About me
From academia to entrepreneurship
Hello, my name is Emilie. I am a chemist by training, a problem-solver by nature, and a consultant for early-stage startups building sustainable, science-backed products.
My chemistry journey began with a curiosity about materials and their interactions, which led me to pursue a master’s degree and a PhD in polymer science at Université Paris Sorbonne, where I specialized in supramolecular chemistry and the design of new materials.
Early in my research, I developed gel-forming systems that resulted in a patent, and I worked for a short time on bringing the technology closer to market through regulatory barriers and process optimization. Alongside my PhD studies, I worked as a chemistry consultant for a technology transfer organization, where I learned to evaluate chemistry patents, study and understand market needs, and navigate regulatory and technical barriers. More importantly, I learned more about the strategic moves necessary to bring a technology from the lab to the market.
My post-doctoral research at CNRS in France and Aalto University in Finland expanded my expertise to green chemistry, bio-based materials, and biomimicry, where I worked on environmentally friendly processes and developed nature-inspired materials. Later on, my growing interest in the circular economy, particularly in repurposing waste as a valuable resource, led me to help transform wood industry by-products into food-grade emulsifiers.
COVID as a turning point
I stepped away from academia and took my first leap into entrepreneurship by building a small craft business focused on upcycling textile waste. I learned how to go from idea to product, how to think in terms of cost, efficiency and scalability. I discovered what it actually means to build something sustainable from the ground up.
I am convinced that sustainable companies need to be built as such from the beginning, and that’s why I decided to help early-stage startups.
While discussing with founders, I realized that many have amazing ideas for sustainable businesses, but did not know where to start to develop their MVP, or needed the specific knowledge in chemistry required for navigating the regulatory and intellectual property landscape. Besides, they could benefit from a science-based approach to develop their MVP in a more time- and cost-efficient way. I realized I could help them accelerate considerably their product development with my practical and theoretical expertise.
That’s why I now work with sustainability-oriented startups to help them create cost-effective, safe, and innovative MVPs that meet market demand and contribute to a more sustainable future.
At home in your fast-paced start-up environment
What makes me effective isn’t just my technical background, it’s how I think.
I like environments where results are quickly measurable and adjustable, so that I can reiterate and adjust product development in the most efficient way.
I am curious in multiple domains and a fast and avid learner. I will quickly learn how you work, how I can adapt to your team efficiently and bring both technical and human skills to the equation. I know where to find information: that is one of my strongest assets from my scientific training. With my pragmatism and practical mind, I know how to solve problems in a quick and cost-savvy way, adapted to the means of your project.
I don’t believe in over-engineered solutions or vague sustainability claims. I help you develop products that are chemically sound, environmentally responsible, and ready for the real world.
Supporting start-up founders with a mission
Are you pre-seed, post-pre-seed, with a clear idea and an ambitious goal, but missing the materials science and chemistry expertise to bring your vision to life?
You might be developing a new material, improving a formulation, or looking to reuse industrial waste. You need a chemist who can think fast, work lean, and balance science, sustainability, and scalability.
That’s where I come in.
What can you expect?
When we work together, I help you:
Design and validate your first product formulation
Simplify ingredients and processes to reduce cost and complexity
Build chemistry that aligns with your sustainability goals
Spot IP opportunities early and avoid dead ends
Translate scientific concepts into investor- and market-ready outcomes
I adapt to your pace, your constraints, and your product’s unique challenges. Whether you’re iterating toward product-market fit or preparing to scale, I help you build smarter, faster, and more sustainably.
Let's build better chemistry
I believe great products come from the right mix of science, creativity, and intention.
Are you a founder with a vision and a product in development? Do you need someone who can help you make it work, safely and sustainably?
I’d love to collaborate!
Read more about my services
Let's Work Together
If you’re developing a product and need chemistry expertise to make it functional, sustainable, and ready for the next step, let’s talk. I offer flexible consulting tailored to your stage, your goals, and your resources.
Book a free 45 min consulting session with me to move forward from your technical bottlenecks! ⤵
...or drop me a message!
📩 emilie@ressouchechemistryconsulting.com