The Investment Catalyst:
A showcase of chemistry-led innovation for the investment community 28 February 2023 | London, UK
#RSCinvest
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Andrew Waterworth Enterprise Impact Programmes Manager responsible for Growing Enterprises.
Royal Society of Chemistry Email: waterwortha@rsc.org
Contact Information: Contact Name: Christopher Barton E-mail: Christopher.barton@bartonblakely.com Website: www.bartonblakeley.com Funding required: £3,000,000 Industrial carbon emissions are one of the largest contributors to climate change. They are also, by weight, one of the largest, geographically abundant man-made products produced per year. “HYPER Xi” will capitalise on the low price of CO2 as a low/zero-cost feedstock to manufacture competitive materials, chemicals, and clean energy The Problem Global carbon emissions are too vast for a single bullet solution. At 36.3 billion tonnes produced per year, any carbon reduction measure that costs financially or electrically, even a cent or watt-hour per tonne, would equate to cost higher than the GDP or power generation of most nations of the world. Agricultural waste accounts for 6% of global emissions and especially in developing countries is burnt where there is no commercial value. The fertiliser used to produce this product also accounts for a further 2% of global production. Organisations face an incompatibility of economic and ecological hardships globally. The need to make cleaner reusable products clashes with the need for cost reduction, shorter supply chains, and cheaper energy. With the major population centres of the planet still mostly in developing countries this incompatibility will become exacerbated as the demand for food, industrial and energy production increases.
The Solution HYPER Xi Is a waste carbon emission conversion engine. Using CO2 in the production of powders, materials, and Hydrogen gas. Converting carbon emissions into valuable materials for everyday products and powering an ecosystem of waste recycling and reuse profitably. HYPER Xi produces competitive and profitable product, from low-cost carbon conversion, providing clean energy in the process. It utilises waste product emissions such as CO2, NOx, SOx, agricultural and industrial waste like husks, chips or swarf in its process which provides Industrial powders, hydrogen gas and other basic chemicals for feed-stocks used to make fertiliser. The industrial powders go into a multitude of products for modern living from glass to composites, cosmetics to pharmaceuticals, construction to clothes, food production to tyres. HYPER Xi replaces the traditional high carbon footprint production process for these materials for the powder with a carbon conversion process. HYPER Xi also produces clean energy in heat and hydrogen gas in its process which is of interest to partnered CO2 production process providing a symbiotic benefit from HYPER Xi to Carbon producer.
Contact Information: Contact Name: Michael Evans E-mail: michael.e@co2loc.tech Website: www.co2loc.tech Funding required: £8,000,000
The Solution CO2LOC a coherent two-part (materials production + CO2 sequestration) market-driven solution to CO2 emissions reduction. Stage 1) Materials production process, in which suitable mineral/waste feedstock is converted to magnesium hydroxide, this first part of the process is expected to be done in bulk at the mine/waste site but could be integrated with the second CO2 sequestration part of the process): 1st step: The process reacts concentrated alkali with olivine (or other Mg-silicate mineral feedstock) at low temperature for short times. The Mg-content of olivine is converted directly to fine Mg(OH)2 (brucite) powder. The other product of reaction is a soluble alkali silicate. Insoluble Mg(OH)2 powder is separated from the alkali silicate solution. 2nd step: Amorphous silica powder is precipitated from alkaline silicate solution. The Alkali is recovered & recycled and Metals recovery takes place. Stage 2) CO2 sequestration & carbonate production process, located where CO2 needs to be sequestered or where carbonate products need to be produced. Low-carbon magnesium hydroxide from the first process is used (as solid or aqueous slurry) to strip CO2 directly from flue gas (or even from air) to permanently sequester CO2 in the form of solid magnesium carbonate powders which can be used in construction materials.
