Back in 2019, Ben was trying to replicate a research paper converting hemp into supercapacitor carbons. After dealing with all the acid, washing, drying, and waiting nervously next to a furnace for several hours he decided there had to be an easier way. Fortunately, Ben also had experience working with and building plasma systems - so he built his own, out of an old kitchen microwave he had in the garage. Not only did the new system achieve better results, but it did so in only a few minutes, with no waste to deal with!

By the time Ben finished his PhD in 2022, he had discovered all sorts of interesting things that could be done with plasma and biomass, and was convinced that this was a technology that could make a real, meaningful impact in the world. But how?

Answering that question took Ben through several accelerator bootcamps, eventually leading him to Paris, France in 2023 to join a venture program where he explored all sorts of options, and met his co-founder Adam. After visiting Adam at his vacation home in Sweden (and getting some wind surfing lessons), Ben moved to Stockholm in 2024 and together with Adam they created Besca.