Apeiron Synthesis

Apeiron Synthesis, an advanced materials company based in Wrocław, Poland, was established in 2009. It was founded by a team of researchers from Professor Karol Grela's research group, including Dr. Michał Bieniek (CEO), Lukasz Gulajski, and Krzysztof Skowerski, who decided to leverage their expertise to meet rising industrial demand for olefin metathesis catalysts. This decision followed the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded for the development of the metathesis method, which validated its potential for creating more efficient, environmentally-friendly chemical production processes.

The company operates on a B2B model, focusing on the development, manufacturing, and global commercialization of proprietary ruthenium-based catalysts for olefin metathesis. Its business model involves not only selling a portfolio of over twenty catalysts but also providing comprehensive R&D support and consulting services. This includes catalyst screening, process development, and custom synthesis, positioning Apeiron as a one-stop-shop for clients from R&D through to industrial-scale implementation. The company serves a diverse client base across the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, fine chemical, flavor and fragrance, and polymer industries.

Apeiron's core offering revolves around its high-performance catalysts, which enable clients to synthesize complex molecules with fewer steps, less waste, and at a lower cost compared to traditional methods. For instance, their technology can reduce the number of stages in a chemical synthesis process, potentially cutting production costs by 20%. Key milestones include filing its first patent in 2012, establishing a US branch in Cambridge, MA in 2014, launching industrial-scale production facilities in 2016, and securing a $4.8 million funding round in December 2022 led by Aper Ventures, ORLEN VC, and Adamed Pharma. This investment aims to scale production and strengthen its position in a global catalyst market valued at over $30 billion.

Keywords: olefin metathesis, ruthenium catalysts, chemical synthesis, process development, specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical ingredients, fine chemicals, catalyst screening, polymer manufacturing, sustainable chemistry, green chemistry, custom synthesis, API synthesis, flavor and fragrances, agrochemicals, CAAC catalysts, advanced materials, deep tech, chemical manufacturing, process optimization