Jupiter Ionics has been Highly Commended in the international Spinoff Prize 2023 Nature Award.
The Melbourne-based start-up competed with five others for the €30,000 prize for its breakthrough work in Green Ammonia technology.
The Spinoff Prize recognises early-stage university spinoff companies that translate unique, scientific research into products and services to make a positive impact on society.
The five shortlisted companies contested a “slam” in a public virtual event where each pitched to a judging panel, followed by a Q&A session.
CEO Dr Charlie Day said Jupiter Ionics was the only finalist to be Highly Commended.
“Being recognised on a prestigious international platform like this reaffirms the breakthrough potential of our technology to change the world for the better,” he said.
Jupiter Ionics is developing a new approach to manufacturing carbon-neutral ammonia and ammonia derivatives.
About 80% of ammonia produced industrially is used as fertiliser, meaning most of the world’s food is a fossil fuel product. Ammonia production is estimated to account for almost 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Jupiter Ionics’ technology uses a novel electrochemical pathway to produce ammonia which, when powered by renewable energy, is carbon-free “Green Ammonia”.
Dr Day said Green Ammonia could help accelerate the transition to a decarbonised future.
The Spinoff Prize was set up by Nature Awards to celebrate global excellence in the commercialisation of research through the creation of spinoff companies. This year’s award focused on companies founded on research in life sciences or physical sciences.
Nature, one of the leading scientific publications globally, profiled Jupiter Ionics in an online special report published in Nature.
