PolyDecypher - When plastic data suddenly learns to speak

angelika.hierzer
4 hours ago
3 min read

From the laboratory bench to entrepreneurship – that is the journey of Mario Messiha, founder of PolyDecypher. And it is not a classic start-up story along the lines of "I always wanted to be my own boss". Quite the contrary.

"I never really wanted to start a business," Mario admits openly. "I was the type who wanted a secure job and pure science."

After completing his doctorate at Montanuni Leoben and spending around eight years conducting research at PCCL (Polymer Competence Centre Leoben), his career path seemed clear – until crises such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine suddenly changed everything: budgets shrank, demands grew, and mountains of data exploded.

And then came the game changer: Data Science & MLOps Engineering at the Sorbonne. What began as personal further education became the initial spark for an idea that is now called PolyDecypher.

What does PolyDecypher actually do?

In short, PolyDecypher makes polymer data smartly usable. But not just "a little prettier" – it opens up completely new connections. And the best part? The data for this has long existed in companies – for decades. It just hasn't been linked until now.

Mario explanes:

"An IR spectrum is interpreted 'chemically', a tensile test 'mechanically'. But actually, it's all connected. Our software doesn't store this data side by side, but on top of each other."

The result: hidden patterns become visible, processes more transparent, materials more predictable – and entirely new potential is revealed.

Plastics technology meets data science – do they even go together?

Oh yes – perfect in theory, but challenging in practice. Material data is complex and requires specialist knowledge. A beautiful model with nonsensical output is of no use to anyone.

"Without polymer knowledge, characteristic values remain just numbers. Without data science, data remains unused. We bring both together – with the aim of generating real insights from existing data."

And what does this have to do with sustainability?

A great deal. PolyDecypher saves resources without compromising on quality. Less waste, fewer unnecessary tests, less energy consumption. The solution delivers real added value, especially when dealing with recycled materials: better risk assessment, improved service life predictions, increased confidence in recycled materials.

"Trust is good, control is PolyDecypher."

How did ZAT Leoben support you?

Quite significantly, says Mario.

"Our business plan really took shape for the first time in the Startup Combo programme. And in the Green Incubees programme, we were able to fine-tune it thanks to the network and the right contacts."

What has been your biggest challenge so far on the path to founding your company?

Definitely the mindset shift. From being a secure employee to a start-up founder. From "I solve technical problems" to "I build a product and a company". And the financial and emotional ups and downs that come with it.

What's next?

The PolyDecypher solution will be further developed and optimised until the end of 2026. Pilot partners are welcome to join us in taking the next step in innovation.

The full marketing and sales package will then be launched in 2027 – first in the DACH region, then across Europe.

And what motivates you to go down this path?

"I am a religious person. I trust that God will grant success if you work honestly and hard. And even if it doesn't work out, the experience will have been worthwhile – to be honest, CEO looks pretty good on your CV."

Want to learn more about PolyDecypher or become a pilot partner? Then get in touch with us directly or write to Mario – maybe together you can discover new perspectives on your data.

Polydecypher was supported by programmes from Green Startupmark, which were co-financed by the European Union's Just Transition Fund (JTF).

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