Nanotronics, a biotechnology startup based in the Philippines, hopes its innovations can help the country in its fight against plastic waste. The company received a boost by winning the Shell LiveWIRE program for tech startups. A cash grant and an invitation to startup bootcamp were a few of the prizes handed out by the oil and gas giant.
Winning is a huge step for Nanotronics as it looks to scale up efforts to produce biodegradable materials that can eliminate the Philippines reliance on plastic. Its victory as part of the Shell LiveWIRE program should help the company expand its reach moving forward.
“We are committed to making a significant difference in the environment and community, leveraging on our natural resources here in the Philippines. We see a good synergy with our products and the Shell ecosystem,” Nanotronics Founder Jerome Palaganas told the Business Mirror.
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Who is Nanotronics?
Nanotronics refined the production process of cellulose nanocrystals, a bio-based nanomaterial made from indigenous plants. Cellulose nanocrystals can enhance the material properties of polymer matrices that they are blended into. This can reduce the need for plastics.
The biotechnology startup first received funding from the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD). This allowed it to be a pioneer in the production of nanocellulose crystal which can be used in different industries to make products more environmentally friendly.
Since this initial investment, Nanotronics has completed its pilot production facility, produced basic and advanced forms of cellulose nanocrystals at its facility and shipped advanced cellulose nanocrystals products to customers.
Funding the fight against plastic waste in Asia
Plastic waste is a huge problem in Southeast Asia with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand among the world’s largest producers, according to a report from the Ocean Conservancy and the McKinsey Center for Business and Environment.
See more: Southeast Asia has a plastic waste problem
The tide could be turning as investors look to fund biotechnology and recycling startups. In Indonesia, two recycling outfits raised significant funding to address the country’s growing plastic waste disposal issues. Over in Myanmar, RecyGlo has developed a leading waste management solution platform designed to build much needed infrastructure.
Understanding the impact biotechnology startups can have, the Vietnamese city of Da Nang unveiled an ambitious VND 651 billion (USD 28.3 million) plan to help it become an important biotech hub.
