22-Year-Old Chemical Engineer Launches Successful Startups

Gregory Allen, a recent University of Alabama graduate, has already founded, grown, and sold a business while pursuing his degree.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Gregory Allen, a 22-year-old chemical engineering and business student at the University of Alabama, has already accomplished a remarkable feat - he has founded, grown, and sold a business that created lab-grown diamonds. Now, he is preparing to launch another startup, this time developing a portable air sensor device called the AirStatus One that can detect volatile organic compounds. Allen has also won awards for his inventions, including a second-place prize in the university's River Pitch competition.

Why it matters

Allen's entrepreneurial success at such a young age is a testament to his drive, innovation, and business acumen. His story highlights the growing trend of college students launching their own startups and the opportunities available for young, talented individuals to make an impact in the business world.

The details

In addition to his diamond business, Allen recently won a second-place prize in the University of Alabama's River Pitch competition for his invention called the Auto-IMEC, which automatically runs experiments and calculates the integrated molar extinction coefficient, a process that can significantly speed up chemical testing. Allen is also preparing to launch the AirStatus One, a portable air sensor device that can detect volatile organic compounds, which he developed in the university's Harris Lab. The device is set to launch on Amazon in mid-March.

  • Allen graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee in 2022.
  • He joined the University of Alabama in the fall of 2022 and is on track to graduate in May 2026 with a dual major in chemical engineering and business.
  • Allen won a second-place prize in the University of Alabama's River Pitch competition in 2025.
  • Allen plans to launch the AirStatus One portable air sensor device on Amazon by mid-March 2026.

The players

Gregory Allen

A 22-year-old chemical engineering and business student at the University of Alabama who has already founded, grown, and sold a business that created lab-grown diamonds, and is preparing to launch a new startup developing a portable air sensor device.

Jennifer Roehrs

Allen's fiancée, who is also a student at the University of Alabama and plans to become a chemical engineer.

Dr. James W. Harris

The professor in whose lab Allen developed the Auto-IMEC invention that won a second-place prize in the University of Alabama's River Pitch competition.

Eastman Chemical Company

The chemical company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee that has offered Allen a job after graduation.

BASF

The chemical company that Allen participated in a cooperative program with for a year and a half.

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What they’re saying

“In terms of an overachiever, you consider it a box other people put you in. I've not done anything other than what I'm capable of doing.”

— Gregory Allen (timesnews.net)

What’s next

Allen plans to move to Longview, Texas after graduation, where Eastman Chemical Company has an operation. He also plans to launch the AirStatus One portable air sensor device on Amazon by mid-March 2026.

The takeaway

Gregory Allen's entrepreneurial success at just 22 years old demonstrates the immense potential of young, talented individuals to make a significant impact in the business world. His story serves as an inspiration for other college students who aspire to turn their ideas into successful startups.