Genomatica
Genomatica (Geno) is a San Diego-based industrial biotech company founded in 2000 that licenses proprietary fermentation technology to global manufacturers, enabling production of plant-based BDO, butylene glycol, nylon-6/6,6, and long-chain chemicals as drop-in replacements for fossil-fuel-derived inputs serving apparel, personal care, and chemicals customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Genomatica does
Genomatica (operating commercially as "Geno") is a San Diego-based industrial biotechnology company founded in 2000 that develops and licenses proprietary fermentation-based processes to produce widely-used chemicals from plant-based sugars instead of fossil fuels. Its technology platform encompasses proprietary biocatalysts and metabolic engineering capabilities enabling single-step fermentation to produce butanediol (BDO), butylene glycol, caprolactam and HMD (nylon-6 and nylon-6,6 precursors), and long-chain chemicals, protected by over 1,500 active patents and applications. Major product lines include GENO Bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol, branded as QIRA by Qore), Brontide natural butylene glycol for personal care, plant-based nylon-6 and nylon-6,6 for textiles and engineering plastics, and Avela (R)-1,3-Butanediol for ketogenic functional foods.
The company operates a capital-light, technology-licensing business model: it does not own commercial-scale manufacturing but rather licenses its process technology to global manufacturing partners — including Qore (Cargill-HELM JV), Novamont, Hyosung, Aquafil, Asahi Kasei, and Covestro — who fund, build, and operate production facilities. Brontide is sold through exclusive regional distributors (Azelis in Europe, Glenn/Azelis Americas in North America, Daicel in Asia-Pacific) to over 250 personal care formulators. Revenue derives from upfront licensing fees, royalties on licensed production, and direct product sales of Brontide, supplemented by strategic equity investments from consumer brands such as Lululemon, Unilever, Kao, and L'Oréal that provide both capital and offtake validation. Geno's technology enables up to 90% lower carbon emissions versus fossil-based equivalents and has been independently validated through three EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, three consecutive ICIS Innovation Awards, TIME Best Invention 2019, and ISCC+/BioPreferred certifications on partner-deployed outputs.
Genomatica firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Genomatica
- Legal name
- Genomatica, Inc.
- Website
- https://genomatica.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Genomatica (Geno) is a San Diego-based industrial biotech company founded in 2000 that licenses proprietary fermentation technology to global manufacturers, enabling production of plant-based BDO, butylene glycol, nylon-6/6,6, and long-chain chemicals as drop-in replacements for fossil-fuel-derived inputs serving apparel, personal care, and chemicals customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Genomatica industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Biotechnology / Sustainable Chemicals
- NAICS
- Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252)
- SIC
- Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Biodegradable Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT) (IMAEAOAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Bio-based Polymers & Bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA, bio-PE/PP/PET, PBS) (EUAAAIAC), Bio-based Platform & Commodity Chemicals (e.g., bio-ethylene, bio-propylene, bio-BTX, bio-methanol) (EUAAAIAA), Biodegradable Packaging Materials (films, trays, foams) (IMAEAOAB)
Keywords
Where Genomatica is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Genomatica business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: Geno licenses its proprietary biomanufacturing process technology to global manufacturers. Licensees include Qore (Cargill-HELM JV), Novamont, Hyosung, and others. Receives license fees and royalties in exchange for technology packages, process design packages, and technology services.
- Equity Investment from Partners: Large consumer brands invest equity in Geno for access to sustainable materials technology. Lululemon made its first-ever equity investment in Geno. This provides capital while establishing strategic partnership relationships.
- Product Sales (Brontide): Brontide butylene glycol sold through distribution partners (Azelis, Glenn, Daicel) to personal care formulators. Commercial production achieved with over 600 tons shipped, over 250 formulators received samples.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | No public pricing available |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Genomatica product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Genomatica develops, licenses, and supplies proprietary biomanufacturing technology that uses fermentation to convert plant-based sugars into widely used chemicals and materials as fossil-fuel-free alternatives to petrochemical equivalents. Its commercial offerings include GENO Bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol), Brontide butylene glycol, plant-based nylon precursors, and Avela (R)-1,3-butanediol, sold to industrial and consumer-goods manufacturers.
