Munich Startup: What does your startup Isar Pyrolysis do? What problem are you solving?
Isar Pyrolysis: We develop and build small-scale, mobile and energy-autonomous pyrolysis systems for decentralized use. They can be deployed anywhere in the world to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels such as gasoline and diesel in a decentralized manner.
We help ensure that plastic waste, which would otherwise be broken down into microplastics or burned, disappears from the environment. At the same time, we supply fuels to remote locations.
Energy from plastic for remote locations
Munich Startup: But that already exists, doesn’t it!
Isar Pyrolysis: Plastic pyrolysis has so far only existed on larger to significantly larger scales. Our pyrolysis system can simply be transported to where it is needed, without any infrastructure requirements on site. This makes us a solution to the plastic waste problem in places where there otherwise is no solution.
Furthermore, we produce fuels directly from plastic waste. Typically, pyrolysis oil still needs to be further processed in refineries. We save all these transportation routes.
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Isar Pyrolysis: The idea for plastic waste pyrolysis originally came from Elias, who pursued the project during his school years. During his studies, he approached the chair where Marc is doing his doctorate to get support in the areas of design, manufacturing and engineering. Together, they won second prize at the TUM IDEAward and continued the project toward becoming a startup. Daniel was brought on board for prototyping and Florian for administrative tasks and IT. We are currently in the TUM VentureLabs and are working on our latest prototype from there, which we want to test abroad by the end of the year.
Isar Pyrolysis awarded TUM IDEAward
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Isar Pyrolysis: The design and manufacturing of our product are definitely the biggest challenges. Due to our requirement that our system should run inexpensively and require minimal maintenance, there are some technical challenges that we have solved with methods that are as simple as possible but effective. This allows us to sell a pyrolysis system that is simple to operate and requires minimal maintenance and can be used anywhere in the world by anyone.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, and where in five years?
Isar Pyrolysis: In one year, we would like to have tested and optimized our core components so that we can bring a market-ready version of the pyrolysis system to market. In five years, we would like to have expanded our production and secured our supply chains so that we can supply the potential customers on our waiting list.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Isar Pyrolysis: We have only had positive experiences so far. The TUM ecosystem around UnternehmerTUM provides a powerful network where you can get a lot of support if you ask. From founding consultations, to funding, workshops to facilities and other founders, there are many opportunities to advance your own startup.
Munich Startup: Risk or security?
Isar Pyrolysis: A healthy mix of both. We choose the golden middle.
