Lux takes a unique approach to the energy sector by identifying market inefficiencies for which the largest energy corporations in the world will pay a technology-driven provider a significant premium to resolve. Examples include converting cheap, abundant natural gas into high-value chemicals and fuels; advanced remediation of nuclear waste; and curbing the enormous losses associated with power conversion and distribution.
Accelergy is a global leader in producing direct replacement, low carbon synthetic transportation fuels at less cost both to the environment and to customers. Accelergy uses domestic resources such as natural gas, biomass and coal to produce cost-competitive fuels with a reduced CO2 footprint compared to traditional petroleum-based fuels. Accelergy's unique process schemes and proprietary catalysts can be used within existing infrastructures.
PHOTO: Tim Vail, CEO
Crystal IS is the market leader in the commercialization of ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) for the cost-effective production of long lasting, energy-efficient water and air purification devices. The company was acquired by Asahi Kasei in 2011.
Kurion was founded by Lux as an advanced materials and technology company specifically solving the problems of nuclear waste. Kurion was the only U.S. company selected to participate in the unprecedented cleanup efforts in Fukushima, Japan.
PHOTO: John Raymont, Co-Founder & CEO
Lux Research is the leading market intelligence and strategic advisory firm for energy, cleantech, and science-driven innovation. The company helps leaders in business, finance, and government make better informed strategic decisions. Through its proprietary methodologies and global network of innovators, Lux Research clients uncover opportunities and gain competitive advantage.
Nanosys is an industry-leading nanotechnology company developing, manufacturing and selling products based on a technology platform of high performance inorganic nanostructures. Nanosys' technology is covered by a portfolio of over 500 patents and applications that is currently being applied to multiple industries including flat-panel displays and batteries.
PHOTO: Jason Hartlove, CEO
QD Soleil has developed and consolidated a range of technologies for use in solar, including the use of spectrum capture enhancers such as quantum dots; nanoparticle scattering and light capture materials; semiconducting inks; and materials for dual nanocrystal and hybrid organic/nanocrystal designs. QD Soleil controls an IP estate of over 500 patents and patent applications, with fundamental patents related to the materials, processing, and use of nanotechnology in solar.
Siluria is based on groundbreaking MIT technology that combines nanotechnology, biotechnology and chemical engineering to create new catalysts that convert natural gas into valuable fuels and chemicals. Siluria’s technology will allow natural gas providers to enter new multi-billion dollar markets.
PHOTO: Co-Founders Alex Tkachenko & Erik Scher
Transphorm is redefining power conversion. Leveraging the latest advances in modern materials and unmatched expertise, Transphorm's ultra-efficient power modules eliminate up to 90% of all electric conversion losses. From HVACs to hybrids; servers to solar panels - Transphorm enables significant energy savings across the grid.
PHOTO: Co-Founders Primit Parikh & Umesh Mishra
Case Study
While most investors looked toward solar and biofuels, Lux sought what they didn’t. We researched and developed a variant perception around nuclear power. After studying every part of the fuel cycle, from uranium mining to new modular reactors, we identified the biggest unsolved problem: what to do with the waste? Huge problems mean huge opportunities.
Born in this contrarian view, we founded and funded Kurion alongside a team of extraordinary industry talent and with a set of advanced technologies to solve the single biggest known—but neglected problem—in energy and environment. Just one year after Lux led the company's seed financing, Kurion won a transformative contract from TEPCO to use its technology for the Fukushima nuclear plant cleanup. The Kurion system has been successfully working to remove over 99% of the radioactivity from the contaminated water it is treating- not only making for a great business, but also helping to avert a nuclear meltdown.
Case Study
Umesh Mishra was a Cornell graduate student who found a mentor in Lux Venture Partner Herb Goronkin more than two decades ago. Ten years ago, Umesh successfully started and sold his first company (Nitres) to Cree for nearly a quarter billion dollars. Fast forward to the present: Lux helped, as founding investors with Kleiner Perkins, to launch his next and most promising company Transphorm. Since being formed in 2007, Umesh and his co-founder Primit Parikh have led the company to success - demonstrating world record efficiency in electric power conversion and unveiling breakthrough products to the world. Transphorm promises to redefine energy efficiency, offering tremendous savings potential across the grid.