Product overview
Genomatica (operating as Geno) is a biotechnology company that develops and licenses industrial biomanufacturing technologies to produce widely-used chemicals and materials from plant-based or waste feedstocks instead of fossil fuels. The company's core technology portfolio includes three major product platforms: the C4 platform (producing GENO™ Bio-BDO and Brontide™ butylene glycol), the C6 platform (producing plant-based nylon-6 via caprolactam and nylon-6,6 via HMD), and a long-chain chemicals platform acquired from REG Life Sciences. Genomatica licenses its proprietary biocatalyst and process technologies to global manufacturing partners rather than operating its own production facilities. The technology enables up to 90% lower carbon emissions compared to fossil-based alternatives while maintaining equivalent performance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Geno BDO: Bio-based 1,4-butanediol produced through proprietary fermentation technology using plant-based sugars
- Brontide
- Avela
Products and services
- GENO Bio-BDO Bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) produced from plant-based sugars via fermentation; used as a drop-in replacement for petrochemical BDO in downstream polymer, spandex, and chemical applications for global chemical manufacturers and brand owners.
- Brontide butylene glycol Natural-origin (sugarcane-derived) 1,3-butylene glycol used as a sustainable, petrochemical-free ingredient in personal care and cosmetics formulations, distributed via partners such as Azelis, Glenn, and Daicel.
- Plant-Based Nylon Bio-based nylon-6 and nylon-6,6 precursors produced via fermentation; supplied into apparel and textile applications (e.g., partnership with Hyosung and brand adoption by lululemon and Unilever) as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical nylon.
- Avela (R)-1,3-Butanediol Nature-derived (R)-1,3-Butanediol produced from plant-based sugars via fermentation; sold to functional food, beverage, and nutrition product developers for ketogenic and calorie-reduction applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 90% lower carbon emissions for Bio-BDO compared to coal-based alternatives
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Genomatica
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Genomatica technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Genomatica partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Sojitz CorporationcoreStrategic partnership to accelerate commercialization of world's first plant-based nylon-6. Sojitz made strategic financial investment and contributes commercial/business expertise. Aligns with Sojitz's 'Sustainability Challenge' for decarbonization and sustainable growth.
- Qore (Cargill-HELM Joint Venture)flagshipGeno licensed GENO Bio-BDO technology to Qore, joint venture between Cargill and HELM. $300M facility in Eddyville, Iowa is world's largest Geno Bio-BDO plant. Produces BDO under brand QIRA. Combined capacity over 100,000 tons per year.
- Hyosungflagship$1 billion investment in building Geno-powered BDO plants in Vietnam. World's first fully integrated manufacturing site for bio-based spandex from renewable raw material to fiber. Annual capacity of 50,000 tons with aim to expand to 200,000 tons/year.
- KaocoreJoined Unilever-Geno venture as founding member to strengthen supply chain resiliency for $652B home and personal care markets. Kao's 130+ years of expertise deepens global reach. Supports Kao's goal to reduce CO2 emissions to zero by 2040 and become carbon negative by 2050.
- AquafilcoreLongtime collaboration with Aquafil to produce plant-based nylon-6. Successfully completed first demonstration scale production runs. Aquafil converts Geno's bio-based precursor to commercial-quality bio-nylon-6 yarns, films, and engineered plastics at Slovenia facility.
- Unileverflagship$120M+ joint venture to scale and commercialize plant-based alternatives to palm oil and fossil fuels for cleansing ingredients. Unilever's largest collaboration in biotechnology alternatives to palm oil. Targets combined $625B home and personal care markets with potential for 50% carbon footprint reduction.
- Asahi KaseicorePartnership to commercialize renewably-sourced nylon 6,6 made from Geno's bio-based HMD (hexamethylenediamine). Asahi Kasei targets first-to-market with sustainable nylon 6,6 for automotive and electronics industries, supporting goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
- lululemonflagshipMulti-year collaboration with lululemon's first-ever equity investment in a sustainable materials company. Geno's largest retail industry partnership. Goal to replace conventional nylon with plant-based alternatives in lululemon products, impacting over half of synthetic materials in their supply chain, supporting 2030 sustainability goals.
- Glenn (Azelis Americas)coreExclusive distributor of Brontide natural butylene glycol in the United States. Glenn brings 16 technical account managers dedicated to personal care industry, application lab capabilities with e-Lab and iChat digital tools.
- DaicelcoreExclusive distributor of Brontide butylene glycol in Asia-Pacific region. Anticipated purchases to grow to thousands of tons per year. Daicel has established and respected presence in Asian cosmetics market.
- CovestrocorePartnership to research and develop high-performance materials from renewable feedstocks. Successfully produced significant volumes of plant-based HMDA for coatings and nylon-6,6. Covestro has secured option to license GENO HMD process technology.
