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Lessons from the [green] trenches. Strategies for building a successful green start-up Michael Lefenfeld, President & CEO SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. Chemicals Management Forum May 15, 2012. Lesson #1. Start with a vision .
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Lessons from the [green] trenches Strategies for building a successful green start-up Michael Lefenfeld, President & CEOSiGNa Chemistry, Inc. Chemicals Management Forum May 15, 2012
Lesson #1 Start with a vision. SiGNa’s core belief is that the most serious problems our world faces can be solved through better chemistry.
Lesson #2 Green is more than just good PR. To improve the bottom line, your chemical management standards must be treated as a key corporate value.
Lesson #3 Start withgood science. When you practice sound scientific principles, you will automatically achieve green chemistry standards.
Lesson #4 Educate and retrain. Green chemistry has onlyrecently been taught in universities.Successful green companies make on-going training a requirement in order to create a new generation of green chemists.
Lesson #5 Don’t forgetthe design. Environmentalconcerns alone are notenough to drive market acceptance of green chemicals. Green products must exceed existing products in design and cost.
Lesson #6 Know your supply chain. Be aware of the gaps in chemical awareness among your suppliers. Work to push and pull your green principles throughout your supply chain.
Lesson #7 Ease their pain. Convincing customers to adopt green technologies is a huge barrier for start-ups. Ease the way by solving their pain points.
Lesson #8 Ignorance and apathy create risk. Sound chemical management and regulatory processes are good for business.You’ll protect your customers and employees, avoid recalls and bad press, and create the products and markets of the future.
Green chemistry at work at SiGNa Chemistry.
Sodium Silicide Technology Sodium silicide (NaSi) is a safe, air-stablepowder that rapidly liberates hydrogenfrom water or water solutions. 2NaSi(s) + 5H2O(ℓ) 5H2(g) + Na2Si2O5(aq) + Heat • (No Catalyst, Room Temperature) • NaSi is: • Economical to synthesize • Created from renewable, sustainable materials • Creates zero emissions • Generates only benign byproducts withestablished resale markets
Improved and Safer Oil Recovery Challenge: Solution: Current oil recovery methods access only 20% of existing heavy crude reserves; the rest remains trapped underground. NaSi safely unlocks trapped oil deposits and improves oil recovery to greater than 40%.
Affordable and Renewable Portable Power Challenge: Solution: Batteries cannot keep up with demands for higher energy densities and gas generators are highly polluting. SiGNa created a portable fuel cell generator as a clean, sustainable power supply for a variety of markets. • Target Markets: • Military portable power • Emergency and disaster relief efforts • Outdoor power equipment • Outdoor leisure (boating, camping) • Home backup generators
Pollution Reduction Challenge: Small combustion engines are responsible for a disproportionate amount of pollution in North America. Solution: SiGNa is developing a high-density, zero pollution fuel cell system to replace small combustion engines (<3kW). • This system can affordablyand cleanly power: • Backup and stationary generators • Lawnmowers and outdoor tools • Commercial and worksite generators • Scooters and motorcycles • Electric bicycles
Changing the way industry performs by creating better materials & processes www.signachem.com | 212.933.4101