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Compact Membrane Systems CEO Erica Nemser on Supercharging Science FEBRUARY 25, 2020 | BY ERICA NEMSER There may be no better place on Earth to start a chemtech company than Delaware. Delaware has great raw materials – from talent to legacy and new infrastructure – but this doesn’t mean that these raw materials can be …
CHEMTECH 2020
“Compared to other industries, the digitizaton in the chemical industry was prioritized at a later stage.” - Dr. - Ing. Frank Jenner
From Dr. Frank Jenner’s opening keynote, that tracked the chemical industry’s steps to digitalization – including benefits, business impact, success factors and challenges - to closing discussions on the very real cybersecurity threats inherent in digitization – DESCA’s inaugural ChemTech Conference brought together industry leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges as the chemical industry transforms itself.
In between, attendees discovered and discussed similarities in problem areas between industries as well as different solutions and approaches to digital strategies.
“It was an AMAZING Conference. You all did fantastic.”
“I see a bright future for this conference — the energy in the breakouts in particular was palpable.”
“Thank you for a great conference!”
Conversations & Networking
One of the panel discussions: Digital Technologies & Operational Excellence - Manufacturing & Supply Chain - Left to right: Xiong Xiong, James W Hunt, Glenn Longwell, Derek Hoffman
One of the panel discussions: Digital Technologies & Operational Excellence: R&D Excellence - Left to right: Dr. Joseph A. Rollin, Dr. Josh Robinson, Isaac Ferreira, Dr. Chuck Allgood
One of the panel discussions: Cybersecurity in the Manufacturing Landscape: Don Ulsch, Dan Long, Kevin Kirst, Peter Baldwin
Fireside Chat: Innovation in Bioindustrial Manufacturing - Left to right: Dr. Jimmy Gollihar, Dr. Kelvin Lee, Dr. Alexander Titus, Dr. Bryan Tracy
Our panel experts on Trust Driven and Influencer Business Models: Left to right: Melissa Callejo, Liz Blaszkiewicz, Bernardo Tiburcio
A PACKED roundtable discussion hosted by the Delaware Prosperity Partnership on talent and talent development.
White Dog Labs announces an agreement to purchase the CMR plant in Little Falls, MN
The plant will be used to produce WDL’s animal nutrition products: ProTyton™, a sustainable premium protein for aquaculture and MiruTyton™, a naturally produced butyrate feed-additive.
New Castle, DE, February 4, 2020 – White Dog Labs announced today that the district court for Morrison county, MN, has approved its bid to acquire the Central Minnesota Renewables (CMR) plant in Little Falls, MN. The plant, originally a 20mgy ethanol plant, was upgraded in 2016 to produce butanol and has several of the unique production capabilities required to produce ProTyton.
"We are happy to announce this agreement and will work with local and state authorities to reopen the plant as quickly as possible,” said WDL's CEO, Bryan Tracy.
Cargill and WDL have recently announced an off-take agreement for ProTyton, an alternative protein to fishmeal which is a critical feed ingredient in aquaculture. ProTyton, made up of 80% protein, is sustainable and scalable as it is made from corn, but is also affordable as it shares production costs with its co-product, MiruTyton. MiruTyton, a butyrate-rich fermentation-soluble, has been shown to substantially reduces prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in challenged broilers, in addition to improving Feed Conversion Ratio and weight gain. WDL is currently negotiating a MiruTyton offtake with a major feed-additive company.
While WDL has developed and scaled up the anaerobic fermentation process for these products, its plant operation will be supported by the management of Midwest Renewable Energy (MRE).
“We have been collaborating with WDL for the past two years and are excited to support the conversion and ramp-up of their first plant,” said Jim Jandrain, MRE’s Chairman of the Board. “We are impressed with the simple ProTyton process and are looking forward for MRE to become the second ProTyton plant.”
The CMR plant has a CleanSugar™ production module made by FQPT. Membrane filtration will be provided by Graver Technologies, and the reengineering of the plant for ProTyton is being carried out by AdvanceBio.
"We are looking forward to working with our customers, partners and the authorities, to rehire most of the plant employees and start production,” said Tracy. “We hope to profitably do our part in sustainably enhancing and improving the world’s food supply.”
Above: White Dog Labs CEO Bryan Tracy
About White Dog Labs
WDL is a biotech company focused on animal health and nutrition today – human’s tomorrow. It was established in 2012 to address global challenges including food sustainability and climate change, and is funded by Musea Ventures, the investment arm of the Somekh family. The company has a unique, world class expertise in microbiome derived organisms which have promising implications for nutrition and health. The company has invented a proprietary process, ProtocolB™, for the isolation, selection and cultivation of microbiome-derived organisms, and developed MixoFerm™, a fermentation technology that consumes sugar and gases, thus increasing product yield in industrial fermentation. WDL is applying this expertise to develop and commercialize the "Tyton" platform of unique products.
