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Lewis Dunnigan
CEO/Co-Founder at Bygen
Lewis Dunnigan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bygen, a climate technology company based in Melbourne, Australia, specializing in the production of sustainable activated carbon. He graduated with a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh and later pursued a PhD at the University of Adelaide, where he focused on developing innovative processes for producing biochar and renewable energy from agricultural waste.
Career and Achievements
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Bygen: Founded in 2018, Bygen is notable for being the first producer of sustainable activated carbon in Australia, using agricultural and forestry by-products as raw materials. The company has garnered attention for its environmentally friendly practices and innovative technology that significantly reduces production costs while enhancing product performance. Bygen has received funding from several prominent investors, including Breakthrough Victoria and Alberts Impact Ventures, raising approximately AUD 2.6 million in its pre-Series A funding round in 2023.124
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VitaChar: In addition to Bygen, Dunnigan co-founded VitaChar in 2019, which focuses on small-scale pyrolysis systems for producing biochar from organic and plastic waste. This initiative won the 2018 Australian eChallenge.6
Vision and Impact
Dunnigan's vision centers on leveraging materials science to create positive environmental impacts through innovative technologies. His work at Bygen aims not only to produce activated carbon but also to address broader environmental issues such as carbon capture and pollution remediation.13 Under his leadership, Bygen has expanded its operations and is looking to grow its presence in international markets, particularly in California, USA.1
Personal Insights
Dunnigan has expressed a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of research and development in creating functional materials that can contribute positively to the environment.15 His approach combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial spirit, positioning Bygen as a leader in the climate tech sector.



