Meet Oxyle co-founder Fajer Mushtaq—a Venture Leader Deeptech who provides efficient and sustainable water treatment

15.11.2021 07:30, Isabelle Mitchell

Oxyle develops a technology that easily and safely removes persistent and toxic pollutants from water. The startup’s sustainable treatment systems are based on a novel nanocatalyst that eliminates organic contaminants from wastewater so that it can safely be discharged. Get to know Oxyle co-founder Fajer, learn more about her expectations for the Venture Leaders experience, and find out which movie genre, beverage, and piece of advice boost her entrepreneurial career. 

The Swiss National Startup Team has 10 new deeptech members: An expert jury has chosen 10 companies whose innovative potential transforms engineering, robotics, supply chains, logistics, and sustainability. Before the startups embark on their investor roadshow to Munich and London later this month, we will introduce you to the Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021. We asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life.

Name: Fajer Mushtaq 
Location: Zurich 
Nationality: Indian  
Graduated from: ETH Zurich, PhD, 2019 
Job title: CEO, co-founder, and chairperson of the board at Oxyle
Number of employees: 11 
Money raised: CHF 3.6 million 
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2018, for a Business Creation in Engineering course 
 
“Oxyle’s innovative reactors provide advanced wastewater treatment by eliminating over 95% of highly mobile, persistent, and toxic organic pollutants from industrial and municipal effluents in an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective manner.”  
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup? 
During my doctoral studies, responsible for our chemistry laboratory, I was in charge of disposing of wastewater produced during experiments. This wastewater contained many problematic micropollutants such as industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, solvents, textile dyes, EDCs, etc. During the weekly wastewater disposal procedures, I realized first-hand how inefficient, costly, unsustainable, and time-consuming our current wastewater treatment methods are. Hence, I decided to dedicate my entire doctoral studies to finding efficient and eco-friendly solutions for solving this global water contamination crisis. 
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
Being part of the Venture Leaders roadshow is a big milestone that will help us gain visibility in the deeptech field on an international level. We are looking forward to connecting with experienced international investors and new potential customers to close our Series A round in 2022 and secure paid customer pilots, respectively. We also hope to make fruitful collaborations with reputable manufacturing partners for product development and accelerated market entry. 
 
What is one thing not many people know about you?  
I thrive on multi-tasking and prioritizing tasks. I enjoy a few (too many) cups of good coffee to fuel my day. I find collecting and taking care of rare indoor plants to be very relaxing and calming.  
 
What is your favorite movie or TV show? 
I enjoy watching documentaries that highlight the rich beauty of our wildlife, natural habitats, and aquatic ecosystems. I find them very educational and a great tool to motivate people to take better care of our planet. Movies such as Our Planet, Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Life in Colour, and Breaking Boundaries are all among my favorites.  
 
What are you most proud of?  
I take pride in my get-it-done mindset. I am proud of the focus, determination, and efficiency with which I execute challenging tasks when I set my mind on achieving them.  
 
What advice would you give your teenage self? 
Trust your instincts. Be ambitious, and never settle for anything less than your worth. Stay determined, work hard, and keep dreaming for better things, as anything is possible.   
 
How did you come up with the name of your startup?  
At Oxyle, we target toxic pollutants by generating high doses of the most reactive radicals, i.e., the Hydroxyl radicals that degrade and exile all pollutants from water. Hence, the name Oxyle. 
 
What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder?  
Finding a good work-life balance while being productive and avoiding burnouts. 
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder?  
Seeing my research slowly transform into a high-impact product on the market. Being able to continuously inspire, lead, and grow Oxyle’s team members to join in our mission to protect the health of our precious bodies of water, decrease blue water consumption, and reduce carbon emissions. 
 
What is the best advice you have ever received?  
One of my advisors once told me: “You cannot motivate your team members. You can only inspire them and avoid demotivating them.” A very valuable lesson that I always try to remember.   


For more information and updates on Oxyle and the Venture Leaders Deeptech, follow the Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021 team with #VLeadersDeeptech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021 program is organized by Venturelab and supported by swissnex, EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Helbling Group, Walder Wyss, the Canton of Vaud, and the Canton of Zurich.