SepPure Technologies Company Profile
Background
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Mohammad Farahani, SepPure Technologies is a CleanTech company headquartered in Singapore, with additional operations in Calgary, Canada. The company specializes in engineering chemical-resistant hollow fiber membranes for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN). Its mission is to facilitate the separation of chemical mixtures at the molecular level with minimal energy use, thereby addressing the significant energy consumption associated with industrial-scale chemical separation processes. These processes currently account for up to 15% of the world’s total energy consumption.
Key Strategic Focus
SepPure Technologies is dedicated to redefining industrial chemical separations by developing superior nanofiltration solutions that prioritize environmental and economic sustainability. The company's core objectives include advancing circular economy principles and driving momentum towards achieving global net-zero targets. SepPure's technology is applicable across a wide range of industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, maritime, and plant-based oils. By introducing advanced membrane solutions, SepPure aims to mitigate energy consumption, emissions, and pollution while enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors.
Financials and Funding
In February 2023, SepPure Technologies closed a US$12 million Series A funding round led by SOSV, with participation from Anji Microelectronics, RealTech Fund, Seeds Capital, EPS Ventures, and others. The company intends to use the funds to expand its development efforts, including the construction of its first filter production facility in Singapore. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to produce enough products for several industrial projects that have been in development since 2021.
Pipeline Development
SepPure's first commercial deployment is underway in Singapore, where the company's technology has been tested for plant-based oil applications with major industrial players. The company's pipeline covers more than 50% of the top ten largest vegetable oil producers in the world. Additionally, SepPure has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIIAVA Group to build the world's first commercial-scale membrane facility for soy lecithin processing.
Technological Platform and Innovation
SepPure Technologies has developed a highly sustainable, chemical-resistant nanofiltration solution that separates chemical mixtures at a molecular level with minimal energy usage. The company's proprietary GreenMem® Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN) membrane technology uses pressure-driven filtration instead of heat, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. The nanofiltration membrane in a standard industrial 4040 module (4" in diameter and 40" in length) contains thousands of patented, straw-like hollow fibers that provide five times more surface area per volume than competitors' spiral-wound filters. This unique high flux design makes SepPure's membrane module 5-10 times faster than the competition. The modules and nanofilters tolerate a wide range of temperatures and pH levels and are available in various pore sizes to match separation requirements.
Leadership Team
- Dr. Mohammad Farahani, Founder and CEO
- Holds a PhD in membrane technology from the National University of Singapore.
- Founded SepPure Technologies in 2018 to commercialize his research on chemical-resistant nanofiltration membranes.
- Dr. Simon Choong, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Joined SepPure in November 2022.
- Holds a PhD from MIT in membrane technology.
- Previously worked at Gradiant International, where he commercialized a proprietary membrane-based technology and produced seven patents.
Leadership Changes
In November 2022, Dr. Simon Choong joined SepPure Technologies as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He succeeded the previous CTO, bringing with him extensive experience in membrane technology and commercialization.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The industrial chemical separation market is a significant contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional methods such as distillation and evaporation are energy-intensive and environmentally inefficient. There is a growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, driving innovation in membrane technologies and other separation processes.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors in the organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membrane technology sector include:
- Imtex Membranes: Specializes in membrane technology for chemical separations, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Ashahi Chemicals Industries: Offers a range of chemical products and solutions, including membrane technologies for various industrial applications.
- Eco Tech: Provides environmental technology solutions, including membrane systems for wastewater treatment and chemical separations.
- Comet Chemical: Supplies chemical products and technologies, with a focus on sustainable and efficient processes.
- Great North Chemicals: Offers chemical solutions and technologies, including membrane systems for industrial separations.
These competitors focus on various aspects of membrane technology and chemical separations, each bringing unique solutions to the market.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
SepPure Technologies has established significant collaborations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity:
- GIIAVA Group: Signed an MoU to build the world's first commercial-scale membrane facility for soy lecithin processing.
- HSBC: Recognized SepPure as an inspirational business creating a more sustainable future.
- Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC): SepPure received the LowCarbonSG logo, acknowledging its contributions to reducing carbon emissions.
