initiative designed to accelerate early-stage company growth and investor readiness.

ReSpark Innovations was selected as one of a limited number of startups to participate in the gBETA Grand Forks cohort, which admits up to five companies per program from a competitive applicant pool, resulting in less than 3% of applicants accepted. The seven-week, no-cost accelerator provides intensive mentorship, business development support, and access to a national network of investors, corporate partners, and experienced entrepreneurs.

“We are honored to be selected for gBETA Grand Forks and to join the gener8tor network,” said Rick Sugden, CEO of ReSpark Innovations. “This program represents a powerful opportunity to accelerate customer traction and pilot conversion, strengthen our go-to-market strategy and positioning, while improving investor readiness and scale planning.”

Founded to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ReSpark Innovations focuses on identifying, developing, and commercializing emerging technologies in the oil, gas, and water infrastructure sectors. The company’s mission is to ensure promising innovations do not stall due to lack of industry access, but instead are transformed into practical, field-ready solutions that improve operational efficiency and infrastructure reliability.

ReSpark’s platform connects researchers, operators, and industry stakeholders to bring advanced technologies out of the lab and into active deployment. Its first flagship solution, Chemi-Sense, is a field-deployable system designed to rapidly verify corrosion rates and inhibitor chemistry, enabling faster and more cost-effective decision-making in the field.

Participation in gBETA will provide ReSpark Innovations with individualized coaching and mentorship from gener8tor’s nationally ranked accelerator team, along with structured programming such as “Lunch & Learns,” mentor sessions, and investor pitch opportunities. The program also offers access to more than $1 million in perks and deals from major technology providers, as well as ongoing post-program support.

The gBETA program is part of gener8tor’s broader effort to support high-growth startups and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. With operations in dozens of communities and a track record of helping startups secure billions in follow-on funding, gener8tor provides founders with the tools, connections, and resources needed to scale their businesses.

“Being part of gBETA aligns perfectly with our vision of accelerating innovation in asset integrity,” said CCO Ryan Sikes. “We are building a repeatable commercialization engine that transforms overlooked or early-stage research into scalable technologies that operators can rely on. The beginning of demonstrating our unique approach is the launching of the Chemi-Sense System. This program will help us move faster and further in achieving that goal.”

ReSpark Innovations joins a growing network of startups supported by gener8tor programs across North Dakota, including initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in the region.

The gBETA Grand Forks program will culminate in a public pitch event, where participating companies present their progress to investors, community leaders, and industry stakeholders.

About ReSpark Innovations

ReSpark Innovations LLC is an asset integrity technology company based in Fargo, North Dakota. The company specializes in advancing and commercializing emerging technologies for the energy asset integrity sector, with a focus on corrosion monitoring, pipeline integrity, and infrastructure reliability. By bridging the gap between research and real-world application, ReSpark Innovations helps bring high-impact solutions to market.

About gener8tor gBETA

gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator program operated by gener8tor that supports early-stage startups through mentorship, coaching, and investor connections. The program is designed to help companies achieve rapid growth and prepare for fundraising or entry into investment accelerators.

For immediate release March 28, 2026

Houston, Texas, February 28, 2026 — ReSpark Innovations, LLC, a pioneering company bridging the gap between emerging research and real-world application in asset integrity technology for the energy sector, today announced the appointment of Ryan Sikes as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Ryan Sikes

In this newly created role, Ryan will lead ReSpark’s commercial strategy, business development, sales, partnerships, and market expansion efforts. He will focus on accelerating the adoption of ReSpark’s innovative solutions—such as the recently launched Chemi-Sense amine residual sensor field kit—across oil, gas, and water infrastructure operators seeking precise, field-deployable tools to enhance pipeline integrity, optimize corrosion inhibition, and improve operational efficiency.

