How AI Is Reshaping Sustainable Chemistry

Computation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude.In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe’s regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 – Clean chemistry = mission02:41 – From pharma to enzymes05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years07:03 – AI + physics workflow10:55 – Why cost always wins11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind14:52 – End-to-end solution model19:31 – First hits in 3 months23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision28:42 – Bio-melanin case study35:24 – Fundraising and futureUseful links: ZYMVOL  website: https://zymvol.com/ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/