MCatalysis, a deep tech startup focused on sustainable fuels and chemicals, has announced the closing of its seed funding round led by HL Energy Ventures (HLEV). The funding will advance the development and commercialization of MCatalysis’s proprietary microwave catalysis technology, which is exclusively licensed from Oxford University Innovation (OUI), the tech transfer arm of the University of Oxford.
The company’s breakthrough process combines high-efficiency industrial microwave systems with novel catalysts to convert waste carbon—such as agricultural residues, plastic waste, and industrial gas streams—into low-cost, clean synthetic fuels and chemicals. This approach promises faster processing times, improved product selectivity, and greater energy efficiency across a wide range of applications.
With global rights to Oxford’s foundational IP, MCatalysis is positioned to lead a new wave of carbon upcycling innovation. The licensing agreement with OUI reflects over three decades of Oxford’s commercialization expertise and underscores the potential impact of MCatalysis’s platform on the future of clean energy and circular petrochemicals.
KEY QUOTES:
“This seed funding from HLEV and exclusive licensing agreement with OUI mark a pivotal moment for MCatalysis. We are now positioned to rapidly advance our vision of a circular economy, where waste carbon is upcycled, or transformed into new, valuable products, democratizing the petrochemical supply chain. The investment from HLEV provides not only the necessary capital but also invaluable expertise in scaling deep tech ventures.”
Michael Irwin, CEO of MCatalysis
“MCatalysis represents the very best of what HLEV looks for in an investment: creative and brilliant co-founders with a game-changing technology that has the potential for both substantial commercial success and profound positive impact on our planet.”
Victor Liu, CEO of HLEV
“At OUI, our mission is to enable impact – for the economy, for people, and for the planet – by licensing Oxford’s world-leading knowledge and research to ambitious and capable partners. The exclusive agreement with MCatalysis exemplifies how existing companies can be powerful engines of innovation when paired with Oxford IP. We are proud to support the journey of this ground-breaking technology from lab to market, where it can contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future.”
OUI spokesperson
