Co-organized by the AIChE Institute for Sustainability (IfS) and the Circular Innovations (CIRCUIT) Research Center, the 2025 International Conference on Sustainability Science and Engineering (ICOSSE ’25) brings together thought leaders and innovators to explore groundbreaking advancements in decarbonization, renewable energy, circular economy solutions, and more. With its emphasis on fostering collaboration and inclusivity, the conference promises transformative discussions shaping the future of sustainability science and engineering. The conference takes place on February 20 to February 22, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand.
In this interview, we speak with Sean Simpson, co-founder of LanzaTech, a trailblazing company revolutionizing the field of sustainable energy. LanzaTech’s innovative technology uses microbes to convert industrial waste gases into useful fuels and chemicals, offering a tangible solution to reduce emissions and advance circular economy principles. Sean shares insights into the company’s journey, the role of science in shaping sustainable industries, and his vision for the future.
LanzaTech started as a New Zealand-based startup. What were some of the key challenges you faced in scaling the company to a global market, and how did you overcome them?
The key challenge in LanzaTech was how to successfully translate a biological process – specifically the conversion of C1 gas streams into an alcohol – into a commercially viable industrial process. For this, we needed to co-develop biological and engineering capabilities in tandem. Layering into this the need to work with toxic and chaotic feedstocks, develop systemwide process control solutions, and drive down process costs meant we needed to build highly integrated and innovative teams. I believe our success was based on our ability to foster an environment of urgency, and technical innovation, with a dedication to delivering outcomes.
LanzaTech is known for its groundbreaking technology in converting waste into valuable resources. Can you share a specific example of how LanzaTech’s innovations have made a tangible impact on sustainability?
I believe we are the poster child for the mantra “there is no such thing as waste.” Gaseous, liquid, and solid emissions are a standard feature of human society today. This is not true in nature. The LanzaTech process can accept waste-gas streams produced by industrial processes, and syngas produced from solid waste, all as feedstocks for capture and conversion into valuable products. Turning waste into economical value is critical if, as a society, we are to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Looking back at your journey with LanzaTech, what are the most important lessons you’ve learned that you believe could benefit other entrepreneurs in sustainable technology?
So many lessons on the journey of a startup are tremendously circumstance-based, and the lessons learned are only applicable in those circumstances. This is particularly true when it comes to raising funds or hiring teams. However, at a high level, and regardless of circumstance, I believe deep-tech entrepreneurs should focus on delivering tangible outcomes, recognize that the laws of economic gravity dictate that the lower something costs, the more likely it is to be successful, and never underestimate the challenge of process scale-up.
With the launch of Outset Ventures, what is your vision for supporting emerging technologies, and how do you plan to bridge the gap between innovation and market readiness?
Outset is dedicated to supporting very early-stage innovators who are seeking to deliver transformational industrial solutions for the future. With a combination of financial support, physical facilities, and a deep bench of highly experienced entrepreneurial talent, we have a network of innovators with the best possible chance of growing their solution to commercial success on a global stage. The success of local deep-tech companies such as Rocket Lab, Power by Proxi, and LanzaTech, demonstrate the true credibility of deep-tech innovations out of New Zealand. Outset seeks to build upon these strong foundations to further establish New Zealand as the place where bold vision and commercial execution go hand in glove.
What message would you like to convey to the engineering community about their role in driving sustainability and shaping the future of industry?
The energy transition, achieving universal net-zero, keeping carbon in the ground…pick your slogan; to happen they all require “heavy lifting” by the engineering community. To change the trajectory of CO2 accumulation in our atmosphere will require a new industrial revolution in which we re-imagine, develop, and deliver entirely new ways to power systems, produce materials, and configure our built environment. As the urgency to achieve these outcomes increases, the engineering community will be called upon to deliver ever more visionary innovations that will be needed at both the process and systems levels.
Sean Simpson
Sean Simpson founded LanzaTech in 2005 in New Zealand and served as the company’s Chief Scientific Officer from 2010-2022. LanzaTech has successfully developed, scaled, and commercialized a novel industrial platform for the manufacture of sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials from waste streams. Read more