PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (Exited)
COMPANY PROFILE
Revolutionize Chemical Industry by using a Novel Microwave Chemical Platform Technology.
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (MWCC) is the first company to provide an economically viable and commercially scalable microwave platform technology to the chemical industry. The proprietary microwave chemical process involving a hybrid catalyst and a flow reactor enables MWCC to produce renewable efficiently at a significantly reduced chemical cost. MWCC also develops ultra-fast, side-reaction-free microwave reaction systems for high purity fine chemicals such as active pharmaceutical ingredients and electronic materials.
COMPANY STORY
Origin
Associate Professor Tsukahara of Osaka University had always aspired to expand innovative technology to the world from Japan. His strong drive to apply his technology to form a Japanese startup that contributes to the environment through efficient chemical processes led to the co-founding of Microwave Chemical with founding CEO Iwao Yoshino, formerly at Mitsui, in August 2007. Mr. Tsukahara is now CSO of the company.
Strength
Microwave Chemical’s stellar team comprises various experts such as researchers and engineers in the fields of chemistry and physics. This team has developed a proprietary platform utilizing microwave technology.
UTEC’s value add
As a lead investor in the early stage, UTEC invested solely in 2011 for the construction of a pilot facility. While most venture capitalists and financial institutions were reluctant to deal with the idea of a venture company building a plant by itself, UTEC was able to help build the world's first microwave chemical plant with its evaluation capabilities of technology and business potential. After the investment, UTEC continued to support the company in raising funds up to Series C, establishing governance, developing business partners in Japan and overseas, recruiting human resources, and preparing for an IPO.
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World's first commercial-scale microwave chemical plant(3200 t/yr)
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The second commercial-scale microwave chemical plant (Built in partner’s site)
