Enspired Solutions Tackles One of Environment’s Toughest Challenges: PFAS

POSTED: Monday, February 14, 2022

CATEGORY: Foundation News

Most people don’t think about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) every day, but they are a major problem in our world. Also known as forever chemicals, they enter the environment in post-production waste and have the potential to harm the reproductive, developmental and immunological systems of humans and animals. These toxic chemicals are also found in firefighting foams, coatings and lubricants. 

However, two scientists turned entrepreneurs see this worldwide dilemma as an opportunity. Enspired Solutions, an environmental services startup based in Laingsburg, Michigan, sprang from the minds of Michigan State University alumnae Dr. Denise Kay and Dr. Meng Wang in July 2021. Kay holds a PhD in environmental toxicology, while Wang holds a PhD in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. 

The current solutions to manage PFAS are either incineration or burying, which are counterproductive, as they recycle the pollutants back into the environment in a different form. In response, Kay and Wang have set out to manufacture a piece of equipment that plugs directly into water systems to destroy PFAS completely. Their patented chemistry, used in their product PFASigator is set to launch within the next nine months.  

“The PFAS remediation market is massive, scaling over $160B, yet many PFAS removal methods fall short because they re-release toxins into the environment,” said Kay. “We formed Enspired Solutions to remedy this destructive process and provide a better cost-performance balance to eliminate disposal problems and meet regulations. PFAS should concern everyone; when they enter the environment, they stay forever, specifically in the water cycle.”  

Kay and Wang leased a space in Michigan State University Foundation’s VanCamp Incubator last summer. They were quickly introduced to Spartan Innovations, a subsidiary of the MSU Foundation, and Red Cedar Ventures, which became an investor in Enspired’s early-stage product innovation. In addition to receiving funding from Red Cedar, Enspired continues to build key relationships with other organizations in the MSU Foundation network, including Michigan Rise.  

“Moving into VanCamp in December 2021 sparked an incredible opportunity by introducing us to everything the MSU Foundation has to offer,” said Kay. “From financial support to startup resources, to community relations within the MSU Innovation Network, the MSU Foundation remains a trusting and exciting partner for us as we continue to grow our business.” 

“Finding founders with a wealth of knowledge and a genuine willingness to learn is something we look for when scoping out new venture opportunities,” said Jeff Wesley, executive director of Spartan Innovations, Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures. “Enspired is not only solving problems, but they are also prioritizing the most serious issues impacting our world today. Denise and Meng have a remarkable technical and business background, and we’re proud to be part of their growth story by providing them guidance and resources.” 

Kay and Wang hope Enspired Solutions will succeed in eradicating PFAS from the fragile environment forever. They anticipate continued growth in 2022 as they track for launch and distribution of their technology by the end of the calendar year. To learn more about Enspired Solutions, visit: enspiredsolutions.com