FluoRok, a deep-tech company developing revolutionary processes to access fluorochemicals in an efficient, safe, clean and sustainable way, announces £3m of seed funding from Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE).
FluoRok is pioneering a new method for the direct synthesis of high value fluorochemicals from fluorspar (CaF2). Its proprietary technology directly employs fluorinated waste material or naturally occurring fluorite mineral as a source, to access high-value compounds that are key to the world’s energy transition, our global food supply, and our health.
Fluorochemicals are currently made using a centuries-old chemical process involving highly toxic, hazardous and difficult-to-handle hydrogen fluoride (HF). FluoRok’s novel and disruptive proprietary technology changes this paradigm, enabling for the first time the bypassing of toxic HF production to directly manufacture fluorinated materials from raw minerals (fluorite, CaF2) or fluorinated waste streams. This innovative solution reduces energy requirements, lowers CO2 emissions and enables significant progress towards net-zero in the fluorochemical industry. Additionally, intrinsic process safety facilitates the reshoring of fluorochemical manufacturing.
The new funding enables FluoRok to progress its groundbreaking technology which represents a radical shift for industrial processes, bringing fluorochemicals production to the 21st century by reinventing access to molecules that are key to our quality of life in areas such as agrochemistry, pharmaceuticals, refrigerant and energy storage.
Dr Gabriele Pupo, FluoRok’s CEO said, “Until now, access to fluorochemicals has exclusively relied on a centuries-old, energy intensive and dangerous process requiring the production of toxic hydrofluoric acid. FluoRok is a game-changer and this new investment allows us to develop and scale our pioneering technology, expand the team and take a further step toward revolutionising the fluorochemicals industry. Our mission to create a safer, cleaner and better world fits perfectly with OSE’s portfolio of innovators and disruptors tackling the world’s toughest challenges and I’m looking forward to achieving great things together.”
George Todd, Investment Associate, Oxford Science Enterprises said, “As an investor of companies innovating in their field, we are proud to back the incredible team at FluoRok. The company continues to make tremendous progress in the delivery of a disruptive technology that will change the way we produce fluorochemicals for the better, creating a safer and more sustainable path forward. We believe FluoRok is poised for significant progress and growth in the coming years and are excited to continue supporting the team as they scale the business.”
