What is the Solution?

Milvus, a female-led nanomaterial company based in Oxford, is transforming the way we think about catalysts by creating high-performing substitutes for platinum-group metals (PGMs) at the nanoscale. Their innovative “Midas-touch” alloys replicate the functional properties of rare metals like platinum iridium and indium which are critical for green technologies such as hydrogen production, electric vehicles, and advanced battery systems. Using abundant and inexpensive common metals, Milvus produces nanomaterials that achieve high-performance catalysis at just one-hundredth of the cost of traditional PGMs. This breakthrough dramatically reduces the reliance on expensive and resource-intensive materials, making clean energy technologies more affordable and scalable.

What sets Milvus apart is their ability to engineer nanomaterials that deliver the same efficiency and durability as PGMs while addressing significant supply chain vulnerabilities. By eliminating the need for environmentally damaging extraction processes and reducing dependency on monopolized global markets, Milvus promotes sustainability and resilience in the green economy. Their approach not only drives down costs but also expands access to essential materials for renewable energy solutions, accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future for industries worldwide.