- AzeliscoreMarketing and distribution partner for Brontide in Europe. Azelis has EcoVadis Gold rating placing it in top 1% of distributors worldwide for corporate social responsibility.
- NovamontcoreLongtime partner producing Brontide at fermentation-based production plant in Italy. First commercial plant for bio-based BDO with 30,000 ton annual capacity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% vs petroleum-based production.
- L'OréalcoreThird global company to invest in Geno-led venture for sustainably sourced ingredients. Supports L'Oréal's sustainability commitments and ingredient sourcing goals.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Genomatica competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Amyris: Industrial biotechnology company producing bio-based chemicals and ingredients via fermentation from renewable feedstocks. Directly comparable to Geno in business model of licensing/selling bio-based molecules to consumer goods and personal care markets (e.g., squalane, sweeteners).
- Ginkgo Bioworks: Synthetic biology platform engineering microorganisms for bio-based chemical and ingredient production. Existing Geno partner (Geno strengthened Ginkgo partnership with $90M Series B) and competes for similar bio-manufacturing licensing opportunities with consumer goods and chemical majors.
- LanzaTech: Carbon recycling company using gas fermentation to produce bio-based ethanol and chemicals from industrial off-gases. Comparable to Geno as a biotechnology licensing company targeting sustainable chemical production for major brands.
- NatureWorks: World's largest PLA bioplastic manufacturer, producing bio-based polymers from plant sugars for packaging and consumer goods applications. Directly comparable to Geno's bio-based polymer/resin manufacturing and licensing approach.
- Danimer Scientific: Bioplastic company producing PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) biodegradable polymers from renewable feedstocks. Direct comparable to Geno in bio-based and biodegradable polymer production, particularly for packaging applications.
- Cathay Industrial Biotech: Chinese bio-based chemicals company producing bio-based polyamide (nylon-56), bio-based pentanediol, and bio-based long-chain diacids. Directly comparable to Geno's bio-based nylon and C6 platform products.
Broad incumbents
- Braskem: Major petrochemical producer that has commercialized bio-based polyethylene (I'm green) from sugarcane. Competes with Geno in bio-based polyolefins and serves similar consumer goods customers seeking sustainable materials.
- BASF: Global chemical major with growing biotechnological and bio-based materials portfolio including compostable bioplastics (ecovio) and bio-based intermediates. Represents the established incumbent Geno competes against and partners with in the renewable chemicals space.
- LyondellBasell: One of the world's largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies with active investments in circular and bio-based polymers. Competes broadly with Geno in the sustainable materials market and is exploring licensing-style partnerships for advanced recycling and bio-based feedstocks.
Others
- Cargill: Global agricultural commodity processor and JV partner with Geno through the Qore Bio-BDO joint venture with HELM. Comparable as an enabling ecosystem participant supplying plant-sugar feedstocks and operating licensed Geno production capacity in Iowa.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Genomatica social profiles
Digital presenceGenomatica compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Genomatica financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Genomatica leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Genomatica funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds10 records
Investors19 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Genomatica M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Genomatica
What does Genomatica do?
Genomatica develops, licenses, and supplies proprietary biomanufacturing technology that uses fermentation to convert plant-based sugars into widely used chemicals and materials as fossil-fuel-free alternatives to petrochemical equivalents. Its commercial offerings include GENO Bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol), Brontide butylene glycol, plant-based nylon precursors, and Avela (R)-1,3-butanediol, sold to industrial and consumer-goods manufacturers.
Is Genomatica a public or private company?
Genomatica is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Genomatica founded?
Genomatica was founded in 2000. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Genomatica based?
Genomatica is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Genomatica make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing is the primary driver. The others are equity Investment from Partners and product Sales (Brontide).
Who are Genomatica's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Amyris, Ginkgo Bioworks, LanzaTech, NatureWorks, Danimer Scientific and Cathay Industrial Biotech. Broad incumbents are Braskem, BASF and LyondellBasell. Cargill is listed as an others.
Does Genomatica have an API?
No public API is recorded for Genomatica.
What industry is Genomatica in?
Genomatica's product category is Industrial Biotechnology / Sustainable Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAOAA, Biodegradable Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT), with a secondary code of EUAAAIAC, Bio-based Polymers & Bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA, bio-PE/PP/PET, PBS). Its NAICS code is 325211 and its SIC code is 2821.