CCC’s CO2LOC technology offers cost effective CO2 capture and utilisation from any CO2 source, including air, whilst producing zero emissions battery metals, silica and magnesium carbonate construction materials. Revenues from co-products are likely to be greater than capture costs, enabling commercially sustainable operations and good returns on investment. The Problem This technology addresses several issues simultaneously. • Low-cost carbon capture for high emissions industries. • Solutions for industries a distance from planned CCS infrastructure. • Also removes NOx, SOx and H2S. • Economic CO2 capture directly from air. • Zero emissions construction materials manufacture. • Zero emissions silica manufacture.
Contact Information: Contact Name: David Benito E-mail: david.benito@glaia.co.uk Website: www.glaia.co.uk Funding required: £2,500,000 (£500,000 already secured)
The Solution Glaia commercialises a patented new class of bio stimulant that addresses a gap in the market: products capable of increasing photosynthesis in plants. Enhancing photosynthesis has been described as the holy grail of crop productivity. By using carbon-based nanotechnology, Glaia can overcome this limiting factor, to not only boost crop yields but also do so sustainably by putting an emphasis on green resources – sunlight, water and CO2 – the building blocks of photosynthesis. Glaia commercialises a unique photosynthesis enhancer to address this gap in the market, increase crop yields and make agriculture more sustainable. This unique nano-bio stimulant is based on a sugar-derived material commonly found in nature that unlocks the current bottleneck in agricultural productivity: the inefficiency of crops at utilising sunlight. Glaia’s patented technology helps farmers boost the productivity of their farms without increasing the carbon footprint by increasing yields without increasing nutrient or energy inputs. Unlike most of the bio stimulants in the market, this synthetic bio stimulant has a well-defined composition and known mode of action, correlating directly to the observed yield increases (up to 20%), providing the grower with the required confidence in the product.
Glaia commercialises nanotechnology-based solutions for sustainable agriculture. These innovative, carbon-based products can increase food production while at the same time decrease its carbon footprint. The first commercial product tackles these two problems by enhancing the photosynthesis of crops, which helps plants increase their yields sustainably and farmers become more profitable. The Problem A growing population and an increase in food demand is adding pressure to the agricultural sector that is already experiencing the effects of climate change and stagnant agricultural commodity prices. Crop yields are plateauing because plants are no longer nutrient limited and meeting the increasing demand with the available technologies will cause a tremendous harm to the environment. Global emissions from crop production are over 3.5bn tonnes of CO2e every year. It is estimated that 40% of the nitrogen applied to the fields is not used, leaching into the environment, or being transformed into harmful greenhouse gases. The limiting factor in crop productivity is photosynthesis: the natural process by which plants convert the energy from the sun, together with CO2 and water, into our food. Plants are surprisingly inefficient at photosynthesis with crops usually transforming Enhancing the photosynthetic efficiency of crops allows for sustainable yield increases by putting an emphasis on natural and abundant resources such as solar energy, CO2 and water rather than on environmentally harmful inputs such as fertilisers.
Contact Information: Contact Name: Ali Al-Khattawi E-mail: ali@mesox.co.uk Website: https://mesox.co.uk/ Funding required: £750,000 (£200,000 already secured)
The Solution MESOX platform technology, MesoPAC, is a mesoporous carrier technology widely applicable for the delivery of challenging small/mid- sized molecules enhancing their bioavailability, amorphous form stability and controlling release. It overcomes the current approaches drawbacks (incomplete-release/low drug loading/instability) whilst offering new IP opportunities. MesoPAC uses a scalable GMP process and is proven in-vivo (doubling bioavailability). MesoPAC’s unique cellulosic microparticle polymer has a mesoporous structure (20nm) which, through a novel combination of the spatial confinement effect, surface anchoring, and strong hydrophobic interactions, entraps and confines loaded drug molecules in the amorphous form. At bench-scale, this carrier is proven to offer: • 32% higher dissolution of Felodipine versus mesoporous silica Syloid(r)XDP-3050 (96.8±8%-wt. versus 65±4%-wt. i.e. incomplete release within 2-hours). • Stabilising effect to the amorphous form preventing recrystallisation proven through • Stabilising further enhanced by our spray- drying loading method, proven to reduce carrier’s pore volume by ~47% to achieve high loading efficiency (\>90% drug recovery) - other methods reduce pore volume by 10- 20% using e.g. solvent impregnation/rotary evaporation. • Typically, 30%-w/w drug loading is achieved, in- line with other pioneering carrier technologies accelerated/long-term stability studies. Removes the need for precipitation/ crystallisation inhibitors.
