Neela Biotech uses AI‑optimized synthetic microbial consortia to upcycle heterogeneous organic waste into drop‑in jet fuel that meets ASTM D1655 specifications. The bioprocess runs in existing large‑scale biotech plants, delivering carbon‑negative fuel with high space‑time yields and minimal capital investment. This enables airlines and fuel suppliers to lower lifecycle emissions without modifying aircraft or fueling infrastructure.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Aviation relies heavily on fossil-derived jet fuel, contributing a significant share of global CO₂ emissions, while the industry lacks affordable, low‑carbon alternatives that can be adopted without extensive infrastructure changes. Simultaneously, large volumes of organic waste—such as food waste and agricultural residues—are underutilized and often disposed of in environmentally harmful ways.
Solution
Neela Biotech converts heterogeneous organic waste streams into carbon‑negative aviation fuel through a controlled microbial upcycling process that is guided by AI‑optimized synthetic biology designs. The platform engineers microbial consortia to maximize space‑time yields, enabling high‑throughput conversion of waste into hydrocarbon fuels that meet existing jet fuel specifications. By leveraging established biotech production facilities, the approach minimizes capital expenditures and integrates seamlessly with current fuel distribution networks. The resulting drop‑in fuel can be used in existing aircraft and airport fueling systems, providing a scalable pathway for airlines to reduce lifecycle emissions without operational disruptions.
Target Audience
Primary customers are commercial airlines, aviation fuel suppliers, and airport operators seeking low‑carbon, cost‑effective jet fuel solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure.
Features
- AI‑driven design of synthetic microbial communities that target optimal metabolic pathways for hydrocarbon synthesis
- Feedstock‑agnostic conversion capability handling food waste, agricultural residues, and other organic streams
- Controlled microbial upcycling process that delivers high space‑time yields and consistent product quality
- Utilization of existing large‑scale biotech infrastructure to lower CAPEX and accelerate deployment
- Production of drop‑in jet fuel that complies with ASTM D1655 standards, ensuring compatibility with current aircraft engines and fueling equipment
- Lifecycle analysis confirming net carbon‑negative emissions compared to conventional jet fuel
- Scalable bioprocess architecture allowing incremental capacity expansion aligned with airline fuel demand