General Biological Corporation shifts the chemical industry from petrochemical processes to industrial biology using proprietary whole-cell catalyst technology. This continuous manufacturing approach generates molecules at rates ten times faster than conventional bioproduction methods. The company utilizes renewable carbon sources and fixes CO2 to produce high-yield, low-cost materials for performance, electronics, and building industries.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The traditional chemical industry relies heavily on petrochemicals, leading to toxic processes, high carbon emissions, and dependence on finite resources. Traditional bioproduction methods face challenges in scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, hindering their ability to replace petrochemical-based manufacturing.
Solution
General Biological is developing a whole-cell catalyst technology that enables continuous bioproduction of chemicals from renewable carbon sources, offering a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals. Their approach utilizes engineered enzymes to convert renewable carbon, such as sugar, and fix CO2 directly, resulting in high yields and zero emissions. The technology aims to overcome the limitations of traditional bioproduction by achieving continuous manufacturing, rapid scaling, and reduced costs. By shifting from industrial chemistry to industrial biology, General Biological seeks to transform the chemical and material economy.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes companies in performance materials, electronics, industrial water treatment, and building materials industries seeking sustainable and efficient chemical production methods.
Features
- Continuous manufacturing process that sustains molecule generation at rates 10x higher than traditional bioproduction.
- Engineered enzymes convert renewable carbon sources (e.g., sugar) and fix CO2, resulting in high yields, low costs, and zero emissions.
- In-house fabricated bioreactors enable rapid scaling of new molecules to industrial volumes within months.