About Us
To lead the safe and sustainable deconstruction of the most challenging waste streams.
We deliver measurable environmental benefits while creating value through innovative resource recovery solutions.
Our Story
Born from world-class research at the University of Auckland, Nurox Hydrothermal brings together science, engineering, and industry expertise to solve one of the most pressing environmental challenges – the safe and complete treatment of hazardous waste.
Our technology has been developed and refined with respected research institutions and industry leaders, ensuring it is robust, compliant, and ready for large-scale deployment.
Timeline
2010
- Professor Saeid Baroutian begins 15 years of research into hydrothermal processing of hazardous waste.
2020
- Research progresses from academic work to applied engineering trials.
- Initial proof-of-concept units demonstrate neutralisation of complex waste streams.
2022
- Alex Hannon of Transition Technologies begins engaging with Professor Baroutian to explore commercialisation opportunities.
- Concept of a modular, scalable waste solution emerges.
2023
- Duncan Stewart of Greenhouse Capital begins collaboration on investment pathways.
Focus develops on hazardous waste sector. - Intense domestic and international market research undertaken.
2024
- Nurox Hydrothermal is established as a New Zealand company.
- Engagement with Auckland UniServices to support IP transfer.
- Industrial partnerships explored.
- Strong commercial interest in applications for PFAS, cytotoxic pharmaceuticals, mixed hazardous wastes, and organics pre-treatment.
- Strategy developed for an IP-dense, light-capex export model.
2025
- Engagement with Interwaste (a Tennex company) commences.
- Investment by Tennex in Nurox.
- Agreement to develop first two NZ plants.
- Product SKUs and proprietary technology launched.
Our Laboratory
Our laboratory operates within University of Auckland Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering’s Resource Recovery and Analytical Laboratories.
This dedicated facility enables us to test diverse waste streams, optimise process performance, and validate results against strict compliance standards. It ensures our technology remains at the forefront of hazardous waste destruction and resource recovery.
Our Team
Cleantech expert with a track record in scaling technology businesses, infrastructure delivery, and environmental innovation.
Internationally recognised chemical engineer with over fifteen years of hydrothermal processing R&D.
Specialist in scaling advanced engineering systems from prototype to full-scale production.
Tennex Group is one of New Zealand’s leading waste management operators, and through its subsidiary Interwaste, delivers specialist hazardous and biohazardous waste solutions across the healthcare, aviation, freight, and biosecurity sectors spanning safe disposal, product destruction, advanced recycling, and end-to-end tracking and logistics. Their drive for sustainability shows up in real innovation too, including a move toward onshore hydrothermal processing that reduces New Zealand’s reliance on offshore incineration a mission that mirrors our own.
Backed by Tennex’s investment and hands-on collaboration, we have the industry confidence and on the ground expertise to ensure our technology is deployed exactly where it can deliver the greatest impact.
Partners and Support
We are backed by organisations that share our vision.
University of Auckland
Research and development collaboration through the Resource Recovery Analytical Laboratory.
Callaghan Innovation
Powering biotech. Backing R&D. Supporting NZ innovation.
