The material has very low thermal conductivity, so buildings created with this material are naturally thermally efficient. Furthermore, the material is highly durable and resilient. These qualities prove geopolymers to be a greener solution than cement-based concrete, increasing accessibility to building materials and contributing to a circular economy approach.

For these reasons, the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) has chosen Theseus Development as the ISC3 Start-up of the Month for August 2024.

Geopolymers present a new way of making concrete materials. Here, the binder is made out of aluminosilicates – a mineral that occurs naturally in a high abundance in the earth´s crust. While the production process of cement requires the chemical separation and emission of carbon dioxide from limestone under extreme temperatures, for geopolymers, the procedure is less energy costly and does not create emissions. More specifically, the source mineral just has to be milled down to a certain particle size to become reactive.

The utilization of aluminosilicates contributes to a circular economy, since 60 % of quarry or mine waste consist of the former. Buildings made with this substance will not only save costs on building material, but also on costs from thermoregulation, since geopolymers have low thermal conductivity, meaning that the material does not transfer, but retain heat or cold. Since no chemical extraction process of the source mineral is needed, more buildings could be constructed at a faster pace, without compromising materials.

The whole success story of the Start-up of the Month in August 2024 is currently told by the ISC3 on its website at Start-up Theseus Development (isc3.org). 

Three questions for Evans Nartey (CEO & Founder of Theseus Development):

What led to your solution in Sustainable Chemistry?

Evans Nartey: My motivation to become an engineer and my interest in the construction industry began in my childhood. When my mother got divorced and did not have a home of her own, I dreamed of building her a house. So I decided to study engineering at college to learn how to design and construct buildings. During my studies, I came across an alternative building material called geopolymers. Studies had shown that this material had advantages over concrete in terms of durability, strength and sustainability. So I wanted to develop a solution to help millions of people like my mother who face the same problem - access to affordable housing.

What does being chosen as ISC3 Start-up of the Month mean to you?

E. Nartey: It means a lot. Actually, I knew ISC3 before the African Climate Innovation Challenge. I've been following them back in 2021. So, the moment I saw them as part of the implementing partners, I was like “wow, what a world”. So, luckily, it all came together and ISC3 provided us with a great international visibility.

What’s next up at Theseus Development?

E. Nartey: Our objective is to construct a pilot production facility with a capacity of 60 to 70 tonnes. We will then continue to focus on our core competencies, namely innovation and development, with the aim of further optimising the design. This is in line with the founding team's core discipline. We will also strive to enhance accessibility, sustainability, affordability and environmental responsibility. A well-engineered product should be capable of meeting these objectives.