MESOX develops innovative drug delivery technologies based on mesoporous carriers to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pharmaceuticals. Our solutions aim to reduce the unnecessary dose exposure/frequency and improve patient compliance, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. We work with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market. The Problem Around 9 out of 10 molecules in the pipeline have low bioavailability leading to products with higher than necessary doses and associated side-effects or poor exposure/efficacy if the problem is ignored. Discovery efforts are driving more molecules beyond-the-rule-of-5-(Bro-5) space with no viable formulation solution further complicating their successful translation to market.
Contact Information: Contact Name: Giovanna Laudisio E-mail: giovanna.laudisio@naturbeads.com
The Solution Naturbeads exploit the amazing properties of cellulose, a natural biopolymer, to create a platform of products to address two of the world biggest challenges: plastic pollution and dependence on fossil fuel-based products. This is achieved by an innovative, patent-pending manufacturing process, that transforms cellulose, naturally available in fibre form, in spherical shape and with controlled size in the micrometre range. These characteristics are critical for many different applications: For example, they provide a smooth and luxurious feel to creams and make up in cosmetics and improved mechanical resistance to paints. Cellulose microspheres can replace intentionally added plastic microbeads in many applications like cosmetics, paints and coatings, and also composites, additives for the oil and gas industry, biocatalysis and more. Naturbeads prevents microplastic pollution at the source and help its customers to replace a polluting ingredient with a biodegradable one. Cellulose is the material of choice because it is natural (it is what trees are made of), abundant and renewable (because every year the Earth produces millions of tons of cellulose), and biodegradable. By replacing plastic, which is fossil fuel-based, with cellulose, which is plant-based, Naturbeads reduce the consumption of fossil fuel and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Website: www.naturbeads.com Funding required: £5,000,000
Naturbeads is harnessing the power of cellulose, a natural and biodegradable biopolymer, to create a platform of plant-based solutions to replace plastic in multiple applications: cosmetics, paints, adhesives, composites, biotechnology and more. The first product is cellulose microspheres to replace polluting plastic microspheres (microplastics) with a global estimated market of £5B. The Problem Plastic pollution is one of the global challenges of the 21st century. While the removal of large plastic objects like bottles, fish nets and bags can be achieved by clean up initiatives and better waste management, plastic microparticles (<5mm), intentionally added to many industrial and consumers products, like cosmetics, paints, adhesives, composites, biocatalyst supports and more, are impossible to remove once they reach the environment. These microplastics are not biodegradable and accumulate over time, affecting the whole ecosystem. It is estimated that at least 250,000 tons end up in the oceans every year and at least 3 times as much in soil. Consequently, microplastics have been found in human lungs, blood, breastmilk, and placenta, with potential major adverse effects on human health. In addition, plastic is a fossil fuel derived material contributing to greenhouse gases (estimated 6 tons of CO2 for each ton of plastics). Using microplastics in many products is a design failure: Why use a material, like plastic, that lasts for centuries in a product like a shower gel that has a working life of just 5 minutes?
Contact Information: Contact Name: Jelena Aleksic E-mail: jelena.aleksic@pharmenable.com
The Solution The PharmEnable platform combines AI capabilities with deep medicinal chemistry expertise. Originally a spinout from the University of Cambridge, we use the principles of diversity generating methodologies to build up molecular complexity in a small set of steps. PharmEnable’s chemUNIVERSE repository of medicinal chemistry knowledge is a proprietary library of chemical components and strategies collected and coded by our team of medicinal chemists. It enables us to design novel small molecules that are complex and 3-dimensional, and at the same time synthesisable and modifiable. Combining this diversity-oriented approach with chemSAILOR, the AI engine that navigates the possible chemical space of drug-like molecules. chemSAILOR identifies regions of chemical space of interest for a particular disease target, and then uses the knowledge in chemUNIVERSE to populate this region with novel molecules. This gives us a dynamically generated, target-specific library with potentially billions of promising new molecules for tackling the target in question. From there, we use multi-parameter optimisation in order to rapidly zoom in on the brightest stars in those galaxies. Combining diversity generating methodologies at the scale that AI enables results in a powerful engine for designing and developing innovative small molecule drugs across a range of disease areas.
