Munich Startup: What does your startup Isar Pyrolysis do? What problem do you solve?
Isar Pyrolysis: We develop and build small-scale, mobile and energy self-sufficient pyrolysis plants for decentralized use. These can be used anywhere in the world to decentrally convert plastic waste into valuable fuels such as petrol and diesel.
We are helping to ensure that plastic waste, which would otherwise have been broken down into microplastics or incinerated, disappears from the environment. At the same time, we supply remote places with fuel.
Energy from plastic for remote locations
Munich Startup: But that already exists!
Isar Pyrolysis: Plastic pyrolysis has so far only been available on larger to significantly larger scales. Our pyrolysis system can simply be transported to where it is needed without any local infrastructure requirements. This makes us a solution to the plastic waste problem in places where there is no other solution.
We also produce fuels directly from plastic waste. Pyrolysis oil usually has to be further processed in refineries. We save ourselves all these transportation routes.
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Isar Pyrolysis: The idea for plastic waste pyrolysis originally came from Elias, who had already pursued the project in his school days. During his studies, he approached the chair where Marc is doing his doctorate to get support in the areas of construction, production and design. Together they won second prize at the TUM IDEAward and continued the project in the direction of a startup. In addition, Daniel was brought on board for prototyping and Florian for administrative tasks and IT. We are currently at the TUM VentureLabs and are working on our latest prototype from there, which we want to test abroad at the end of the year.
Isar Pyrolysis honored with TUM IDEAward
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Isar Pyrolysis: The design and manufacture of our product are definitely the biggest challenges. Due to our claim that our system should be low-cost and low-maintenance, there are some technical challenges that we have solved with the simplest but most effective methods possible. This enables us to sell a pyrolysis system that is easy to operate and low-maintenance, which can be used by anyone anywhere in the world.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where would you like to be in five years?
Isar Pyrolysis: In one year, we want to have tested and optimized our core components so that we can launch a market-ready version of the pyrolysis system. In five years, we want to have expanded our production and secured the 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: So far, we have only had positive experiences. The TUM ecosystem around UnternehmerTUM provides a powerful network where you can get a lot of support if you ask. From startup advice, funding and workshops to premises and other founders, there are many opportunities to advance your own start-up.
Munich Startup: Risk or security?
Isar Pyrolysis: A healthy mix of both. We choose the golden mean.
