Cleantech pioneer Mint Innovation adds LanzaTech Founder to its Board of Directors, fuelling growth

Auckland – 8th November 2023 – 2023 InnovationAus award winner and cleantech innovator Mint Innovation, specialising in using low-carbon technology to extract ‘green’ metals from electronic waste to accelerate local, circular supply, today announced the appointment of Dr Sean Simpson to its Board of Directors. Simpson brings over two decades of experience commercialising pioneering technology platforms for sustainable fuels, chemicals and proteins.

In 2005, Simpson founded the carbon recycling company LanzaTech, which transforms pollution into valuable raw materials for reuse. He continues to serve as the Chief Scientific Officer and recently led the team through their listing on the Nasdaq in 2022. In his role, Simpson has led a team in scaling a cleantech business globally and knows about the opportunities and complexities of building facilities concurrently and in multiple countries.  

“I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at Mint Innovation, a true pioneer in the waste-to-value sector. As we look into a net zero future, the need for innovative low-carbon technologies to transform waste into valuable materials is key to that transition”, said Sean Simpson. “Mint Innovation has many similarities to LanzaTech as well as some unique opportunities, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my experience with Mint’s executive team as they globalise their technology”.  

Dr Will Barker, Mint Innovation’s Founder and CEO, spent seven years as Vice President of External Affairs with Simpson at LanzaTech, where he led the Legal and Intellectual Property teams before founding Mint Innovation in 2016.  

With this latest appointment, Mint farewells Ross Peat, who has served seven years on Mint Innovation’s Board, joining the team following Icehouse Ventures Seed investment in 2016. “We are extremely grateful for Ross’ dedication and invaluable contributions during his tenure on Mint’s board”, says Mint Innovation Chair Catherine Drayton. “Under his direction, our team achieved some incredible milestones to get us to this stage, and we hope for his continued collaboration and involvement in other capacities”.  

After winning two awards at the InnovationAus Awards in Sydney last week, and closing out Series C round of NZD $65 million, Mint is well-equipped to rapidly expand operations into key markets globally, including the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.