Draft:ZymoChem
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ZymoChem is an American biotechnology company headquartered in San Leandro, California, with a satellite division in Burlington, Vermont.[1] The company uses its proprietary Carbon Conserving (C2) microbial technology to develop bio-based materials that replace petroleum-derived ingredients used in everyday products.[2] ZymoChem aims to catalyze a "real-zero" economy by using renewable feedstocks and biomanufacturing (rather than relying on carbon credits or offsets) to manufacture materials to effectively eliminate fossil carbon emissions from the value chain.[3]
History
[edit]ZymoChem was founded by Harshal Chokhawala, Jon Kuchenreuther, and Murthy Konda to address the environmental and economic implications of petroleum-based manufacturing.[4] Chokhawala remains involved with the company as its current CEO.[5] After working closely with one another in the labs of UC Berkeley, the company formally incorporated in 2015.[6] Early support came from the U.S. Department of Energy and the USDA, including a $1.5 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant in 2016. ZymoChem was also accepted into the IndieBio Program and received early support from SOSV and Breakout Labs.[7]
ZymoChem's proprietary technology centers on engineering microbes to convert sugars and other organic feedstocks into high-performance, bio-based chemicals and polymers[2], including Bio-Super Absorbent Polymers (Bio-SAP),[8] Bio-Polyurethanes, Bio-Nylons, and Bio-Plastics as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials.
In 2019, the company relocated to Alameda, California, then in 2021 to San Leandro, California.[4]In that same year, ZymoChem secured $4.2 million in grant funding from ARPA-E[9] while raising a $4 million seed round to support product development.[10]
In 2020, ZymoChem executed a Joint Development Agreement with a Fortune 500 chemical company[4], followed by being named the recipient of a U.S. Department of Energy (SBIT II) grant for $1.1MM in that same year.[4]
In the following years, ZymoChem expanded its product applications, including partnerships with Agile BioFoundry in 2021[4] and the Fashion for Good Innovation Platform in 2023.[11]
In 2022, the company opened a satellite office in Burlington, Vermont in 2022.[12]
In 2023, ZymoChem launched BAYSE™, its 100% bio-based, biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer.[13] ZymoChem has used BAYSE and other bio-based polymers and monomers to advance a variety of products that serve consumer, industrial, and defense markets.
In 2024, ZymoChem became a certified Public Benefit Corporation[14] and earned B Corporation™ certification,[15] formalizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development practices.
In 2025, ZymoChem entered a multi-year collaboration with lululemon to accelerate the development and scaling of bio-based nylon 6,6.[16] Building on an initial investment from lululemon in 2024, the partnership aims to commercialize ZymoChem's proprietary technology to produce a sustainable version of adipic acid, a key building block of nylon traditionally produced from petroleum. The collaboration seeks to advance the usage of bio-based materials for nylon workout clothes that match the quality and functionality of traditional nylon.
Technology & Products
[edit]ZymoChem's core innovation is its Carbon Conserving (C2) process – microbes that are bioengineered to convert sugar-based feedstocks into bio-based materials through fermentation, while producing near-zero CO2 emissions.[2] In contrast to conventional fossil-based manufacturing processes, which lose significant carbon as waste, ZymoChem's C2 technology enables near-complete carbon retention.
This proprietary technology allows for the creation of bio-based alternatives that match or exceed the performance of petroleum-based materials, including polymers, resins, and specialty chemicals used in textiles, personal care, agriculture, and packaging.
ZymoChem's products include: BAYSE™ Bio-SAP, a 100% bio-based, biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) intended for use in diapers and other hygiene products.[13]
Funding & Partnerships
[edit]In 2024, ZymoChem raised $21 million in Series A funding to accelerate the commercialization of BAYSE™. The investment was led by Breakout Ventures, with participation from investors including lululemon athletica, inc. and Toyota Ventures, GS Futures, KdT Ventures, and Cavallo Ventures.[17]
The same year, the company was selected as a recipient of the United States Department of Defense's Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) and awarded a $1.57 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to scale bioindustrial manufacturing for strategic applications.[18]
In 2025, ZymoChem partnered with lululemon to scale bio-based nylon 6,6, building on an earlier investment to develop a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived adipic acid.[16]
ZymoChem secured additional funding in 2025 via a financing round led by lululemon, with participation from Toyota Ventures, GS Futures, FreshTracks Capital, the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET), and The Dudley Fund.[19] The funding supports expanded manufacturing capabilities and the commercialization of ZymoChem's Carbon Conserving platform and bio-based products.