ProTyton, MiruTyton, ProtocolB and MixoFerm are trademark of WDL.
Contact: Bryan Tracy, 302-220-4760,
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Chemtech Conference 2020
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Meet some of our speakers and topics at the upcoming ChemTech Conference. Click HERE for more information and to register.
REGISTER TODAY!
Consumer goods manufacturer Majans is using its delicious and innovative products to create a new movement in snacking. The company views technology as a key ingredient to making that happen while simultaneously unlocking employee potential and scaling for growth. Majans is transforming data from IoT-enabled devices into actionable insights on the production line to create data-driven manufacturing processes that extend from the farm to the factory to the consumer experience. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and IoT Intelligence, Majans provides its frontline workers, management, and C-level decision makers with near-real-time data offering meaningful signals and insights.
Learn more about how digital is changing the way we do business across multiple industries at DESCA’s CHEMTECH CONFERENCE on February 19-20 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware
More than $30 trillion in global investments are driving companies to innovate new forms of plastic that can be recycled over and over.
Led by the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, the state is positioning itself as a leader in modern chemistry and manufacturing.
Hot Off The Press! Congratulations to Round 2 Recipients of STEM Class EDGE Grants
WILMINGTON, Del. – A bio-based materials company, a maker of wearable medical sensors, and a bakery-café were among the 10 Delaware small businesses recognized Thursday as awardees of the second round of EDGE Grants from the state Division of Small Business.
Governor John Carney, Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, and Division of Small Business Director Damian DeStefano announced the companies at an event Thursday at the Carvel State Office Building in Wilmington.
“It is incredible to see what the innovative entrepreneurs in this state are accomplishing,” said Governor Carney. “Their companies span a wide range of industries, but the one thing the owners share is the drive and determination necessary to start then grow their businesses. I am glad the State is able to support their work through initiatives like the EDGE Grant program.”
EDGE Grants provide a 3-to-1 match for each dollar an eligible business spends on qualified expenses that improve the company’s long-term chances of success, from market analysis to website design to acquiring essential equipment.
The State awarded grants this round to 10 companies, listed below. Five STEM Class companies are receiving a total of $495,000, and five Entrepreneur Class businesses are receiving a total of $216,000.
“EDGE Grants are helping to level the playing field for promising Delaware small companies as they compete with more established, larger businesses,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “And this program is just one of the many ways the Division of Small Business, since it was created under the Department of State three years ago, has made a strong, positive impact on the state’s economy by assisting hardworking business owners.”
EDGE launched in May, and the first grant round took place over the summer. In the second round, which opened in September, almost 100 businesses applied for funding.
Sixteen finalists – eight STEM Class and eight Entrepreneur Class – gave public presentations before a panel of expert judges on December 18 and 19 at Delaware Tech in Dover, after which five winners in each category were chosen.
“Several companies that applied in the first round but were not successful in winning a grant took advantage of the opportunity to work with the Division’s business resource managers to strengthen their applications for this time around,” said Division Director Damian DeStefano. “That is what this program is about. The grant funding is incredibly important to those who win, but EDGE also provides a way for all applicants learn how to improve their businesses.”
STEM class Award Recipients
2M LLC (Wilmington) This company makes an extremely fast-charging and safe battery, which can enable a less than 10-minute charge for E-mobility applications, such as enabling an electric vehicle to go 200 miles on a 10-minute charge. 2M will use the grant to scale up production to meet customer demand.
4th Phase Water Technologies (Wilmington) This company is focused on commercializing binder-free carbon nanotube sheets made using its proprietary processes. The sheets are superior filtration/separation membranes and electromagnetic interference shielding material for a host of industries including bioprocessing, defense, consumer electronics and automotive. The company will use its grant to acquire additional lab equipment and for marketing.
Lignolix (Wilmington) This company is developing sustainable products from biomass, such as that which is produced in beer manufacturing. It will use the grant to scale up its chemical process, increase production capacity and attract larger commercial customers.
MCET Technologies (Wilmington) This company developed a way of integrating sensors into textiles that can be used to monitor a patient during physical rehabilitation. It will use the grant to scale up manufacturing to increase production and expand applications.
Veramorph Materials (Wilmington) This company developed a hydrogel-based system that allows the body to absorb pharmaceuticals more efficiently. It will use its grant for critical equipment for R&D services for pharmaceutical companies and to conduct toxicology studies.
Entrepreneur class Award Recipients
Best Music Coach (Dover) This company offers online music lessons for voice and various instruments including guitar and piano. It will use its grant to upgrade its online platform and add online learning materials.
Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop (Milford) This bakery-café will use the grant to upgrade its equipment and market its new services and a second Milford location scheduled to open later this year.
