CEO of BioREE, a biotech and material startup commercializing a novel and unique process for extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). Contrary to traditional metallurgy REE separation processes, we have developed a biological process that offers the potential to extract and purify REE’s under aqueous, environmentally benign, yet, efficient, conditions with minimal waste generation. The vision is to develop and scale a compact separation platform based on a de novo protein (S824) that selectively binds a range of REEs. Nissen is an inventor, engineer, entrepreneur, and venture investor with global experience bringing products at the intersection of industrial bio-tech and technology to market.