Maria Emanuel

We are excited to share that British chemical company Revolymer PLC recently acquired Itaconix Corporation, a local company whose products are based on licensed UNH intellectual property, for $7 million.

Dr. Yvon Durant, a former UNH faculty member in Materials Science, and John Shaw, co-founded Itaconix in 2008. Initially the pair licensed bio-based polymer technology out of UNH and have continued to expand its technology base, producing novel polymer products through itaconic acid polymerization. The company is located in Stratham, NH, and maintains relationships with UNH, including employment of UNH graduates. In the last few years, Itaconix experienced significant growth, which got the company thinking about scaling into more international markets. After discussions with several potential companies, Revolymer emerged as the best partner. Products that Itaconix specializes in are used in home, personal care, and industry and Revolymer works closely with polymer products involved in those markets. Interestingly, Revolymer also has academic roots, as it is a spinout company from the University of Bristol.

Shaw and Durant will become part of the Revolymer management team.  Leaders of both companies hope the acquisition will increase sales worldwide as well as help Revolymer to better reach North American markets.

The acquisition of Itaconix is the first such event for any of UNH’s startup companies, and UNHInnovation is thrilled to see a startup originating at UNH advanced to this level. We look forward to watching the continued growth and expansion of the company.

Maria Emanuel
Associate Director