C R E D I T: YA N G H . KU/C& E N /CJ M ACE R / S H U T T E RSTO CK
Meet the master builders behind chemistry’s most intriguing young companies
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C&EN | CEN.ACS.ORG | NOVEMBER 6, 2017
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nyone lucky enough to receive a new Lego set gets instructions on how to build the model on the cover of the box. But there is no step-by-step manual to guide entrepreneurs creating new businesses. This year’s selection of 10 start-ups to watch were chosen by C&EN’s writers and editors because they have both innovative chemistry and the vision to use discoveries to solve important problems, targeting unmet needs in agriculture, chemical identification, drug discovery, materials design, and renewable products. terials through experiments designed by Not all the chemistry they use is brandmachine-learning algorithms. new. For example, lyotropic liquid crystals All start-ups face difficult odds. Statishave been known for years, but the starttics show that only 1.1% of start-ups grow up Light Polymers has found a niche for the materials in improving digital displays. to employ at least 50 people in their first In agriculture, Boragen is exploiting boron 10 years. According to the National Venture Capital Association, venture capital chemistry first used in pharmaceuticals investors are now backing fewer firms at to craft highly targeted crop protection later stages of growth. chemicals. The trick is to put the Other companies to keep right bricks together at the an eye on are harnessing right time. We think these advances in artificial intel▸ Arrakis Therapeutics, 32 10 start-ups have the blueligence, analytics, and visu▸ Boragen, 33 prints for success. alization. These developers ▸ Citrine Informatics, 34 And if you know an exof futuristic tools will make ▸ Ecovia Renewables, 35 ceptional new company it possible to watch pro▸ Exscientia, 36 based on chemistry, nomteins change shape, identify ▸ Light Polymers, 37 inate it for next year’s feamolecules in the field, and ▸ P2 Science, 38 ture at cenm.ag/startupnom. develop new drugs and ma-
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▸ Relay Therapeutics, 39 ▸ Solid Power, 40 ▸ Two Pore Guys, 41 ▸ Catch up with past years’ picks at cenm.ag/ retro2017startups.
NOVEMBER 6, 2017 | CEN.ACS.ORG | C&EN
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