Sean Hunt

Gaurab Chakrabarti, Solugen CEO and former cancer researcher, joins Sean Hunt, Solugen CTO and chemical process inventor, for a look at turning biology plus chemistry into cleaner manufacturing. They talk about the cancer research spark, a scrappy PVC reactor, selling tiny batches to early buyers, scaling in Houston, and chasing a new future for American industry.

Gaurab Chakrabarti and Sean Hunt, co-founders of Solugen, discuss how they are revolutionizing the $5 trillion chemicals industry with their plant-derived substitutes. They touch on topics such as the challenges in the industry, their manufacturing process, meeting over a game of poker, the first wave of Cleantech startup failures, the importance of logistics and supply chain, and their strategy for scaling the business. They also share interesting stories about their homemade metal catalyst reactor and building their first factory on the site of an exploded wax distillery.

Sean Hunt, co-founder and CTO of Solugen, dives into sustainable chemical production without fossil fuels. He shares how his company innovates by using corn syrup for eco-friendly solutions, transforming the industry. The discussion highlights operational challenges and the push for specialty chemicals amidst market shifts. Hunt reveals insights on the competitive landscape and the impact of a new executive order promoting bio-manufactured chemicals. Additionally, he touches on the intriguing engineering behind customizing products for regional tastes.