The founding project that inspired the creation of VR AUSTRAL LLC and shaped the company's technical and strategic vision.
In 2005, Federico Vernocchi, founder and CEO of VR AUSTRAL LLC, was part of the technical team behind a pilot biofuels project promoted by Shell in Europe. Working on this multidisciplinary technical initiative was the catalyst that generated the company's vision: designing sustainable energy solutions applicable in industrial and remote environments.
The project, known internally as the “Project Seed,” covered research and pilot phases to define biofuel production processes, select feedstocks, and ensure compliance with specifications for use in engines and industrial infrastructure. Work included designing pilot-scale processes, monitoring quality parameters, stability testing and coordination with industrial engineering teams.
Federico worked closely with technical teams, process engineers and Shell specialists, gaining experience in experimental design, pilot testing and technical documentation that would be essential in later founding the company. Knowledge of regulations, emissions control and industrial project management helped strengthen the business idea that later became VR AUSTRAL.
We would like to give special mention to Wilfredo Ringle, whose strategic support and mentoring during the conceptual stage were crucial in transforming the technical initiative into a business vision. His backing, industry experience and commitment to innovative projects helped the seed project go beyond the technical scope and become a viable commercial opportunity.
The technical impact of the Project Seed enabled the development of repeatable methodologies and fostered a culture of responsible innovation within the founding team. This provided VR AUSTRAL with a solid technical and organizational foundation: safety standards, quality control procedures, and an approach to evaluate energy solutions from the standpoint of industrial practice and sustainability.