Wan Chunfeng
Co-founder & CEO, SOLV8 Technology & Huzhou Shunwei Environmental Technology
MBA, Class of 2022
Wan Chunfeng’s journey to becoming the co-founder and CEO of SOLV8 Technology, a clean technology firm, began during his undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering.
Unlike many of his peers, who largely pursued their studies and research on refineries and semiconductors, Chunfeng was captivated by the potential of membrane filtration technology to transform industries. This curiosity eventually led him to complete a PhD in Chemical Engineering, where he conducted research on the usage of membrane filtration for seawater desalination and solvent recovery. He saw this technology as a more energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional thermal processes, a key solution to global challenges like clean water production.
Chunfeng recognised the commercial potential of membrane technology in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, and he transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship. He made the bold decision to launch SOLV8 Technology, a start-up focused on using membrane filtration to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in industrial processes.
Chunfeng knew that building trust in the conservative chemical and pharmaceutical sectors would be challenging. These industries often rely on established processes and maintain strict safety standards, making them hesitant to adopt new technologies. To gain traction for SOLV8, he focused on pilot projects and partnerships that demonstrated the tangible benefits of their membrane filtration technology.
By implementing small-scale pilot projects with potential clients, SOLV8 could showcase real-world efficiency and cost savings, overcoming initial scepticism. One early pilot with a vegetable oil company in Singapore demonstrated a 96% reduction in energy use, convincing industry leaders of its potential. “In business, I realised I couldn’t do everything alone,” Chunfeng said, reflecting on the importance of his team. By bringing together experts in law, finance, and engineering, SOLV8 built a collaborative environment that was crucial for navigating market challenges and securing client trust.
His entrepreneurial success was also shaped by his experience at NUS Business School. During his MBA, Chunfeng learnt how to bridge the gap between science and business, acquiring essential skills in fundraising and market validation through modules like Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital. These courses equipped him with knowledge on transforming technical ideas into business strategies and securing funding to scale operations. One of his most memorable experiences was collaborating on group projects late into the night with peers from diverse backgrounds, which reinforced the power of teamwork—a value that would become fundamental at SOLV8.
Today, SOLV8 is making significant strides. The company has secured clients in Singapore and is running pilot projects in China, Malaysia, and India. For Chunfeng, however, the mission goes beyond business growth. “I want to leave a legacy where the chemical industry operates with fewer chimneys and less reliance on fossil fuels,” he said. “Our goal is to create a greener, more sustainable future for this industry.” Chunfeng’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship embodies a vision for an industry that prioritises sustainability. As SOLV8 grows, he hopes to inspire others to think beyond profit and towards a legacy of innovation and environmental responsibility.