Michael Lefenfeld: Lessons from the [green] trenches

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. www. signachem.com

Improving our world . . . one discovery at a time

Strategies for building a successful green start-up

Michael Lefenfeld, President & CEOSiGNa Chemistry, Inc.

Chemicals Management ForumMay 15, 2012

Lessons from the [green] trenches


SiGNa’s core belief is that the most serious problems our world faces can be solved through better chemistry.

Lesson #1

Start with a vision.


To improve the bottom line, your chemical management standards must be treated as a key corporate value.

Green is more than just good PR.

Lesson #2


Start withgood science.When you practice sound scientific principles, you will automatically achieve green chemistry standards.

Lesson #3


Green chemistry has onlyrecently been taught in universities.Successful green companies make on-going training a requirement in order to create a new generation of green chemists.

Educate and retrain.

Lesson #4


Environmentalconcerns alone are notenough to drive market acceptance of green chemicals. Green products must exceed existing products in design and cost.

Don’t forgetthe design.

Lesson #5


Be aware of the gaps in chemical awareness among your suppliers. Work to push and pull your green principles throughout your supply chain.

Know your supply chain.

Lesson #6


Convincing customers toadopt green technologies isa huge barrier for start-ups. Ease the way by solving their pain points.

Ease their pain.

Lesson #7


Sound chemical management and regulatory processes are good for business.You’ll protect your customers and employees, avoid recalls and bad press, and create the products and markets of the future.

Ignorance and apathy create risk.

Lesson #8


at SiGNa Chemistry.

Green chemistry at work


Sodium silicide (NaSi) is a safe, air-stablepowder that rapidly liberates hydrogen

from water or water solutions.

2NaSi(s) + 5H2O(ℓ) 5H2(g) + Na2Si2O5(aq) + Heat(No Catalyst, Room Temperature)

Sodium Silicide Technology

NaSi is: Economical to synthesize Created from renewable, sustainable materials Creates zero emissions Generates only benign byproducts with

established resale markets


Improved and Safer Oil Recovery

NaSi safely unlocks trapped oil deposits and improves oil recovery to greater than 40%.

Current oil recovery methods access only 20% of existing heavy crude reserves; the rest remains trapped underground.

Challenge:Solution:


Affordable and Renewable Portable Power

Target Markets: Military portable power Emergency and disaster relief efforts Outdoor power equipment Outdoor leisure (boating, camping) Home backup generators

Batteries cannot keep up with demands for higher energy densities and gas generators are highly polluting.

Challenge:

SiGNa created a portable fuel cell generator as a clean, sustainable power supply for a variety of markets.

Solution:


Pollution Reduction

Small combustion engines are responsible for a disproportionate amount of pollution in North America.

Challenge:

This system can affordablyand cleanly power: Backup and stationary generators Lawnmowers and outdoor tools Commercial and worksite generators Scooters and motorcycles Electric bicycles

SiGNa is developing a high-density, zero pollution fuel cell system to replace small combustion engines (<3kW).

Solution:


Changing the way industry performs by creating better

materials & processes

www.signachem.com | 212.933.4101

Michael Lefenfeld: Lessons from the [green] trenches

Technology

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