Lyon welcomes MCatalysis’ first European industrial prototype
US deep-tech company MCatalysis has selected the Lyon metropolitan area to launch its European industrial operations. By setting up at the Axel’One platform, the company aims to accelerate the development of its breakthrough catalysis technology within one of Europe’s leading ecosystems for chemistry and energy transition.
A strategic location at the heart of chemistry and energy transition
Founded in 2025, MCatalysis is developing a breakthrough technology based on microwave-activated catalysis. This innovation enables the conversion of carbon-based waste—such as industrial off-gases, plastics, and agricultural residues—into sustainable fuels and high-value chemical products.
Following an initial funding round led by HL Energy Ventures, the company chose Lyon to accelerate its industrial scale-up and structure its commercial expansion across Europe.
The installation of its pilot unit at Axel’One marks a key milestone: moving from laboratory research to industrial-scale production.
Lyon: a unique ecosystem for breakthrough technologies
Lyon stands out at the European level thanks to several key strengths:
- A leading industrial hub at the crossroads of chemistry, energy, and advanced materials value chains
- A top-tier academic and research base with over 190,000 students and 13,000 researchers
- A dense network of global industrial leaders and innovative SMEs
- Strong expertise in transition industries, including circular chemistry, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and low-carbon processes
This positioning makes Lyon a true “impact factory”, capable of transforming scientific breakthroughs into large-scale industrial solutions.
ONLYLYON Invest: a key partner in the project
ONLYLYON Invest supported MCatalysis throughout its establishment process, facilitating connections with key local stakeholders and providing administrative and legal support.
“MCatalysis’ arrival confirms Lyon’s position as a global hub for chemical and environmental innovation.”
— Bertrand Foucher, Managing Director of ONLYLYON Invest
Axel’One: accelerating industrial scale-up
Located on the La Doua science campus in Villeurbanne, Axel’One plays a strategic role in bridging academic research and industry.
The platform provides MCatalysis with:
- Access to cutting-edge pilot equipment
- A collaborative environment with leading industrial players
- Near-industrial conditions to test and optimize its catalysis processes
This setup will enable the company to accelerate the development and deployment of its sustainable fuel and chemical production solutions.
A European industrial ambition
For founder and CEO Michael Irwin, choosing Lyon was a strategic decision:
“The region’s industrial density, scientific excellence, and the support from ONLYLYON Invest allow us to accelerate our ambition: producing sustainable fuels and synthetic molecules at cost parity with petrochemicals.”
With this new establishment, MCatalysis strengthens Lyon’s momentum in low-carbon reindustrialization and further positions the region as a leading European hub for energy transition technologies.