Låkril Technologies Named One of C&EN’s “10 Start-Ups to Watch”

A start-up co-founded by CEMS faculty member Paul Dauenhauer has been named one of C&EN’s 10 Start-Ups to Watch for 2025.

Låkril Technologies is a start-up developing a novel catalyst that makes it possible to produce acrylic acid, a key ingredient in superabsorbent polymers, paints, and adhesives, from renewable sources. While major chemical companies have attempted biobased acrylic routes for decades, none have achieved cost-competitive yields. Låkril’s catalyst, discovered in Dauenhauer’s lab at the University of Minnesota, enables highly selective dehydration of lactic acid and could finally make biobased acrylics commercially viable.

C&EN’s annual 10 Start-Ups to Watch list recognizes chemistry-driven companies addressing major global challenges across energy, materials, and sustainability.

Read the full profile and the complete list here at C&EN’s website.