“Ryan Sikes brings a proven track record in pipeline integrity, business development, and driving commercial growth in the energy industry,” said Rick Sugden, Founder and CEO of ReSpark Innovations. “His deep understanding of operator challenges, combined with his ability to translate technical innovation into customer value, makes him the ideal leader to scale our mission of reigniting overlooked and underutilized technologies for the sector. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team as we enter this exciting growth phase.”

Ryan joins ReSpark Innovations at a pivotal time following the successful introduction of Chemi-Sense Residual Sensor, the industry’s first field-deployable kit for accurate amine residual testing, which enables operators to dose corrosion inhibitors with precision rather than estimation. His appointment underscores ReSpark’s commitment to commercializing high-impact technologies that address real-world asset integrity needs in challenging field environments.

“I am excited to join ReSpark Innovations at such a dynamic moment,” said Ryan Sikes. “The company’s initial focus on rapid, reliable chemical sensing and bridging the research-to-reality divide resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working with Rick Sugden, Dr. Ying Huang, and the team to bring these game-changing technologies to more operators, helping them protect assets, reduce risks, and drive efficiency across the energy infrastructure landscape.”

Ryan Sikes brings extensive experience in business development and asset integrity solutions within the oil and gas sector. He will be based in Houston, TX, reporting directly to the CEO.

About ReSpark Innovations, LLC: Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Fargo, ND, ReSpark Innovations LLC specializes in identifying, developing, and commercializing emerging technologies to improve asset integrity and operational performance in the oil, gas, and water sectors. By combining industrial expertise, advanced research, and practical field engineering, ReSpark Innovations bridges the divide between innovative research and implementation—delivering rapid, reliable solutions like Chemi-Sense – a revolutionary system of sensors for the monitoring of corrosion rates and inhibitors. Technologies like this empower operators to move from guesswork to precision. visit www.resparkinnovations.com.

For immediate release February 28, 2026

Fargo, North Dakota, November 17, 2025 — In the oil and gas industry, corrosion inhibitors are essential for protecting critical infrastructure, particularly pipelines, from the corrosive effects of various components within the oil and natural gas streams. Accurate measurement of amine residual from amine-based corrosion inhibitors is crucial to ensure effective corrosion inhibition, but traditional methods are often unreliable, slow, and ill-suited for the demanding conditions of pipeline operations. ReSpark Innovations’ Chemi-Sense Amine Residual sensor is transforming this landscape by delivering repeatable, field-ready detection of 50-300 ppm amine residuals within 6 hours. This article explores the role of amine corrosion inhibitors in pipeline protection, the challenges of residual measurement, and how this innovative sensor addresses them.

The Critical Role of Amine-based Corrosion Inhibitors in Pipelines

Amine-based corrosion inhibitors are widely used in gas processing to neutralize acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In pipelines, these and other proprietary blends of corrosion inhibitors form a protective film on metal surfaces, mitigating corrosion caused by acidic and corrosive environments and may be used to control microbially induced corrosion (MIC). Their importance cannot be overstated:

Protecting Pipeline Integrity: Pipelines are the backbone of oil and gas transport, and corrosion can lead to damage, leaks, failures, and costly repairs.

Ensuring Operational Continuity: Effective inhibition prevents issues like foaming and fouling, which can disrupt flow and reduce efficiency. Prevent further damage to pipelines and costly repairs.

Supporting Safety and Compliance: Proper inhibitor management minimizes risks to infrastructure and ensures adherence to corrosion control regulations, and reduces leaks to the environment.

Maintaining optimal residual concentrations (typically 50-300 ppm) in pipelines is critical to achieving these benefits, but accurate and timely monitoring remains a significant challenge.