Website: www.pharmenable.com Funding required: £11,000,000 (£6,000,000 already secured)
PharmEnable is an AI drug discovery company mapping unexplored chemical space to develop innovative medicines. Their interdisciplinary approach integrates advanced medicinal chemistry expertise and cutting-edge AI/ computational methods to unlock challenging biological targets. The PharmEnable technology replicates the specificity of biologics in the powerful and scalable form of a small molecule. The Problem While small molecules have been an enormously successful treatment modality in the last century, a lot of existing small molecule collections lack 3-dimensionality and chemical diversity, and only use a small number of known scaffolds. Research shows that more complex and 3-dimensional molecules have fewer side effects and greater chances of making it through clinical trials. In order to tackle drug attrition rates and unlock the next generation of small molecule drugs, we need to be able to more efficiently explore the vast possible chemical space of small molecules, and to identify novel, complex and 3-dimensional molecules with good drug-like properties. To address this Pharmenable has developed an innovative approach to developing new small molecule drugs for oncology and neurology
Contact Information: Contact Name: Agnieszka Janeczek E-mail: agnieszka.janeczek@renovos.co.uk Website: www.renovos.co.uk Funding required: £4,000,000 (£1,5000,000 already secured in non-dilutive funding) Renovos is pioneering its synthetic nanoclay gels, RENOVITE®, for therapeutics delivery in regenerative medicine, for a safe and precise tissue regeneration. The Problem The use of biologics in tissue regeneration can lead to adverse events due to their poor localisation. For example, FDA banned BMP2 protein use from cervical spine procedures due to safety issues. Complications from current interventions can include chronic pain, nerve damage and bone forming outside of the skeleton, which result in substantial patient burden, as well as an economic burden to healthcare systems. Yet in many cases, BMP2 remains the only reliable option for promoting bone tissue formation.
The Solution RENOVITE® nanoclay gel is an injectable and biodegradable material that offers precise delivery and unprecedented RETENTION of therapeutics (biologics, drugs, cells) within the target site of repair, taming them. This allows for significant dose reduction, lower cost of goods sold and improved safety. The social impact of effective bone treatments, through delivering safe and easy-to-use bone forming materials, for keeping the globally increasing ageing population healthy, active and in work for longer cannot be overstated. This combination of increasing efficacy, with improved safety, cuts across orthopaedics and allows the creation of a platform drug-delivery technology. It has the potential to address the unmet need for long term tissue regeneration, offering safer, more economic clinical solutions for health systems and better outcomes for patients. Nanoclays are industrial ingredients, used as rheology modifiers. Renovos has adapted this technology, and is pioneering the use of synthetic nanoclay gels for medical applications in regenerative medicine, with its proprietary formulations. In addition to providing unprecedented retention of therapeutic agents, RENOVITE® is a sustainable, low-cost, synthetic material which can be easily scaled up (produced in tonnes at an industrial scale) with minimal need for hazardous chemicals and with minimal impact on the environment, by comparison to approaches relying on animal-sourced components and/or complex polymer chemistries.
