In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.
At a glance
Founders: Jonathan Ring and Prof. Aaron Marshall
Business: Zincovery
Founded: 2020
HQ: Canterbury
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
At Zincovery it’s our mission to decarbonize zinc recycling. We recycle zinc from furnace dust, a hazardous byproduct of steel recycling. We purchase the furnace dust from steel mills and refine the zinc from it using our proprietary technology. Our technology can produce zinc at 45% lower cost and when combined with renewables we can produce zinc with 95% less emissions when compared to traditional recycling. In essence, we’re transforming hazardous waste into valuable resources, championing a greener, more cost-effective future.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
Zincovery originated from the University of Canterbury. While pursuing a Masters in Chemical and Process Engineering, Jonathan (Jono) Ring delved into zinc recycling applications under the guidance of Prof. Aaron Marshall. A significant technical breakthrough in their research led to the birth of Zincovery as a business venture cofounded by Jono and Aaron. Since its inception, Zincovery has successfully completed two capital raises and scaled its innovative technology to a pilot plant, recovering an impressive 100 kg of zinc to date. As we set our sights on the future, Zincovery is gearing up to establish its first commercial plant in Australia, with ambitious plans to expand into the USA and Europe.
What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?
- KiwiNet’s Emerging Innovator Programme – highly recommended for any PhD or Masters student at a New Zealand university.
- The Innovator’s Dilemma – great read on the business of disruption and how startups can leverage new technology to displace entrenched incumbents.
- Straight Talk for Startups – frank and honest advice regarding the ins and outs of running a startup and the felt experience of it.
WORKING ON SOMETHING NEW, INTERESTING OR IMPORTANT? JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF FOUNDERS AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENTURE HERE.
