Emergent Technology
Emergent Technology defines the development of new and cutting-edge innovations which are on the path of developing from early concept through to full commercialisation. These technologies are key to both start-ups and developed companies in gaining a leading edge in their market.
Otto Simon’s staff have specific knowledge and hands-on experience in supporting clients as they advance their technologies through critical development stages. This includes assessing feasibility, developing robust process safety frameworks, delivering Opex/Capex estimates and undertaking technical due diligence to support Series A funding or grant applications. We are able to provide guidance on intellectual property protection, the integration of core technology into larger plants, and the safe scale-up of systems from laboratory or pilot level through to commercial operation. By answering key questions around scope, performance, cost, programme and compliance, we provide clarity and confidence to technology developers and their investors.
Our track record demonstrates that we are a reliable partner for organisations bringing new technologies to market. We have supported clients in building demonstration plants that then formed the basis for the first commercial facilities, helped companies successfully complete funding rounds, and worked alongside innovators to secure grants and deliver essential trials. Our involvement often spans the full lifecycle of a project, from early-stage concept and feasibility through to detailed design, EPCm of pilot plants and operational support, providing continuity and consistency at every step.
We work collaboratively with our clients, taking the time to understand both the technical ambition and the commercial realities of their projects as well as the specific challenges they will experience as they scale up their technology and seek to demonstrate Technology Readiness Level to progress through from Pilot Plants through to full commercial facilities. As an Employee-Owned Trust, every member of the Otto Simon team is directly invested in the success of our clients, which fosters accountability, pragmatism and a partnership-driven approach. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, responsibility, camaraderie and pragmatism, we are committed to delivering solutions that are safe, effective and tailored to the unique challenges of industrial biotechnology projects.
How OSL Can Help Clients
OSL positions itself as a strategic engineering partner or Owner's Engineer, providing the technical expertise a client needs to commercialise their technology. Their services are designed to address the key challenges and questions a client will face:
- Engineering Partner / Owner's Engineer: We can act as our client's representative, providing independent technical oversight and ensuring the project is executed to the highest standards.
- Developing and Integrating Core Technology: Helping clients take their core technology and design it into a functional, scalable plant, from initial concept through to commercial operation. This includes helping with pilot and demonstration plants.
- From TRL 5 to TRL 7: In this critical scale-up phase, helping clients validate their technology in a real-world environment is critical for the technology’s commercial success.
- Developing and Securing Intellectual Property (IP): While Otto Simon do not hold any Patents directly, we have historically supported clients in defining the technical basis of their IP to successfully secure any IP claim.
- Technical Due-Diligence: OSL provides detailed technical reviews for investors, helping to validate the technology, project costs, and risks, which is crucial for securing Series A funding.
- Process Safety: This is a core part of OSL's offering. We conduct hazard studies and safety assessments to ensure the plant can be built and operated safely, which is a non-negotiable for both clients and regulators.
How OSL Delivers on Its Promises
OSL helps clients answer the fundamental questions about their project's viability through a structured, phased approach. The deliverables are designed to provide the client and potential investors with a clear, data-driven understanding of the project's feasibility and costs.
- What will the plant look like (Scope): OSL's engineers develop a detailed scope of work, including conceptual and feasibility studies, to define the plant's design and operational requirements.
- Will it work (Opex etc.): They create Opex (operational expenditure) estimates by analysing raw material costs, energy consumption, and labour, proving the project's operational viability.
- How much will it cost to build (Capex): OSL provides Capex (capital expenditure) estimates, from order-of-magnitude costs in early phases to more detailed figures later on, giving clients a clear financial roadmap.
- How long will it take to build (Programme): They develop a project schedule, or Programme, outlining key milestones and timelines for design, procurement, and construction.
- What are the chances of it blowing up: OSL conducts rigorous Process Safety studies, including Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) reviews, to identify and mitigate risks.
- Will the authorities let us build it (regulatory compliance): OSL provides expertise in regulatory compliance, ensuring the project meets all necessary legal and planning requirements.
The ultimate goal of these efforts is to produce a series of deliverables—Opex/Capex Estimates, Concept, Feasibility, and Due Diligence Reports—that lead to the successful EPCm (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) of pilot and demonstration plants. This comprehensive approach helps clients confidently transition from an innovative idea to a fully realized, commercial asset.
Meet Our Head of Sector
Peter Creer
Peter is a highly experienced process engineer and project manager with expertise in various process industries. He has led detailed engineering design teams, overseeing projects from conceptual design to plant commissioning and de-bottlenecking. Peter has a strong background in process safety and environmental management and is our Head of Sector for Emergent & Biotechnology.
Drift Energy
Vessel Integration
OSL have been working with Drift Energy to develop their Hydroloop Project. OSL were responsible for the design of the process plant, and the integration with the
vessel design.
Calysta Demonstration Plant
OSL were Principal Designer and Principal Contractor on the project, carrying out detailed design, expediting procurement, managing construction, and plant commissioning alongside CPI.