Public Benefit Corporation & B Corporation Status
[edit]ZymoChem became a Public Benefit Corporation in 2024,[20] formally codifying its mission to "improve the environmental impacts of product manufacturing, and thus have a positive effect on human and planetary health."
In 2025, ZymoChem became a Certified B Corporation,[21] reflecting their deep commitment to environmental sustainability, social impact, and corporate transparency through the pursuit of a real-zero economy via bio-based innovation.
Coordination with US Government
[edit]ZymoChem is also a member of BioMADE,[22] the Department of Defense's bio-manufacturing consortium focused on advancing secure, sustainable bioindustrial infrastructure.
ZymoChem has received significant public sector support to scale its bioindustrial manufacturing technologies in alignment with national priorities around climate, energy, and defense. The company was awarded a $1.57 million contract in 2024 through the U.S. Department of Defense's Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) to support domestic production of bio-based monomers for use in military-grade fabrics and high-performance materials.[18] The program aims to secure and expand the U.S. bioeconomy.
In 2023, ZymoChem received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) to accelerate production of cost-effective, high-performance bio-based polymers.[23] This award supports the DOE's broader Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap.
Additional early-stage support has come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which awarded initial research funding to ZymoChem during its formative years.[24]
Awards & Recognition
[edit]In 2025, ZymoChem was ranked #87 on TIME's list of America's Top Greentech Companies of the year.[25] In that same year, ZymoChem CEO Harshal Chokhawala was also given the Rising Star Award at SynBioBeta's 2025 Awards. In bestowing the award, SynBioBeta said: "His leadership notably advances applications in super-absorbent polymers for personal care and sustainable nylon...Harshal's approach effectively demonstrates how synthetic biology can directly address critical environmental and industrial challenges, seamlessly bridging scientific innovation with market viability. As a rising star, his entrepreneurial spirit and technical acumen continue to inspire peers and position him as a leading figure in sustainable biotech innovation."[26]
Certifications & Consortiums
[edit]ZymoChem participates in several sustainability and innovation platforms that recognize its role in advancing the bioeconomy.
In 2024, the company became a Certified B Corporation,[27] meeting rigorous standards of environmental performance, corporate transparency, and social impact.
In 2023, ZymoChem was selected to join the Fashion for Good Innovation Platform[11], a global initiative that supports promising startups in sustainable fashion and materials innovation.
Additionally, ZymoChem is an active member of BioMADE[22], the U.S. Department of Defense-backed consortium focused on strengthening bioindustrial manufacturing capabilities across the country.
References
[edit]- ^ "Our People". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b c "Our Platform". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Transforming Sustainability into a Competitive Advantage". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Our History". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Harshal Chokhawala". LinkedIn. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Debuts Scalable Bio-Based SAP". FiberJournal.com. International Fiber Journal. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ Lisa Jarvis (2016). "Four firms get Breakout Labs support". C&EN Global Enterprise. 94 (41). ACS Publications: 15. doi:10.1021/cen-09441-buscon011. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Unveils World's First Scalable, 100% Bio-Based, and Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer: BAYSE™". PR Newswire. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Awarded $4.2 Million from ARPA-E for Transformational Biomanufacturing Technology". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Completes $4 Million Seed Financing". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "ZymoChem has been chosen for the 2023 Fashion For Good (FFG) Innovation Platform". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Mission & Vision". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "ZymoChem Launches BAYSE™, the World's First Bio-Based and Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer". SynBioBeta. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "-A+A VCET: Zymochem/Company Spotlight". Vermont Business Magazine. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Joins the B Corp Movement, Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Biotech". SynBioBeta. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "lululemon Announces New Collaboration with ZymoChem to Advance and Scale Bio-Based Nylon". lululemon. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Zymochem raises $21 million for biomanufacturing". C&EN Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "ZymoChem's Bio-Based Innovation Secures $1.57M DoD Award". SynBioBeta. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Secures Additional Financing Led by lululemon and Toyota Ventures". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem is Now a Public Benefit Corporation". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Achieves Certified B Corporation™ Status". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "We are Proud to be Listed as a BioMADE Manufacturing Company". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem Awarded $4 Million to Manufacture Bio-Based Polymers". GEN: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Our History". ZymoChem. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "MERICA'S TOP GREENTECH COMPANIES OF 2025". TIME. TIME. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Genes, Dreams, and Bio Machines: Meet the SynBioBeta 2025 Award Winners". SynBioBeta. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "ZymoChem". B Corporation. Retrieved 1 July 2025.