Chemicals And Materials

Biocatalysis and green chemistry

Drawing on our expertise in biocatalysis, we identify and optimise microorganisms and enzymes to catalyse targeted reactions to produce desired high-value molecules. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical technologies – enabling the production of high-quality products with lower energy input, reduced waste, and the use of renewable feedstocks.

Biomanufacturing

We harness biological processes and materials to develop economically competitive and environmentally sustainable manufacturing technologies and products for industrial implementation. Our scalable infrastructure and technical expertise bridge the gap between research and commercial application, enabling the translation of lab-scale innovations into market-ready solutions.

Biorefinery

We support industry in the development and scale-up of biorefinery products and processes, bridging the gap between research and commercial implementation. Our focus is on advancing integrated biological and chemical conversion technologies that transform waste biomass feedstocks into high-value chemicals and materials—contributing to the replacement of fossil-based feedstocks and promoting a circular bioeconomy.

Nanostructures and advanced materials

We develop sustainable advanced materials and production processes for the plastics, health, and chemical industries. Leveraging our laboratory and pilot-scale infrastructure, along with deep expertise in nanostructures and composites, we design, synthesise, and manipulate nanomaterials to create novel composites, delivery systems, sensors, and nano-micro devices. Our materials experts also develop advanced catalysts and adsorbents which, when integrated with our process engineering capabilities, enable innovative technological solutions that support decarbonisation and a just energy transition.

Pharmaceutical technologies

We develop scalable, cost-effective processes for the local production of high-quality small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals. By leveraging agile and sustainable technologies – such as continuous flow chemistry – we support and strengthen the competitiveness of the local chemical and pharmaceutical industries.