In the current series ‘Beacons of the start-up scene’ in the trade magazine CHEManager, Prof. Siegfried R. Waldvogel, Director at MPI CEC and co-founder of ESy-Labs, provides exciting insights into the development of the company – and the future of electrosynthesis.
From research to application
ESy-Labs was founded in 2018 to make new electrochemical processes usable for the chemical industry. Together with co-founder Dr. Tobias Gärtner, Prof. Waldvogel is pursuing the goal of implementing sustainable, electricity-driven processes on an industrial scale – from electroorganic synthesis to the recycling of valuable materials such as zinc or lithium-ion batteries.
What sets ESy-Labs apart is its ability to bridge the gap between basic research and industrial application. Using so-called ESy screening platforms, new electrochemical reactions can first be quickly tested in the laboratory and then scaled up to tonne-scale production.
Innovation with impact
In an interview, Prof. Waldvogel talks about the impressive development of the company. Today, ESy-Labs employs 17 people at two locations in Regensburg and Gernsheim, has filed several patents and is involved in nine funding projects – including the ETOS future cluster funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which focuses on the electrification of technical organic synthesis.
The start-up has also established itself as a pioneer in terms of technology: with a clear focus on data-driven process development – including the use of statistical methods and, in future, machine learning – ESy-Labs is setting new standards in sustainable chemistry.
Valuable tips for young entrepreneurs
In addition to technological topics, the interview also covers the entrepreneurial side of things. Prof. Waldvogel emphasises the importance of a diverse team, open communication and clear goal orientation. At the same time, he advocates a realistic assessment of economic conditions – because a good concept alone is not enough: ‘Scientific excellence is important, but in the end, the business model has to be viable.’
A successful model with a future
ESy-Labs impressively demonstrates how a scientific idea can develop into a forward-looking company – driven by innovative spirit, sound research and the courage to break new ground. For Prof. Waldvogel, one thing is clear: electrosynthesis will play a key role in the transformation of the chemical industry – and ESy-Labs is right at the heart of it.
The full interview can be found in CHEManager 4/2025 and also here.