Ze-gen: Commercializing Clean Tech

Abstract:     
The Ze-gen case covers the first 5 years in the life of a clean-tech start-up. Set in summer 2010, Ze-gen had developed an innovative technology that converted solid waste into synthesis gas (called syngas). This technology was in testing at the company's pilot plant, built next to the New Bedford, Massachusetts landfill. By summer 2010, Davis's team was poised to take the next big step in building a successful clean tech company. It was time to take the company's technology to market, identify customers willing to pay, and scale the business for commercial success.

Learning Objective:
The case enables discussion of the challenges of building capital-intensive, high risk technology ventures, highlighting issues concerning financing, testing, and commercialization/scaling.

working papers series