Evolgene

Evolgene operates at the intersection of biotechnology and sustainability, focusing on the research and development of enzymes for industrial applications. The company was established in 2014 as the fourth spin-off from the nanoGUNE research center. One of the key figures associated with the company's technology is Ikerbasque Research Professor Raúl Pérez-Jiménez, whose work focuses on designing novel enzymes for biotechnological applications, including genome editing and biomass-interacting enzymes. His background is in physical chemistry, and he has extensive experience in using atomic-force microscopy to study proteins, which informs the company's core technology.

The core of Evolgene's business is its proprietary Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction (ASR) technology. This method allows the company to develop ultra-efficient ancestral enzymes with enhanced properties. The business model encompasses both the development of its own bio-solutions and offering R&D services to external clients, which includes the design, selection, and characterization of ancestral enzymes on demand. One of its primary product developments is a novel process for producing cellulose nanocrystals, a biomaterial with numerous industrial and biomedical uses. This enables clients to move away from conventional and hazardous chemical processes. The company serves industries requiring specialized enzymes and biomaterials, with applications in bio-based inks, second-generation bioethanol, and fibers for textile use.

Significant milestones for Evolgene include receiving funding from various programs for specific projects, such as the development of sustainable conductive bio-ink in 2021 and a project for recycling forest biomass in 2022. A major corporate development occurred in June 2023, when MYRUNS ENGINEERING SPORTS, SL, a Basque company specializing in RFID technology, acquired an 80% stake in Evolgene. This acquisition made MYRUNS the majority partner, with the goal of advancing the treatment of biomass, creating high-value biomaterials, and developing next-generation biofuels. A notable outcome of their collaboration, even preceding the acquisition, was the development of a conductive ink to replace metals in RFID tags, a technology developed by researchers including Raúl Pérez-Jiménez and led by Evolgene's CEO, Daniel Simo.

Keywords: ancestral sequence reconstruction, enzyme development, biotechnology, sustainability, cellulose nanocrystals, biomaterials, industrial enzymes, R&D services, nanobiotechnology, bio-based solutions, biofuels, conductive ink, RFID technology, biomass treatment, protein engineering, ASR technology, green chemistry, enzymatic solutions, circular economy, bioeconomy