Fur Baby Tracker (Wilmington) This woman-owned company will use its grant to roll out the mobile app it developed that lets pet parents track the progress of their cat or dog’s treatment during a stay at a veterinary hospital.
Volunteer Brewing Company (Middletown) This family-owned craft brewing company located in downtown Middletown will use its grant to purchase new brewing and fermentation equipment to expand production.
WilmInvest (Wilmington) This company purchases and renovates single-family homes in Wilmington which it leases to nonprofits and governmental entities to house families in need of housing and supportive services. It will use the grant to purchase and renovate additional homes.
The Division of Small Business is currently accepting applications for the next round of EDGE Grants. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Media Contact:
Michael Chesney Director of Communications [email protected] (302) 577-8472 (office) (302) 943-9508 (mobile)Media Contact
Curious what the new year will bring? Keep reading for our take on the key business and policy issues that will affect chemistry across the globe
DESCA 2020 Expanding Innovation Programs
Since our inception in 2010, DESCA has been stealthily guiding pioneers through the business of chemistry and biochemistry. As we enter 2020, we’ll be focused on expanding the programs we offer for innovators and entrepreneurs, starting with Tech Connect and leading all the way to our Investor Forum, while at the same time continuing to drive and respond to the critical conversations regarding current and future trends in chemistry and biochemistry manufacturing.
Here’s what we have planned for 2020, together with the lead contact for more information on each. We hope you'll enjoy connecting with us on one or more of these exciting programs:
Innovation to Invoice
DESCA's I2I ecosystem supports early-stage technology development and helps to accelerate its translation into commercial markets. I2I components include TechConnect Workshops, Lunch & Learns, Domain Expert Connectivity & Mentoring, Investor Showcase, and support within a wet lab incubator space.
TechConnect Workshops – Our TechConnect workshops bring together DESCA Board members and industry experts to help technologists understand alternative applications and routes to market and help focus priorities and resources on those that are most promising in terms of commercialization potential. Workshop contact: Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
Lunch & Learns – This year, look for more information on how to access BIRD Grants, SBIR/STTR Grants, the legal aspects of IP and contracts, polishing your investor pitch and more. Lunch & Learn contacts: Barbara DeHaven, Board Member, DESCA or Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
NEW FOR 2020 – Tactics of Entrepreneurs - DESCA recognizes that the chemical and biochemical industry is complex and can seem overwhelming. Tactics of Entrepreneurs is a monthly, innovative CEO Training Forum using dynamic feedback and creative intelligence to ensure that CEO’s properly develop relevant intellectual property, secure early customers, and transition to market development activities. With a focus on Product & Market Development, and Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Tactics of Entrepreneurs is geared to TechConnect and Investor Forum alumni who are focused on product commercialization and market entry. Tactics of Entrepreneurs contact: Nick Strickland, Board Member, DESCA
NEW FOR 2020 – Entrepreneurs’ Roundtable – This monthly, informal discussion group is led by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs: a place to ask practical questions – and obtain answers – about how to run a startup in the chemicals and materials spaces. How do you handle hazardous waste pickup? What’s the best way to track time for SBIR grants? Where have you had luck finding good candidates for senior roles? If the group doesn’t have the answers, then we’ll bring outside experts who do. Roundtable contacts: Santiago Rojas-Carbonell, COO, W7 Energy or Hannah Murnen, CTO, Compact Membrane Systems
NEW FOR 2020 – DESCA Happy Hour – Distilled Discussions - All work and no play makes business leaders dull, so DESCA will be organizing a monthly Happy Hour to support the chemicals and materials entrepreneurial community in Delaware, beginning February 27th from 5-7pm. A time for social interactions, this will be open to anyone who wants to connect to the Chemicals and Materials entrepreneurial community: whether you’re a student, faculty, working for a large company or retired, this monthly event offers a chance to network and get away from the daily grind. Keep checking DESCA’s website and emails for dates and registration info. Happy Hour contact: Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
Investor Forum - This invitation-only venture forum is designed uniquely for pre-vetted, high value start-ups and qualified investors, corporate strategic funds, and corporate innovation groups. To date, DESCA has held 3 Investor Forums. The companies selected by DESCA to pitch in these forums have collectively raised >$55M in venture capital and secured development relationships or licensing deals with companies such as Shell, Koch Industries, Air Liquide, GE, BASF, Cargill, AkzoNobel and/or undergone profitable acquisitions. Investor Forum contact: Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
NEW FOR 2020 - ChemTech 2020
The first of its kind in Delaware – DESCA’S ChemTech 2020 Conference will bring together two distinct industries to discuss challenges and opportunities in the changing chemistry landscape and serve to inform venture capital and drive sustainability as we explore new pathways to operational excellence, new business models, cybersecurity and much more. Registration info below. Conference contact: Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
