Virent

Virent takes world stage as finalist for global award

  • Virent, Inc., was selected as a finalist in two categories of the IChemE Global Awards for its BioForming® sugars-to-aromatics (SA2) technology.
  • Virent’s selection as a finalist by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) placed them on the shortlist of companies featuring projects from across 15 countries.
  • Partnering with Johnson Matthey to commercialize the BioForming® S2A technology, Virent was nominated in both the Innovative Product and Team Award Categories.

MADISON, Wisconsin, Feb. 8, 2023 – Leaders from Virent, Inc., recently traveled to London as finalists for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) 2022 Global Awards.

Part of an impressive list of nominees representing more than a dozen countries worldwide, it was Virent’s BioForming® technology and partnership with Johnson Matthey (JM) that caught the eye of IChemE, an internationally known body of chemical, biochemical and process engineers based in the United Kingdom and recognized for its century-long work to advance the field of chemical engineering for the benefit of society.

(L-R) Rauf Gearing (JM), Iain Gilmore (JM), Phil Hughs (JM), Kevin Gwilliam (JM), Andrew Held (Virent), Dave Kettner (Virent), Dana Hatch (Virent), Bob Rozmiarek (Virent), Edgar Steenwinkel (Virent) and Ian Campbell (JM), at the 2022 IChemE Global Awards in London, England

“Just making the shortlist of finalists is something we’re very proud of at Virent,” said the company’s President and General Counsel Dave Kettner. “It is clear the work being done by our incredibly talented team at Virent is being recognized on an international stage.”

Nominated in both the Innovative Product and Team Award Categories, Virent has been partnering with JM to commercialize Virent’s BioForming® sugars-to-aromatics (S2A) technology, a process that converts widely available, plant-based sugars into fuels and chemicals that are 100% renewable. Working alongside MPC, this successful collaboration has put Virent and JM in a position to license the BioForming S2A technology to the global renewables market.

“Virent and our BioForming S2A technology has the potential to help meet the needs of today while providing opportunities to further grow in an energy-diverse future,” Kettner added.

Virent was also named to the 2022 list of Top 50 Hottest Projects in Advanced Bioeconomy in the summer of 2022 by biofuels publication The Digest, for its innovation and achievements in biobased fuels, chemicals and materials by emerging companies.