Our 2026 PFAS innovation cohort

Accelerating start-ups that focus on PFAS detection, treatment, and alternatives.

This cohort will support chemistry innovators working in environmental chemistry, water treatment, advanced materials, and/or sustainable manufacturing.

PFAS exposure is now widely recognised as posing a significant threat to human health. With market and regulatory pressures driving increased innovation, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Change Makers accelerator programme will be supporting the next generation of start-ups in this rapidly evolving space.

Our strategic focus areas will be as follows:

PFAS detection and monitoring
PFAS destruction and treatment
PFAS alternatives and product re-design

How we will support them

Our accelerator programme helps early-stage impact-focused deep tech chemistry start-ups go further and faster.

This is what you’ll get:

Access to deep tech chemistry start-up mentors
Structured masterclasses focussing on technology development and market entry Investment support
Peer group engagement
Access to professional services

Alongside our venture programmes, the RSC’s Policy and Evidence team draws on broad expertise to provide PFAS-focussed advice to the Government. We have access to a wide network of experts that we work with on PFAS-related topics, such as toxicology, analytical methods, remediation, alternatives, public attitudes to PFAS, and regulatory approaches for PFAS management.

Who we are supporting

We will focus on start-ups advancing PFAS innovation through cleaner chemistry or materials with superior performance and reduced environmental impact:

Advanced adsorbents & membranes
Catalytic or electrochemical destruction
Green surfactants & functional chemistries
PFAS-free barrier materials & coatings
Remediation & monitoring of emerging contaminants
Advanced materials for technical applications

Our cohort

Demeter Bio

Replacing PFAS with bio-based, durable water and oil repellent coatings

AguaShield is a bio-based, PFAS-free coating that replaces fluorinated finishes while delivering durable water, oil and alcohol repellency. Built from natural polymers and applied using standard waterborne processes, it enables manufacturers to comply with upcoming PFAS bans without sacrificing performance, scalability or existing production infrastructure.

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Nanofinity

Biomolecule-directed precision magnetite nanomaterials for scalable PFAS destruction

We engineer magnetite nanoparticles precisely anchored onto biochar using programmable biological assembly. This creates high surface area, reactive materials that rapidly adsorb and degrade PFAS. The manufacturing process operates at ambient conditions, eliminating high-energy inputs and hazardous synthesis routes while delivering scalable, low-cost products with superior performance and environmental compatibility.

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ADN Coatings

PFAS replacement coatings with multiple liquids repellence

ADN delivers PFAS‑free nanocoatings that repel water, oil, and stains with exceptional durability. Our proprietary chemistry matches PFAS performance at cost parity and integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing lines, enabling brands to meet rising environmental standards without disruption—proving sustainable materials can outperform legacy solutions.

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Micromelt

Microwave-driven catalytic deconstruction of PFAS

Microwave-driven catalysis enables rapid, energy-efficient PFAS destruction by coupling electromagnetic fields with waste-derived carbon absorbers that localise hotspots and activate resilient C–F bonds. This approach transforms persistent pollutants into benign products under mild bulk conditions, offering a scalable, circular solution that integrates waste valorisation with advanced environmental remediation.

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Pure Capture Innovations

Next-generation sustainable adsorbent for short-chain PFAS and other difficult micropollutants.

Pure Capture develops sustainable biochar-molecular filter composites that outperform activated carbon, capturing short-chain PFAS and micropollutants from water. Drop-in replacement cuts embodied carbon 80%, OPEX 60%, and eliminates CAPEX. Circular sludge-to-biochar and end-of-life repurposing in the built-environment locks away carbon while protecting public health—UK manufacturing for net-zero water security.

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2Encapsulate

Electrochemical destruction of PFAS contaminants in water.

Encapsulate is developing an electrochemical treatment system that permanently destroys PFAS in contaminated water. Using Magnéli phase titanium suboxide electrodes, the technology breaks the strong carbon-fluorine bonds responsible for PFAS persistence. The modular system is designed for landfill leachate, industrial wastewater and firefighting foam contamination.

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Fluorocycle

Breaking down “forever chemicals” with scalable low energy destruction technology.

We have developed a chemical process capable of destroying a broad range of PFAS “forever chemicals”. This chemical destruction approach breaks down PFAS at 10x lower temperatures than high temperature incineration (HTI) and uses simple reagents to fully mineralise PFAS into fluoride salts. Low energy and affordable PFAS elimination onsite.

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Anthera Remediation Technologies

Forever chemicals, gone forever.

We’ve developed a sustainable, cost-effective solution to degrade over 90% of harmful PFAS compounds in contaminated waters without using high temperatures or pressure. Our process reduces energy use, operational costs, and alleviates public health risks, offering a more efficient alternative to current PFAS remediation methods.

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Questions?

Get in touch if you have questions about our support or the application process for this cohort.

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