zuChem is a leading producer of unique sugars for human health and nutrition. zuChem develops proprietary process technology to manufacture important food ingredients, specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical carbohydrates. The zuChem approach combines unique bioprocess and chemical technologies to make valuable carbohydrates that are either expensive, impractical, or impossible to make by traditional methods. zuChem researchers have a proven track record in developing and implementing scalable, industrial quality processes. zuChem.

Who We Are

David Demirjian, Ph.D.
President & CEO | Co-Founder | Director

Dr. Demirjian was previously Founder and President of ThermoGen, Inc., a Chicago-based bioprocess company which was a pioneer of esterase biocatalysis technology for pharmaceutical applications. He is a previous winner of the Research Director’s Association of Chicago “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” (1997) and recipient of the U.S. SBA “Tibbets Award” for successful commercialization of technology developed under the Federal SBIR grant program. He was subsequently Vice President of Technology Strategy for MediChem Life Sciences after MediChem’s merger with ThermoGen in May 2000, where he oversaw the strategic development of MediChem’s R&D technology platform, including the integration of its drug discovery and chemical process technologies. He was one of the leaders of MediChem’s IPO, in which the company raised over $52 MM in October 2000. He also served as a Director of the company until its acquisition in May 2002 to deCode Genetics. He holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from The University of Chicago and B.S.A. in Molecular Biology from The University of Michigan.

Thomas L. Churchwell
Director | Managing Partner, Midwest Venture Partners, L.L.C.

Tom Churchwell is the founder and CEO of ViMedicus, Inc. ViMedicus develops and markets patient centric care coordination solutions. He is also Managing Partner of Midwest Venture Partners and of ARCH Development Partners early stage venture partnerships. Previously, he was President and CEO of ARCH Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the University of Chicago, which commercialized technology from the University and Argonne National Laboratory. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Calgene Fresh, Inc., a 1992 start-up company which produced and marketed the MacGregor’s FLAVR SAVR tomato, the world’s first biotech food product. Prior to joining Calgene Fresh, Mr. Churchwell was Vice President of ARCH Development Corporation Development. Before starting Calgene Fresh, Mr. Churchwell held several senior management positions at the NutraSweet Company and legal positions at G.D. Searle & Co., American Hospital Supply Corporation and The Coca-Cola Export Corporation. He holds a BA degree from DePauw Universityand JD degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He also is a Graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

Douglas S. Stewart
Director | Fmr Regional President, National City Bank, Peoria

Douglas S. Stewart is currently the Regional President of PNC Bank for Central Illinois. Mr. Stewart has held an impressive series of banking positions datingback to 1973 when he began his career as a Trainee at Commercial National Bank of Peoria (predecessor to PNC). Mr. Stewart graduated Magna Cum Laude from Illinois Wesleyan University where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1973, and from Bradley University in 1980 where he earned his Masters in Business Administration. Mr. Stewart’s 38 year banking career has included management positions in Wealth Management, Institution Investment Management, Retail Banking and Corporate Banking. He has also taught at Bradley University, Illinois Central College and Northwestern University Graduate Trust School. Mr. Stewart is active in community affairs. Currently he serves on the Boards of Bradley University, The Heartland Partnership, Peoria NEXT, CEO Roundtable and the Bielfeldt Foundation. Along with his wife, Vicky, they are chairing the 2011 Pillars Society Campaign for the Heart of Illinois United Way. In addition to his civic commitments he also serves as an outside director for zuChem, AKOYA and the Federal Companies.

David Dodds, Ph.D
Scientific Advisor

Dr. Dodds was most recently Director of Fermentation & Biocatalysis Development with Bristol-Myers Squibb. He previously held a position at Sepracor in its start-up phase, and was in charge of enzyme catalysis development.  This work ultimately produced a number of patents on the enzymatic resolution of NSAIDs and Diltiazem. He subsequently joined Schering-Plough to help establish their biocatalysis group, before joining Bristol-Myers Squibb. He has been involved in multiple aspects of drug manufacturing, including chemical and fermentation process development molecular biology and microbiology and the development of intellectual property in these areas. He has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, a M.Sc. in Biological Chemistry, a Ph.D. in Organic Synthesis, all from the University of Toronto.

Rajni Aneja, M.B.A.
Co-Founder | Advisor

Ms. Aneja was most recently Vice President, Corporate Development, MediChem Life Sciences, and had an instrumental role in the recent merger between MediChem and ThermoGen, in addition to having negotiated MediChem’s strategic alliance with the global fine chemicals manufacturer, Degussa AG. She has more than twenty years of experience in commercializing of early stage life sciences products and has previously held positions with Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Abbott Laboratories and ARCH Development Corporation, the technology transfer affiliate of The University of Chicago. She is a recipient of I-Street’s 2003 “Women in Black” award which recognizes outstanding contribution to the Chicago entrepreneurial community. She holds a M.B.A. in Business Economics and Finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.