Recognizing Innovation and Leadership in Clean Chemistry
Loughborough University continues to foster groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial talent, as evidenced by the recent success of R3V Tech. Dr. Adriano Randi, CEO and co-founder of the Loughborough University spin-out, has been named Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year at the East Midlands Leadership Awards 2026. This prestigious accolade celebrates his visionary leadership in transforming cutting-edge clean-chemistry research into a commercially viable solution with real-world impact.
From Laboratory Breakthrough to Market-Ready Technology
Based in LUinc., Loughborough University’s incubator on the Science and Enterprise Park, R3V Tech is pioneering an electrochemical process that addresses a significant challenge in the biodiesel industry. The company, co-founded by Dr. Randi and Professor Benjamin Buckley, has developed a method to convert crude glycerol – a byproduct of biodiesel production – into solketal, a valuable bio-derived solvent and fuel additive.
This innovative approach offers multiple benefits to biodiesel producers. By enabling on-site conversion at biodiesel plants, the technology reduces transportation emissions and eliminates the need for energy-intensive refining processes. The process represents a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable and circular economy within the renewable energy sector.
A Milestone Achievement: Successful Pilot Trial
R3V Tech recently achieved a major technical milestone with the successful completion of its first pilot trial. The trial demonstrated more than 20 hours of continuous operation, validating a scalable pathway to produce chemicals faster while consuming less energy and reducing emissions. This achievement marks a crucial step in moving from laboratory research to commercial deployment.
The recognition from the East Midlands Leadership Awards comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it transitions from breakthrough research to commercial reality. Dr. Randi’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating this journey, combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision.
Building on Strong Academic Foundations
Dr. Randi’s journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial pathway supported by Loughborough University. Holding a PhD in plasma chemistry from Loughborough, he was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship to advance the technology underpinning R3V Tech. The company’s development was supported through the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account and the Innovate UK-funded ICURe programme, which assists in creating university spin-out companies.
In 2025, R3V Tech was selected for both the Shell Start-Up Engine and the Royal Society of Chemistry Change Makers programme, providing additional resources and recognition to accelerate progress toward market entry. These programmes highlight the company’s potential to make a significant impact in the cleantech sector.
Vision for the Future: Modular, Scalable Solutions
The team’s long-term vision involves delivering a self-contained, modular unit that houses the electrochemical reactor and supporting components. This plug-in system would allow biodiesel producers to easily start converting crude glycerol into solketal on-site, making the technology accessible and practical for widespread adoption.
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, commented on the recognition: “Congratulations to Adriano on this well-deserved recognition. It’s a great endorsement of his entrepreneurial leadership and the progress R3V Tech is making as the team builds on strong pilot results and moves towards a scalable technology with real potential for industry.”
Seeking Partners for Scale-Up and Deployment
As R3V Tech moves toward commercialization, the company is actively seeking partners and early adopters. Specifically, they are looking for biodiesel producers who can host pilot trials and provide crude glycerol samples for testing. This collaborative approach will be essential for refining the technology and demonstrating its value across different operational contexts.
For organizations interested in exploring partnership opportunities, pilot trials, or sample submission, Dr. Adriano Randi can be contacted directly at [email protected]. This presents a valuable opportunity for biodiesel producers to engage with cutting-edge technology that could enhance their operational efficiency and sustainability credentials.
The Broader Impact: Sustainability and Innovation
R3V Tech’s work sits at the intersection of several critical challenges facing our society: the need for renewable energy, the importance of waste reduction, and the imperative to develop more sustainable industrial processes. By converting a waste product into a valuable chemical, the company is demonstrating how innovation can create both economic and environmental value.
The recognition of Dr. Randi and R3V Tech through the East Midlands Leadership Awards highlights the vital role that university spin-outs play in translating academic research into practical solutions. It also underscores Loughborough University’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation that addresses real-world challenges.
As R3V Tech continues its journey from research to market, the company stands as an inspiring example of how scientific innovation, when combined with entrepreneurial vision and institutional support, can create solutions that benefit both industry and the environment. The Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award not only recognizes past achievements but also signals confidence in the company’s potential to make a lasting impact on the biodiesel industry and beyond.
