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We’re on a mission to decarbonize the physical world

Our Mission & Vision

At Solugen, we believe that planet-scale change starts at the molecular level. Harnessing the power of biology and chemistry, we are reimagining how life’s essential materials are manufactured with the world’s first sustainable chemical plant. By bringing high performing, cost competitive, sustainable products to market we aim to combat climate change, spur economic growth, and bolster domestic manufacturing.

  • 7 Markets
  • 2 Bioforges
  • 2 Strategic Partnerships
  • $640M+ Raised
  • 230+ Employees

Our Founders

Sparked by a chance conversation between a doctor and an engineer during a med school poker game, Solugen has evolved into a transformative force in the chemical manufacturing industry.

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Our Team

Today, we are a team of over 200 scientists, engineers, and innovators. We draw on diverse experiences, deep expertise, and a relentless commitment to building a more sustainable future for all.

From Concept to Asset in 5 Years

2016 · A Chance Meeting

Gaurab was getting his PhD at University of Texas Southwestern and researching a drug candidate for pancreatic cancer. Sean was a graduate student in chemical engineering at MIT focusing on noble metal catalysts. They wondered if marrying their two disciplines could improve chemical manufacturing.

2017 · Proving the Concept

To prove the concept, Gaurab and Sean build a prototype reactor using materials from Home Depot and entered the MIT Entrepreneurship Competition. With $10K of seed funding, they later join renowned startup accelerator Y Combinator and appear in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.  

2018 · Building a Pilot Plant

With cash in hand and a steady customer base, Gaurab and Sean acquire and redevelop the brownfield site of a previously exploded chemical plant in Houston. They later raise a $13.5M Series A funding round led by Fifty Years, Founders Fund, and Y Combinator.

2019 · Expanding Capabilities

To better serve a growing list of energy customers, refined blending and distribution capabilities are established in Slaton, TX. Solugen closes $32 million in Series B funding led by Founders Fund, with participation from Y Combinator, Refactor Capital, Fifty Years and KdT Ventures. The company is named among Houston’s fastest growing private companies. 

2020 · Demonstration Scale Plant

Construction on Solugen’s 10 KTA demonstration scale Bioforge begins. The company is named on Forbes list of Next Billion Dollar Startups.

2021 · Bioforge Houston Comes Online

Construction on Bioforge Houston is complete. The company receives over $350M in Series C funding in a round led by GIC and Baillie Gifford, with participation from Temasek Holdings, BlackRock, Carbon Direct Capital Management, Refactor Capital, and Fifty Years. Solugen receives the World Changing Idea Award by Fast Company.

2022 · Production Hits Critical Mass

Bioforge Houston production hits critical mass in its first year of operation. Solugen establishes itself with top tier customers for existing solutions and technology partners to build a robust pipeline of future molecules. The company raises over $200M in a Series D funding in a round led by Kennivik, Lowercarbon Capital, and Refactor Capital. Solugen is later ranked second on Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.

2023 · Forging Strategic Partnerships

Solugen announces its first major expansion outside of Texas with plans to build a 50,000 sf biomanufacturing facility in Marshall, MN. The company also announces major strategic partnerships with established industry leaders like Sasol Chemicals and ADM to commercialize and scale new solutions.

2024 · Breaking Ground on Bioforge Marshall

In April, Solugen breaks ground on a new facility in Southwest Minnesota alongside government leaders, business leaders, and community partners.

In June, Solugen secures conditional commitment for a $213.6M loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office to scale domestic biomanufacturing.

Present Future
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A new 500,000 sf biomanufacturing facility located adjacent to ADM’s existing corn complex in Marshall, MN will be fully operational in 2025.
Our 20,000 sf distribution warehouse houses include storage space, product blenders, and a range of logistics capabilities. It is strategically located in West Texas to serve energy customers.
Our headquarters and lead research and development center boasts over 20,000 sf of lab space, a 10,000-ton capacity biomanufacturing facility, and 10,000 sf of warehouse and storage space.

A Network of Bioforges

Proudly headquartered in Houston, TX, we are scaling our production of bio-based building block molecules across the US.

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Building the Bioeconomy

Over the next decade, we plan to expand our pipeline of new molecules that are the key building blocks of the bioeconomy, and launch a global network of Bioforges to produce them.

Our 2050 Vision

Awards

15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch

MIT Technology Review, 2024

Second annual list of innovative companies making significant strides in developing cost-effective technologies to combat climate change.

Sustainability Leaders

Forbes, 2024

Solugen CEO, Gaurab Chakrabarti, joins the inaugural list of global changemakers across industries who are driving measurable and lasting impact in the fight against the climate crisis.

Disruptor 50

CNBC, 2024

Annual list of private, venture-backed companies transforming industries.

America’s Top Greentech Companies

TIME, 2024

The inaugural list celebrates companies that are driving positive change in the fight against climate change.

America’s Best Startup Employers

Forbes, 2024

Companies were evaluated on three primary criteria: company reputation, employee satisfaction and growth.

Entrepreneur of the Year

EY, 2023

Solugen’s co-founders were named among the national list honoring entrepreneurs who develop products and solutions that disrupt markets, revolutionize industries, and transform lives.

Green Chemistry Challenge

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2023

The awards recognize technologies that design chemical products and processes that address critical environmental challenges like climate change and foster economic development.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies

Fast Company, 2022

Annual showcase of the best in business where Solugen was named #2 globally in manufacturing for its technology platform.

World Changing Ideas

Fast Company, 2021

The annual list honors products, concepts, companies, policies, and designs that are pursuing innovation for the good of society and the planet.

Next Billion Dollar Startups

Forbes, 2020

Annual list of the country’s 25 fastest-growing venture-backed startups most likely to reach a $1 billion valuation.

Fast 100 & Innovation Awards

Houston Business Journal, 2019

Annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in Houston. These companies are known for their innovation and risk taking.

30 Under 30

Forbes, 2017

Solugen co-founders join the definitive list of young people changing the world.

MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition

MIT, 2016

The competition brings together students and researchers from across MIT and Greater Boston to launch their talent, ideas, and technology into leading companies.

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