Challenges in Measuring Amine Residuals in Pipelines

Monitoring amine residuals in pipeline systems is fraught with obstacles that hinder effective corrosion control:

1. Harsh and Complex Field Conditions: Pipeline environments are dynamic and harsh, collecting a representative sample of water and inhibitor is complex and difficult in most pipeline systems. Variations in temperature, pressure, and solvent composition further complicate collection and testing of samples, upon completing collection, the residuals continue decay until tested in the lab.
2. Delayed and Costly Lab-Based Testing: Traditional methods, such as chromatography, titration or spectrometry, require samples to be collected from pipeline systems and sent to off-site laboratories. This process can take days, risking sample degradation during transport and delaying critical adjustments to inhibitor dosing. In pipeline operations, these delays can exacerbate corrosion and fouling, compromising system reliability.
3. Inconsistent Measurements: Achieving repeatable measurements in the 50-300 ppm range is difficult due to interferences from contaminants like acetate, propionate, or metals in the transported products as well as consistent collection and handling of the samples. This variability can lead to over- or under-dosing of inhibitors, increasing corrosion risks or wasting resources in pipeline systems.

These challenges drive up maintenance costs, increase the risk of pipeline failures, and pose environmental and safety concerns due to improper corrosion inhibitor management.

ReSpark Innovations’ Chemi-Sense Amine Residual Sensor: A Pipeline-Focused Solution

ReSpark Innovations’ Chemi-Sense Amine Residual sensor is a groundbreaking tool designed to address these challenges, offering a robust solution for pipeline operators. This advanced sensor delivers repeatable, accurate detection of amine residuals in the critical 50-300 ppm range directly in the field, with results available in under 6 hours.

How It Works:

The Chemi-Sense sensor utilizes cutting-edge chemical sensing technology optimized for the rugged conditions of pipeline operations. Its key features include:

• High Sensitivity for Pipeline Applications: Accurately measures amine residuals between 50-300 ppm, ensuring precise monitoring of amine-based corrosion inhibitor levels in pipelines.
• Field-Ready Durability: Built to withstand the harsh environments of pipeline systems, it performs reliably despite common contaminants in crude, natural gas or HVL’s. The provided test kit is similar to a pH test strip but more durable and just as easy to use. While not yet deployable physically into pipeline systems, upgrades are being developed for insertion via a coupon holder systems. This will allow expanded sampling points.
• Rapid, On-Site Results: Delivers actionable data within 6 hours, enabling same shift adjustments to inhibitor dosing without the need for off-site lab analysis.

Benefits for Pipeline Operations

• Enhanced Corrosion Protection: Repeatable measurements ensure optimal inhibitor levels, safeguarding pipelines from corrosion and extending their operational life.
• Improved Efficiency: Real-time data minimizes downtime, prevents foaming and fouling, and maintains consistent pipeline flow.
• Cost Reduction: Eliminates the need for costly lab testing and reduces maintenance expenses by preventing corrosion-related issues and reducing overdosing which can impact process plants and refineries.
• Environmental Compliance: Precise residual control minimizes amine overuse, reducing waste, preventing leaks and supporting regulatory compliance.

By integrating the Chemi-Sense sensor into pipeline operations, companies can optimize corrosion inhibitor performance, enhance system reliability, and protect critical infrastructure.

Advancing Sustainability and Pipeline Resilience

The Chemi-Sense sensor goes beyond solving measurement challenges—it supports a more sustainable and resilient oil and gas industry. By providing accurate, on-site data, it enables pipeline operators to optimize amine-based corrosion inhibitor usage, reduce downstream impacts from overdosing systems, and meet regulatory requirements. As the industry faces growing demands for sustainability and operational efficiency, tools like this are essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Call to Action

The challenges of measuring amine residuals in pipelines are significant, but ReSpark Innovations’ Chemi-Sense Amine Residual sensor offers a transformative solution for corrosion management. If you’re involved in pipeline operations or seeking to optimize and verify corrosion control, this technology could be a game-changer.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn! Share your challenges with amine-based corrosion inhibitors or pipeline monitoring in the comments, or reach out to discuss how the Chemi-Sense sensor could benefit your operations. What strategies are you using to protect your pipelines? What other corrosion inhibitors are you looking for a rapid accurate field measurement for? I’d love to hear your insights!

For immediate release November 17, 2025