Conagen

Conagen is a synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology company that specializes in manufacturing natural products through advanced fermentation techniques. The company employs molecule-per-molecule precision and customization to engineer unique microbes, uncover metabolic pathways in nature, and develop high-quality products. Conagen's innovation is applied across various markets including food and beverage, flavor and fragrance, nutrition, renewable materials, and pharmaceuticals.

The company's technology platforms enable the production of small-molecule natural products at commercial scale, with over 30 such products designed since its founding in 2010. Conagen's fermentation processes tightly control production, reducing the risk of contamination with heavy metals, fungal toxins, and other unsafe materials often found in traditional preparations. The company has developed bioconversion technology to deliver non-GMO products, unlocking the potential of rare ingredients for use in health-promoting and food preservation applications.

Conagen has successfully scaled up the production of several compounds, including salidroside, a glucoside with adaptogenic properties, and kaempferol, a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. In January 2022, the company announced the development of kaempferol through fermentation, making it available at affordable prices previously not possible. Conagen has also produced other antioxidants such as hydroxytyrosol, p-coumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid using its molecular platform for flavonoid antioxidants.

Key customers and partnerships

Conagen has established several key partnerships to commercialize its biotechnology innovations. The company collaborates with Blue California as its commercialization partner, expanding its specialty ingredient portfolio. Through this partnership, Conagen has introduced various ingredients to the market, including sweeteners, preservatives, and flavonoids.

In February 2022, Conagen and Blue California launched Sensegen, a joint venture focused on 100% biotechnology-based ingredients derived from fermentation. Sensegen aims to serve the flavor, fragrance, health, and beauty markets with clean and sustainable ingredients. The company has partnered with fragrance leader Firmenich to develop biotech-crafted fragrances, including a class of plant-based musk through precision fermentation.

Additionally, Conagen has worked with BASF, which acquired Isobionics and partnered with Conagen in September 2019 to enter the natural flavors and fragrances market. This collaboration aims to advance technology for biotech-based aroma ingredients, combining BASF's R&D experience and market access with Conagen's expertise in fermentation ingredients.