Genomatica
American biotechnology company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Genomatica is a San Diego–based biotechnology company that develops and licenses biological manufacturing processes for the production of intermediate and basic chemicals.[1][2] Genomatica’s process technology for the chemical 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is now commercial.[3] Its GENO BDO process has been licensed by BASF[4] and by Novamont.[5]
- Christophe Schilling, Ph.D., (CEO)
- John G. Gugel (President)
- Carlos A. Cabrera (Executive Chairman)
- Nelson Barton (Research and Development)
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Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1 January 2000 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California |
Key people |
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| Website | genomatica.com |
History
Genomatica was founded in San Diego in 1998 by Christophe Schilling and Bernhard Palsson.[6] Schilling's goal was to use biotechnology to make more sustainable choices in manufacturing.[7] In 2021, Lululemon partnered with Genomatica to create a plant-based nylon material, which was launched in 2023.[7] Genomatica produced 5 million pounds of renewable BDO in five weeks at a DuPont Tate & Lyle plant in Tennessee.
In 2019, Genomatica acquired assets from the life sciences division of Renewable Energy Group.[8]
In 2023, L'Oréal, along with Unilever and Kao Corporation invested in Genomatica.[9] The investment will go toward developing plant-based personal care and cosmetics products.[10]
In October 2025, Genomatica entered a partnership with Sojitz Corporation to accelerate the commercialization of plant-based nylon-6.[11]
