Nigel Reuel, a founder from Iowa State University, joined the Iowa Tech podcast to discuss his venture, Zymosense. Zymosense aims to revolutionize enzyme activity measurement with its cutting-edge sensor technology. Enzymes, which are proteins performing catalytic steps, are crucial in various industries, and Zymosense’s technology offers a sustainable way to conduct materials-based research by directly measuring enzyme activity on actual materials, like plastics, without relying on proxies.
Nigel’s journey began at Iowa State University in 2016, after moving from Vermont, where enzyme measurement challenges sparked his interest in developing a solution. With support from federal research dollars, Nigel and his graduate student, Nathaniel Kalmier, successfully spun out Zymosense in 2021. The company has secured intellectual property rights through Iowa State University and has been awarded federal SBIR grants, aiding its growth.
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The conversation highlighted Nigel’s transition from a technical background to understanding business dynamics, especially in pitching and team growth. Zymosense’s pitch evolved significantly, demonstrating early-stage growth and the importance of adapting to audience feedback. Nigel emphasized the necessity of moving from prototypes to products, a challenge faced by many tech founders. As Zymosense progresses, it aims to become a key player in enzyme research and development, potentially merging with larger companies in the future.
Nigel also shared insights on starting a business in Iowa, praising the supportive ecosystem and the concept of “Iowa nice,” which fosters community and collaboration. He highlighted the state’s rich talent pool from universities and the supportive angel investor community.
Additionally, Nigel teaches a course at Iowa State University on Deep Technology Venture Creation, aiming to guide PhD students in transforming innovative ideas into ventures. This course bridges the gap between technology and business, offering students experiential learning opportunities.