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”.

With HydRegen, I was immediately struck not only by the energy and ambition of the team, but also by the potential HydRegen technology has to make a real impact in the pharmaceutical sector and many others. Their innovative biocatalysis technology provides an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical manufacturing processes, and they have already started to demonstrate real world applications and impact.

HydRegen, the revolutionary bioscience company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Piera De Santis as a Scientist of Molecular Biology. Following more than 3 years studying for her double doctorate degree in biological and chemical engineering, and organic chemistry, Piera has extensive experience in bioprocess engineering, enzyme manipulation, organic chemistry and analytical analysis.

HydRegen, the revolutionary bioscience company, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Boyle as a Scientist of Organic Chemistry. With more than 4 years’ experience in chemical biology and organic chemistry, John brings extensive knowledge of microbial biotransformation and recombinant enzymes.

HydRegen successfully completes tech transfer to Almac Sciences as part of the joint development project of its proprietary enzyme platform.

HydRegen and researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering collaborate in a project to unlock sustainable biocatalytic hydrogenation and receive grant funding from BBSRC, EPSRC and IUK to complete the feasibility study.

By joining a smaller company, I was able to gain exposure to many different parts of the business and get involved in a broad range of activities. As well as working in the laboratory, I was helping with grant applications, writing content and implementing social media activities. Of course, the laboratory work was the biggest part of my placement, but it was a great experience getting involved in other elements that opened my eyes to what is really involved in running a successful business.