2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(492b) Scaling Innovation in Software-Enabled Systems: Building Startups and Consultancies for the Chemical Engineering Industry

Author

The chemical engineering industry is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by the convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT). This paper presents the personal and professional journey that bridges mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear operations, manufacturing, and software development to create scalable, AI-driven solutions for the chemical industry. We explore the journey of building a startup and AI consulting agency focused on software-enabled systems, with a particular emphasis on trusted partnerships, digital twins, and artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) integration.

Launching a startup in this space requires collaboration with seasoned consultancies that understand both the technical and business landscapes. These partnerships were essential in navigating early-stage challenges and scaling innovation. Two cases will be highlighted in this presentation: Optimal Ops™ and an AI/ML Consulting Agency.

Transforming Manufacturing with Optimal Ops™

Optimal Ops™ represents a leap forward in operational intelligence. By embedding AI/ML into manufacturing and power generation systems, it enables:

  • Predictive analytics for equipment failure
  • Real-time process optimization
  • Enhanced decision-making through data visualization

Building an AI/ML Consulting Agency

The next phase involves establishing an AI/ML consulting agency focused on the chemical engineering sector. This agency partners with software-enabled systems to deliver:

  • Custom AI/ML models for process control
  • Integration of real-time digital twins into legacy systems (non-evasive wrapper technology)
  • Scalable cloud-based solutions for data management and analytics
  • Culminated supply chain risk and resiliency PaaS|SaaS

The convergence of Optimal Ops™, AI/ML, digital twins, supply chain risk & resiliency and process engineering is reshaping the chemical industry. Trusted consultancies and agile startups play a critical role in this transformation. As industry evolves, the focus will shift toward autonomous ecosystems, real-time optimization, and self-reliant sustainable operations.