Khepra

Khepra is a United States-based climate technology company developing a process to convert plastics and agricultural waste into higher-value fuels and chemical products. Its approach uses proprietary ultrasonic technology to apply high-intensity focused ultrasound, which supplies the heat and pressure required for its chemical reactions. The company positions this as a way to make use of renewable electricity that would otherwise be curtailed or wasted, converting fixed renewable generation into a portable energy source.

The company frames its work around two problems: the volume of waste generated by even small cities, cited as roughly 70 tons per day, and accumulated plastic waste. By valorizing these waste streams through what it describes as high-energy, low-cost sonication, Khepra aims to produce renewable fuels and chemicals without the drilling associated with conventional feedstocks. It is categorized across climate tech, energy, industrial bio and sustainable manufacturing.

Founding story

Khepra was co-founded by Julie Kring, who serves as CEO, and Madeleine Allen, who serves as COO. It is identified as a female-founded company.

Business model

Khepra produces renewable fuels and chemical products from waste feedstocks such as plastics and agricultural residues, using excess renewable electricity as its energy input.

Traction

The company participated in IndieBio's Demo Day, pitching alongside other biotech startups in the accelerator's cohort, as covered by TechCrunch in October 2020.