Hydrogenation, a fundamental chemical process with broad applications across petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food production has traditionally relied on batch reactors. While effective for small-scale production and when multiple different products are required, rising production demands and tighter regulations on energy consumption and emissions are shifting the chemical industry towards advanced autoclave solutions to enhance their hydrogenation processes.  

I am proud my team's extraordinary achievements this year. Their dedication, innovative thinking, and collaborative attitudes have allowed us to surpass our goals and set new standards of excellence. Each team member's unique and invaluable contributions have been the cornerstone of our success. I am incredibly grateful to lead such a talented and committed group of individuals whose hard work and enthusiasm makes every challenge an opportunity, and every success a shared victory. 

2024 has been a year of breakthroughs for our Chemistry Team, which showcases our unwavering pursuit of innovation. As a team, we are advancing our technologies and  scaling-up our processes, paving the way to transforming sustainable chemistry. The team's collaborative spirit has been the driving force behind our success, and I couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved together.

Hydrogenation, a key process in industries like petrochemicals, food production, and pharmaceuticals, has long relied on heavy metals such as platinum, palladium, and nickel as catalysts. These metals, while highly effective, present significant environmental, supply chain, and cost challenges. The growing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices is prompting the chemical industry to explore alternative solutions, with bio-based enzymes emerging as a promising alternative. This shift represents an important step toward reducing the industry’s environmental footprint while maintaining efficiency and reducing costs. 

Cindy’s drive to apply her knowledge to real-world challenges and develop innovative enzyme-based solutions made HydRegen the perfect fit. With a background in synthetic biology, she was drawn to the company's mission to leverage enzymes to support a sustainable chemical industry. This alignment has allowed her to contribute significantly to HydRegen’s growth. 

As the chemical manufacturing industry faces the dual pressures of sustainability and rising cost competition, it’s clear that next-generation technologies cannot rely on a “green premium” to succeed. While these emerging solutions offer significant benefits including reducing environmental impact, improving safety and fostering market growth, the challenges of implementation and cost must be carefully considered.

I’m thrilled to be back at HydRegen in a role that merges my scientific background with business development. It's exciting to be at the forefront of bringing our innovative, sustainable technologies to market." 

Despite its potential, there are significant challenges and limitations to consider before bio-based manufacturing it can be classed as a truly sustainable alternative. 

The pharmaceuticals landscape is changing, in a positive way, and there is a growing appetite from both business and regulators for new technology and processes that can bring cost and sustainability savings. 

Becky’s decision to join HydRegen was motivated by her interest in being part of a startup’s dynamic and fast-paced environment. Attracted by the potential to take on diverse responsibilities to broaden her skill set and gain experience, she was also excited by the opportunity to witness and contribute to the company's growth. A decision that prompted her move from academia in the United States to the UK. 

As regulations tighten and consumer demand shifts toward sustainability, the industry must adapt. Green chemistry offers a key part of this adaptation, presenting a major opportunity for investors and manufacturers to drive innovation in sustainable chemical processes. 

In recent decades, globalisation enabled the chemical manufacturing industry to outsource production to regions with lower labour costs, abundant raw materials, and favourable regulatory environments, resulting in reduced production costs and higher profit margins. However, this global expansion also increased exposure to risks, volatile pricing, and complex supply chains. 

We've spent the summer working on

• commercially competitive Bio2Amine processes,

• showcasing our tech running routinley in higher TRL reactors, and

• demonstrating a 18-fold improvement in enzyme manufacturing increasing our cost-competitivity across the chemicals sector!

Despite its significant carbon footprint, the chemical industry occupies a unique position. As the third-largest global emitter of CO₂, it is also poised to play a leading role in advancing sustainability efforts and reducing emissions across other sectors.

At the core of HydRegen's mission to make chemical manufacturing safer and more sustainable lies a team of exceptional scientists dedicated to pushing the boundaries of biocatalysis. Among them is Yinqi, a biologist whose journey into the field has been driven by a passion for understanding and transforming the natural world. 

As global focus shifts toward sustainability, there is a growing need for safer, more efficient alternatives that minimise energy use and environmental impact.

HydRegen’s Bio2Amine technology delivers sustainable, cost-efficient and safe chemical manufacturing with the power of biology: underpinning science published in Nature Communications.

In the wake of our successful 2023 fundraise, we declared 2023 as the year of “GETTING COMMERCIAL”.