Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Terry Mazanec

Then: I was Chief Scientist at Velocys, developing microchannel technology for natural gas and biogas upgrading and a variety of chemical processes. We turned over a large number of ‘rocks’ to find the most useful applications for the Velocys technology.  The staff were quite young and it was inspiring to work with energetic and imaginative younger people. It was also exciting to be involved in the ‘early days’ of a completely new technology.

Now: Now I am an independent consultant in the bioeconomy and in the areas of natural gas, ceramics, materials, fuel cells, and chemicals.  My clients span the globe and from algae to pyrolysis to genetic engineering just within the biosector. The best aspect of consulting is that there are new and interesting challenges that arise with every new project.

Inspirations: While I think the transition to the bioeconomy will take longer than most people believe, inventions and insights during these early days will have a profound impact on the transition – both how soon and how smooth. While the area seems very new, most of the challenges are not fundamentally different from those encountered with other burgeoning technologies.  I think that old hands such as myself have seen some of the mis-steps that have been taken before and can help prevent a repetition of those mistakes.

Challenges: There are quite a few challenges. Our industry is littered with the hulks of failed companies and failed ideas. That’s completely expected when you are on the cutting edge of new technology. But as one wise colleague advised me: “Fail early and fail cheap.” Find the unconquerable hurdles ASAP and revise the plan before the big time and money commitments are made. I’d like to think that ‘being your own best critic’ could avoid some of these.