Turkish deep tech investor 212 NexT has joined the pre Series A funding round of Aepnus, a company developing a new generation of electrochemical manufacturing technology designed to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate hazardous by products from industrial chemical production. The investment reflects growing interest in modular and localised manufacturing systems as industries seek greater supply security and lower environmental impact.
Headquartered in the United States, with operations in Canada and Germany, Aepnus is building a platform aimed at transforming how essential industrial chemicals are produced. The company focuses on replacing traditional energy intensive processes with a modular electrochemical system that can operate on site, closer to end users and industrial facilities.
A modular alternative to legacy chemical processes
Aepnus was founded by Lukas Hackl and Dr Bilen Aküzüm to address long standing challenges in chemical manufacturing. Conventional production of key inputs such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid typically relies on large centralised facilities, high energy consumption, and the generation of hazardous by products, including chlorine gas.
The company’s technology introduces a chlorine free electrochemical process that enables chemicals to be produced locally, reducing transportation costs, improving safety, and lowering carbon emissions. By shifting production closer to where chemicals are consumed, Aepnus aims to strengthen supply chains that are increasingly exposed to volatility, geopolitical risk, and sustainability pressures.
The platform is designed to be modular and scalable, allowing manufacturers to deploy capacity incrementally rather than investing in large scale infrastructure upfront. This approach opens up new possibilities for industries ranging from chemicals and heavy manufacturing to battery production and critical mineral processing.
Strategic importance for Turkey and global markets
According to Dr Bilen Aküzüm, co founder and CTO of Aepnus, the technology has particular relevance for markets that rely heavily on imported industrial chemicals. He highlighted that Turkey alone spends more than 150 million dollars annually importing caustic soda, a chemical essential for sectors including textiles, paper, metals, and energy storage.
By enabling safe, on site and lower carbon production, the Aepnus platform could reduce dependency on imports while improving cost efficiency and environmental performance. Aküzüm noted that the company’s focus is on creating a practical pathway to local manufacturing for chemicals that are difficult or risky to produce using traditional methods.
212 NexT’s industrial investment thesis
For 212 NexT, the investment aligns with its strategy of backing technologies with deep technical foundations and industrial scale potential. The fund focuses on advanced materials and industrial technologies that address structural challenges in global production systems.
Managing Partner Çağlar Urcan said that Aepnus is tackling supply constraints and cost volatility affecting essential chemicals like caustic soda. He emphasised that the company’s chlorine free electrochemical process combines economic competitiveness with sustainability and scalability.
Urcan also pointed to the relevance of Aepnus for Turkey’s industrial ecosystem, noting that localising advanced production technologies could strengthen supply security, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support the country’s green transformation objectives. He added that the presence of industrial investors, including Akkök Group, reinforces the strategic fit of the technology.
Scaling the platform globally
The new funding will support further development of Aepnus’ technology and accelerate its global commercialisation. Planned activities include expanding the team, advancing deployments across multiple markets, and deepening partnerships with industrial players.
As manufacturers worldwide look for cleaner, safer, and more resilient production models, Aepnus positions itself as a provider of next generation chemical infrastructure. With backing from 212 NexT, the company aims to move closer to commercial scale and establish its platform as a viable alternative to legacy chemical production methods.