A bright idea to reduce the harmful effect of chemical lights.

How enzymes are being harnessed to transform a toxic chemical industry 

The Opportunity

Chemical lighting (aka chemiluminescence) is a multi-billion-dollar chemical industry with many applications across a range of industries: biomedical assays; lures in the fishing industry; signaling devices in marine safety; and beacons in the military. But despite its usefulness, chemical lighting technology is laden with issues. It relies on petrochemicals and single-use plastics, and many formulations produce potent carcinogens. Lux Bio is determined to transform the chemical lighting industry with its natural, non-toxic, and sustainable alternative. 

The Challenge

Lux Bio has developed a bioluminescent lighting system that harnesses the power of bioluminescent enzymes – exactly what gives fireflies their magical glow. The “Lume” is non-toxic, marine-biodegradable, and meets industry standards for chemiluminescence performance for brightness and duration. Lux Bio has received certification that their products have no ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation, ‘other adverse effects’, or biodegradation concerns – meaning when the Lume is done shining, the materials are ready to be composted. With all this in place, Lux Bio has significant commercial interest and is ready scale.  

NPC’s Solution

NPC provided $350,000 through its Proof of Concept Program to help Lux Bio address its scaling needs. The scope of work will help them produce volumes at quantities needed by the various industries it serves, reduce production costs to achieve competitiveness and profitability, demonstrate effectiveness as a drop-in solution, and compile operational data and case studies to increase market penetration. At time of publication, the company has signed a $622,000 contract with the Canadian Coast guard, was making a healthy start on the demonstration efforts in the marine safety, oil & gas, and commercial fishing industries, and will be pursuing a capital raise