Shanghai Zhiyu Biotechnology

Shanghai Zhiyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., also known as Zelixir, is a company operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology. Founded in 2021 by a team with expertise in molecular structure prediction, design algorithms, and synthetic biology, the firm aims to innovate the entire synthetic biology process using AI and biocomputing. The company's CEO is Dr. Sheng Wang.

Zelixir's core business revolves around the research, development, and production of bio-based raw materials for a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, healthcare, and new materials. The company leverages its proprietary AI platforms—Yu Cloud ZCloud, Zhihui ZBot, and Zhishan ZPod—to redesign the synthetic biology workflow, from reaction pathway design and enzyme engineering to scaled-up production. This AI-driven approach is designed to significantly reduce R&D costs and accelerate the commercialization timeline for new products.

The company serves clients in sectors such as medical health, agriculture, food, consumer goods, and chemicals by offering high-quality bio-based materials and integrated research, production, and sales solutions. A key achievement is the development and impending large-scale production of Sustainable Natural Vanillin ex-Ferulic Acid. This product, created using AI-optimized enzymes, offers a sustainable and stable alternative to both natural and chemically synthesized vanillin and has received FEMA GRAS certification under the FDA. In late 2024, Zelixir announced the operational launch of a new green manufacturing plant in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, to scale the production of its bio-based materials.

Keywords: synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, bio-based materials, enzyme engineering, sustainable ingredients, AI drug discovery, food ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, healthcare materials