San Diego, July 28, 2015
Genomatica, a widely-acclaimed bioengineering technology leader for the chemical industry, today announced the appointment of Carlos A. Cabrera to its board of directors as executive chairman. Cabrera was formerly chairman, president and CEO of UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, that supplies and licenses process technology and services to the petrochemical, refining and gas processing industries. He also previously served as executive chairman of Ivanhoe Energy; a director at Gevo; and as CEO of China’s National Institute of Low Carbon and Clean Energy.
“We’re honored to gain Cabrera’s global industry experience and hands-on commitment,” said Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica. “He complements and extends the experience of our board members and executives in technology licensing and commercialization, as well as our investors with their continuing commitment to industrial biotech. As an independent director, he also represents another step in the evolution of our board to support a thriving company enabling an industry transformation.”
“Biotech can and will transform major sectors of the chemical industry,” said Mr. Cabrera. “Genomatica has the technology, IP, team and results. Full speed ahead.”
About Genomatica
Genomatica is a widely-recognized bioengineering technology leader for the chemical industry. It develops biobased processes that enable its licensee partners to produce the widely-used chemicals a ‘better way,’ from alternative feedstocks, with better economics and greater sustainability than petroleum-based processes.
Genomatica has delivered the industry’s first commercial biobased process for a high-volume intermediate chemical. Its GENO BDO™ process has produced thousands of tons of BDO and been licensed by BASF and Novamont. Multiple large chemical firms have publicly validated quality or described commercialization plans, including Invista (for Lycra® spandex), DSM, Lanxess, Toray, and Far Eastern New Century.
Genomatica’s biotechnology platform and over 600 patents and applications enable it to develop processes for additional major chemicals. The next is for butadiene, with Versalis and Braskem as partners, and over $100 million in industry support. Genomatica has also announced a program to develop processes for the production of nylon intermediates, including HMD, caprolactam and adipic acid.
Genomatica has earned tremendous recognition for its innovation and commercialization track record, including the Kirkpatrick Award, for ‘the most noteworthy chemical engineering technology commercialized in the world,’ and the 2015 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer award.