Elias Johan Breiteig Liavaag is the new CEO of Hyperthermics
Photo: Per Eide / Hyperthermics
We are proud to announce that Elias Johan Breiteig Liavaag (30) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyperthermics AS, effective June 1st, 2025.
This marks a new and exciting chapter in Hyperthermics' journey — one that brings deep systems thinking, strong technical roots, and a clear-eyed vision for the future of industrial biotechnology.
From shop floor to systems strategy
Elias’ path to the CEO role hasn’t followed the typical corporate script. He began his career in manufacturing as a certified CNC machinist, gaining hands-on experience with industrial processes long before he started designing them. That early exposure to real-world complexity helped shape a mindset grounded in practicality, precision, and respect for the systems we build — whether mechanical, biological, or organizational.
Later, with degrees in Product & Systems Design (NTNU) and a Master’s in Systems Engineering (USN), Elias expanded into the maritime and energy sectors. He contributed to European R&D projects within autonomous vessels and sustainable maritime systems, developing the tools to think across disciplines and design for uncertainty. That systems orientation now permeates how he approaches business, biology, and the challenge of scaling bold ideas into lasting value.
Engineering biology — with purpose
Since joining Hyperthermics in 2022 as Senior Systems Engineer, Elias has been central to developing our Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) platform — a process that turns industrial CO₂ and organic waste into value-added outputs like feed, fertilizer, and biogas. He’s led key dialogues with partners across the biogas, waste, and energy sectors, helping clarify how hyperthermophilic biology can unlock new business models in the circular economy.
More than anything, he brings a sharp understanding of where biology can deliver — and where the industry needs it to. His leadership style combines structure with creativity, and scientific integrity with commercial curiosity.
“I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what biology can do. Hyperthermics has the tools to solve real problems — not in theory, but on the ground, where circular systems meet industrial needs,” Elias says.
“I want us to keep moving fast, stay close to customers, and keep learning — especially when it’s uncomfortable.”
A human approach to leadership
Elias steps into the CEO role with the humility of someone who still asks a lot of questions — and the confidence of someone who has built things from the inside. He’s passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and believes that meaningful technology emerges when we blur the boundaries between lab, site, and society.
Outside of work, Elias is a new dad, and currently mastering the art of balancing fermentation schedules with nap routines. When there’s time, you might also find him at the drum kit or lost in a synth patch, chasing soundscapes with the same curiosity he brings to industrial processes.
We’re thrilled to have Elias lead Hyperthermics into its next phase. With his blend of technical expertise, systems perspective, and human touch, we believe Hyperthermics is well-positioned to make biology not just useful — but transformative.
Please join us in congratulating Elias, and in supporting him on this exciting journey ahead.
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Hyperthermics AS