Creating a Spick-and-span Tomorrow in Industry

In the realm of technological innovation, a new wave of startups is making strides in transforming industrial manufacturing processes, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. These trailblazing companies, many of them founded by alumni and professors of the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, are at the forefront of this revolution.

One such company is Via Separations, founded in 2017 by Shreya Dave, a former MIT student. Via Separations specialises in the development of more efficient and cost-effective membranes for chemical separations, a crucial component in various manufacturing processes. The company's membranes, made with graphene oxide, can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions, and their pore size and surface chemistry can be calibrated to meet the specific needs of each customer. Remarkably, Via Separations' system can make the process of recovering "black liquor" - a byproduct in the pulp and paper industry - 84% more efficient, and uses 90% less energy compared to standard methods.

Another company making waves in the industry is Gradiant, co-founded by Anurag Bajpayee and Prakash Govindan. Gradiant focuses on solving the water problem in manufacturing, developing sustainable water projects. Their Carrier Gas Extraction (CGE) technology can treat and clean the wastewater produced by a manufacturing plant, conserving millions of gallons of water each year. Gradiant's solutions have seen explosive growth over the past decade, currently treating the equivalent of 5 million households' worth of water daily. In the semiconductor industry, Gradiant's technologies can help manufacturers recycle 98-99% of the ultrapure water they require daily.

The rise of interest in manufacturing in recent years can be attributed to the impact of the pandemic on supply chains, geopolitical situations, and the urgency of sustainability. John Hart, a professor at MIT, highlights the crucial role of mechanical engineers in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. They are developing new products, industrial processes, and sustainable manufacturing technologies that aim to reduce environmental impacts in industrial production.

In the realm of additive manufacturing, VulcanForms is making a mark. They have developed a machine architecture for metal additive manufacturing that can build parts with exceptional quality and productivity. Their machines are integrated in a fully digital production system, combining AM, postprocessing, and precision machining. VulcanForms also makes and sells parts for their customers using their fleet of industrial machines.

While factories and plants can deplete local water reserves and generate vast amounts of waste, some of which can be toxic, these innovative startups are providing solutions to these problems. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in August 2021, aims to drastically expand the U.S. semiconductor industry, strengthen supply chains, and invest in R&D for new technological breakthroughs. As these startups continue to grow and evolve, they are poised to play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable and efficient future for industrial manufacturing.