Contact Information: Contact Name: Lizzi Gold E-mail: lg@rheenergise.com Website: www.rheenergise.com Funding required: £7,000,000 (£600,000 already secured)
The Solution RheEnergise has developed High-Density Hydro® (HDH): a low-cost, scalable energy storage technology. HDH is based on conventional pumped hydro storage, but solves the key issues which prevent widespread deployment. Pumped hydro storage works by using cheap, abundant energy to pump water up a hill. When demand rises or renewable generation is curtailed, the water flows back down through turbines, regenerating electricity. RheEnergise’s key innovation is using a high- density fluid instead of water, which provides various benefits: projects can either be 60% smaller volumetrically (cheaper, quicker to consent and construct) or can be installed on hills 60% lower (many more potential sites- projects can be installed almost anywhere). Projects are also entirely closed loop, eliminating environmental concerns around flooding valleys and expediating planning consents. The fluid (R19) is a mineral suspension (70% solid content), stabilised by the addition of polymer(s). R19 has a specifically engineered rheological profile to provide desirable macroscopic characteristics: 2.5x denser than water; non-viscous; stable for up to 40 days without interference. Maintaining the integrity of the fluid throughout the 60-year project lifespan is achieved through a specific fluid management system.
RheEnergise is enabling energy transition with High-Density Hydro®: a low-cost, globally scalable energy storage solution. High-Density Hydro is based on pumped hydro storage but uses a fluid 2.5x denser than water. This means projects can be installed on low hills rather than mountains. There are potentially suitable sites almost everywhere. The Problem Energy systems need to rapidly decarbonise to achieve net-zero. Renewable energy is abundant and low-cost, but wind and solar supply is intermittent, and the rising share of renewables connected to the grid creates structural strains on the power system. There are three primary challenges: balancing variable supply with demand; changing transmission patterns; and decreasing system stability. The UK currently relies on fossil-fuel burning plants (gas, diesel, coal) to provide grid stability, but they have high emissions, and the Russia- Ukraine conflict has led to global concerns about the security of energy supply. In the UK, renewable projects face connection delays of >5 years due to continued under-investment in grid infrastructure (1MWh storage enables 1MWh additional renewables). We need a clean solution (energy storage). The need for energy storage is enormous: BloombergNEF forecasts that the global need is >400 GW by 2030; a 10x increase from 2022. There are various alternative energy storage solutions available currently, but many are in their infancy, and each have their limitations: no one solution is able to meet the needs of the energy transition. We urgently need to develop alternative energy storage solutions to achieve net-zero targets, in the rapid timescales demanded by the climate crisis.
High-Density Hydro is first-of-a-kind, blending innovative chemistry with environmental engineering in a mechanical system
HELP POWER POSITIVE CHANGE
THE CLIMATE CRISIS THE HEALTH CRISIS THE FOOD CRISIS…
We need solutions to the many challenges facing our world – and we know that deep tech chemistry has the power to change things for the better. Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to support the chemists, the entrepreneurs and the ventures who have answers to the world’s problems, powering their technologies from idea to impact.
WHAT IS CHANGE MAKERS? We are Change Makers, a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem powered by the Royal Society of Chemistry and operating at the heart of deep tech chemistry. We focus on carefully selected ventures whose technology has the potential to make a positive impact on critical global issues, from advanced healthcare technologies to clean energy solutions. Our support aligns entrepreneurs, investors, Government and corporates as a whole, with the common goal of making a real difference. WE NEED YOUR EXPERTISE Our aim with Change Makers is to create a sustainable investment ecosystem, supporting ventures throughout their journey from spinout to scaleup. Deep tech chemistry ventures can disrupt global markets and shape future technologies, but to do this they require access to long-term intelligent finance: from early-stage angel investors to venture capitalist funds looking to support scaleup.
By becoming part of the Royal Society of Chemistry Change Makers investor community you’ll be doubly rewarded. You’ll gain access to ventures selected for their potential to deliver a return on investment. And you’ll actively contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by committing to ventures whose aligned technology is focused on issues such as climate change. Do you share our passion? If you’re interested in becoming a part of Change Makers please get in touch at changemakers@rsc.org. You should be prepared to invest in UK-based ventures operating in the deep tech chemistry space. THROUGH DEEP TECH CHEMISTRY, WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BETTER. JOIN US. BE A CHANGE MAKER.
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