Product Talk Turnover Labs CEO on Scaling Industrial Decarbonization Technologies
Oct 15, 2025
Marissa Beatty, Founder and CEO of Turnover Labs, is a PhD in chemical engineering focused on transforming CO2 emissions into valuable chemicals. She discusses the urgency of scaling climate technologies and emphasizes the importance of market-oriented prototypes. Marissa highlights the advantage of electrochemical methods over traditional processes and the value of customer discovery in development. As a female founder in STEM, she shares insights on communication and the need for talented individuals passionate about industrial systems. She encourages community involvement in climate tech.
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Reluctant Founder Turns Research Into Startup
- Marissa left a planned research path after her PhD when she realized she preferred building over basic science.
- She founded Turnover Labs to commercialize her doctoral electrochemistry work into an industrial product.
Electrochemistry Is Efficient But Industrially Fragile
- Electrochemical processes are far more selective and can be powered by electricity, making them a sustainable alternative to petrochemical 'smash-and-heat' methods.
- The barrier is making them durable, low-cost, and compatible with real-world, dirty industrial conditions.
Start With Specialty Chemicals And Revenue Shares
- Target high-margin specialty chemicals first where you can be cost-competitive with petrochemical routes.
- Use joint development and revenue-share models with sites that produce CO2 to lower capital needs and accelerate deployment.