Spherelose® Gets Catalysed
The chem tech world is set to be disrupted even further as AUT spinout company Spherelose® has been selected to be part of Ministry of Awesome’s Founder Catalyst, a prolific startup programme designed to help early-stage companies navigate (and accelerate) their way down the path to commercialisation.
Spherelose® is the ground-breaking technology created by Dr Jack Chen, Dr Andres Tiban, and Dr Mohinder Naiya where sustainable surfactants are created from cellulose particles. This is a scalable, renewable, biodegradable, and safe alternative to the 20-million tonnes of mostly petrochemical-derived surfactants used each year that end up in our oceans and soil.
Founder and creator, Jack Chen is grateful for the expert advice and support received from the AUT Ventures team, “Spherelose® for me has been a great example of how basic research can lead to discoveries that translate into real-world applications with true commercial potential. A key to our success has been the very early engagement with the tech transfer office at AUT and early engagement with industry experts. This has allowed us to apply a commercial lens when making key decisions to overcome scientific and technical challenges.
Our work would not have been possible without support from the MBIE Endeavour fund, the National Science Challenge, and commercialisation support from KiwiNet and AUT Ventures.”
Surfactants are chemicals that allow oil and water to mix, and they’re the key ingredient in soaps, shampoos, cleaning agents and creams. They also have a huge variety of industrial applications. The Spherelose® team’s innovation is functionalising one side of billions of tiny cellulose spheres with a layer of plant oils, turning them into potent yet gentle surfactants.
Venture Manager, Abi Thampi is keen to highlight just how significant the Spherelose® project is, “Spherelose exemplifies the intersection of chemistry, sustainability, and innovation. By transforming cellulose into high-performance surfactants, it advances the global surfactant industry and promotes a greener future. Jack and the team's exceptional dedication and innovative spirit have turned Spherelose from a concept into market-ready technology, leading the charge toward environmental responsibility and a brighter tomorrow.“
And if you’re looking for more good news, AUT Ventures is delighted to confirm that Spherelose® has been awarded a further $125k in KiwiNet commercialisation funding. The funding supports two chemists to accelerate the research, plus business development activities including introducing the technology to global manufacturers in the personal care ingredients market at the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists Suppliers Day and ICIS Surfactants 2024, a significant milestone for all involved.
AUT Ventures’ Chief Executive Michael Fielding worked with the science team for the past three years in his previous role as a Venture Principal. In February this year he stepped down to half time at Ventures to become an unpaid cofounder of Spherelose® Limited, alongside the AUT scientists. A conflict-of-interest management plan means Spherelose® commercialisation decisions are made by Chris Hill (AUT Venture’s Venture Director), DVC-R Mark Orams, and AUT Ventures’ Board Chair Ross Peat.