Ledger · 2026-08-28 · Geotechnical Biomineralization

Plant-Derived Urease-Driven Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP)

Rejected

This concept did not clear the framework. The reasoning is published in full below.

Why it failed

Assessment

The venture fails sub-test A by using MICP—a fellow non-commercial lab/academic alternative that failed to achieve market adoption—as its primary head-to-head performance and cost comparator. Against actual market incumbents like Portland cement or soil-cement, quantified step-change superiority on core structural criteria is not established.

Claimed advantage

6.41 MPa UCS vs 3.3 MPa for MICP; $52/m3 treatment cost vs $135/m3 for MICP

Named comparator: MICP (Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation) and Portland Cement / Lime

Also flagged

A rejection is not a claim that the science is wrong. It means the venture case did not survive: the comparator was not what the buyer actually buys, the comparison was not like-for-like, the advantage fell short of a step change, or the capital and time to first revenue were prohibitive.

Assessed 2026-08-28 against seven gates plus the voiding sub-tests. How the method works · Browse all concepts