University of Delaware Seminar Series
A dynamic speaker series presented by DESCA in collaboration with the University of Delaware's Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Student Organization (Colburn Club), this series provides insight into applying research to a career in innovation or entrepreneurship, and how important an innovation mindset can be in solving industry challenges. This series is geared to the University’s postgraduate and PhD student population, and introduces speakers and industry leaders to the academic environment. Seminar Series contacts:
University of Delaware: Natalia Quiroz, Board Member, DESCA
Other colleges/universities: Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
NEW FOR 2020 - STEM Talent
Building on Delaware’s Seminar Series, DESCA will be introducing additional programming in 2020 that will focus on developing STEM innovation talent at the high school, university and graduate level and convening conversations between students, academia and industry to identify and help drive evolving industry needs in terms of STEM innovation talent. STEM Talent Program contact: Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, DESCA
Congratulations to Growing Startup RiKarbon on DOE Award
Above: Dr. Basu Saha in his lab at Delaware Technology Park. Photo © Meghan Sapp, BioFuels Digest
RiKarbon is a growing startup that we are expecting great things from here in Delaware. Founded by Dr. Basu Saha and originating from his research at the University of Delaware, this cutting-edge startup was recently awarded a $1.049 million SBIR Phase II grant from the DOE to produce environmentally beneficial lubricants. Dr. Saha’s work will use renewable carbon sources to produce products that will drive sustainability and minimize adverse environmental effects by reducing our dependence on the petroleum-based lubricants currently in use.
RiKarbon will use the DOE funding to focus on producing environmentally acceptable bio-lubricants for applications that have an especially high risk of accidental leakage, such as hydropower production. Current lubricants consist of 75-90% base oil (usually petroleum-based) plus additives. RiKarbon focuses instead on combining biomolecules from plant-based natural oils (including coconut oil, corn husks, wood chips, vegetable oil) to match the efficacy of petroleum oil. The result is the ability to produce a range of high-efficacy base oils with increased flexibility for formulators and end-users, reduced regulatory challenges, and the potential to reduce the number of additives in end-use formulas. And, of course, these base oils are environmentally friendly. RiKarbon will showcase its products and technology at the 11th annual CEATI Hydropower Conference to be held in Palm Springs from March 2nd to March 4th, 2020.
Says Dr. Saha, “Our bio-lubricant products from sustainably sourced carbon have the ability of mitigate regulatory challenges of equipment operators, lubricant formulators and end-users for applications possessing high risks of accidental discharge. In addition, our products will promote environmental ecosystems and minimize the carbon footprint.”
Outside the DOE grant, RiKarbon recently entered a Joint Development Agreement with a partner to collaborate and jointly develop lubricant products using RiKarbon’s innovative chemistries and the partner’s formulation and manufacturing expertise.
RiKarbon is another example of Delaware’s hugely co-operative entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founded in 2018, the company received an STTR grant of $150,000 which enabled the team to develop their product on a small scale. They have also participated in DESCA’s TechConnect Workshops and Investor Showcase. Today, RiKarbon is housed at Delaware Technology Park on the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus, a state-of-the-art laboratory incubation space with access to resources required by development-stage companies to drive and accelerate their business and are in the process of hiring additional staff to meet their growing needs.
To learn more about RiKarbon, visit their website at www.rikarbon.com
To make the most of new digital approaches in manufacturing, heavy-industry players need to put some critical enablers in place.
Startup Grind Wilmington w/ Santiago Rojas-Carbonell, Ph.D., MBA, W7 Energy - How to Raise Funds for a Science Startup on Jan. 14, 2020
December 19, 2019 BIRD Energy to invest $6.4 Million in Cooperative Israel-U.S. Clean Energy Projects The total value of the approved projects is $15.4 million in the areas of Biomass, Fuel Cells, Natural Gas, Water-Energy Nexus and Energy Efficiency The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Israel’s Ministry of Energy (MoE) …
AlgiKnit is Hiring!
AlgiKnit is a biomaterials company integrating science and design into textile production. Addressing the ecological damage caused by the fashion industry, AlgiKnit is creating durable yet rapidly degradable yarns, envisioning the next generation of sustainable, wearable and ethical materials, produced within a closed-loop life cycle. Visit www.algiknit.com to learn more.
This growing business has three opportunities currently available:
Mechanical Engineer
Strategic Operations Associate
Marketing Internship
Please email a copy of your CV and cover letter to [email protected].
Evonik: Benzocaine Innovation Challenge
Are you interested in working with Evonik as a strategic partner? Then check this out!
DEADLINE: JANUARY 27, 2020
Evonik is offering €10.000 + Evonik as a client or cooperation partner in business or research + Research scholarships for innovation projects focused on unleasing the potential of chemical methods or materials to empower Benzocaine (Et-PABA).
Click HERE to find out more