© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Improving our world... one discovery at a time Strategies for building a successful green start-up Michael Lefenfeld, President & CEO SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. Chemicals Management Forum May 15, 2012 Lessons from the [green] trenches

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com SiGNa’s core belief is that the most serious problems our world faces can be solved through better chemistry. Lesson #1 Start with a vision.

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com To improve the bottom line, your chemical management standards must be treated as a key corporate value. Green is more than just good PR. Lesson #2

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Start with good science. When you practice sound scientific principles, you will automatically achieve green chemistry standards. Lesson #3

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Green chemistry has only recently been taught in universities. Successful green companies make on-going training a requirement in order to create a new generation of green chemists. Educate and retrain. Lesson #4

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Environmental concerns alone are not enough to drive market acceptance of green chemicals. Green products must exceed existing products in design and cost. Don’t forget the design. Lesson #5

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Be aware of the gaps in chemical awareness among your suppliers. Work to push and pull your green principles throughout your supply chain. Know your supply chain. Lesson #6

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Convincing customers to adopt green technologies is a huge barrier for start-ups. Ease the way by solving their pain points. Ease their pain. Lesson #7

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Sound chemical management and regulatory processes are good for business. You’ll protect your customers and employees, avoid recalls and bad press, and create the products and markets of the future. Ignorance and apathy create risk. Lesson #8

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com at SiGNa Chemistry. Green chemistry at work

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Sodium silicide (NaSi) is a safe, air-stable powder that rapidly liberates hydrogen from water or water solutions. 2NaSi(s) + 5H 2 O(ℓ)  5H 2 (g) + Na 2 Si 2 O 5 (aq) + Heat (No Catalyst, Room Temperature) Sodium Silicide Technology NaSi is:  Economical to synthesize  Created from renewable, sustainable materials  Creates zero emissions  Generates only benign byproducts with established resale markets

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Improved and Safer Oil Recovery NaSi safely unlocks trapped oil deposits and improves oil recovery to greater than 40%. Current oil recovery methods access only 20% of existing heavy crude reserves; the rest remains trapped underground. Challenge: Solution:

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Affordable and Renewable Portable Power Target Markets:  Military portable power  Emergency and disaster relief efforts  Outdoor power equipment  Outdoor leisure (boating, camping)  Home backup generators Batteries cannot keep up with demands for higher energy densities and gas generators are highly polluting. Challenge: SiGNa created a portable fuel cell generator as a clean, sustainable power supply for a variety of markets. Solution:

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Pollution Reduction Small combustion engines are responsible for a disproportionate amount of pollution in North America. Challenge: This system can affordably and cleanly power:  Backup and stationary generators  Lawnmowers and outdoor tools  Commercial and worksite generators  Scooters and motorcycles  Electric bicycles SiGNa is developing a high-density, zero pollution fuel cell system to replace small combustion engines (<3kW). Solution:

© 2012 SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.www. signachem.com Changing the way industry performs by creating better materials & processes |