(400g) Test Tubes to Tons: De-Risking Pyran's Novel Catalytic Pathway to Bio-Based 1,5-Pentanediol

By employing heterogeneous catalysis, we are able to selectively remove oxygen and effectively manipulate reaction pathways to produce a suite of valuable chemicals from biomass in an economical matter. By combining expertise in heterogeneous catalysis and technoeconomic analysis, Pyran’s founding team was able to identify a technically and economically advantaged pathway to produce biomass-derived 5-carbon molecules, including 1,5-pentanediol.

This talk will explore the key factors at the academic and early company stages that can lead to the identification and de-risking of novel catalytic pathways and new-to-market bio-based products. In Pyran’s experience, the key to an academic project’s potential to generate a commercializable technology is the simultaneous exploration of fundamental catalysis/chemistry and focus on scale-up factors and plant-scale economics throughout the program. It is also wise to take into account product and market considerations at this early stage.

Once a potentially commercializable technology has been identified, or even a startup company formed, it is necessary to consider multiple aspects for de-risking the technology and product; including determination of a cost- and time-effective process and catalyst scaleup strategy, integration of upstream (i.e. feedstock) and downstream (i.e.. polymerization) processes, identification of potential markets and customers, and strategizing early stage financing.