iMicrobes, a pioneering biomanufacturing company, has achieved a significant milestone on sustainable materials with the first close of its seed funding round, amassing over $10 million. This latest investment, led by First Bight Ventures and Universal Materials Incubator Co. (UMI), empowers iMicrobes to accelerate the development of renewable, bio-based chemicals using ethanol and methane. With a focus on scalable bioprocesses, iMicrobes is set to fast-track the transition away from petrochemicals, paving the way for sustainable, high-performance materials to meet growing global demand.

With this investment, iMicrobes is poised to expand its proprietary bioprocesses, which convert renewable feedstocks such as ethanol and methane into high-performance, bio-based chemicals. This approach aligns with the rising demand for sustainable solutions across industries, from chemicals to materials manufacturing.

"We stand at a transformative moment for biomanufacturing," noted Veronica Breckenridge, Founder of First Bight Ventures. "iMicrobes is uniquely equipped to help chemical companies integrate biobased materials into the market, responding to a growing call for sustainable products. Their focus on cost-competitive, net-zero materials is setting a new standard in sustainable chemistry."

Yosuke Yamamoto, Partner at UMI, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of value-chain collaboration. “Innovation thrives when industries join forces,” he said. “iMicrobes bridges the upstream innovations of biotechnology with the downstream requirements of the chemical and materials industries, positioning itself as a critical partner for companies transitioning from fossil fuel-based to biobased materials."

The new funding also supports iMicrobes’ goal to scale its fermentation processes, enabling the company to produce over 10 kg of product per run in a pilot bioreactor. This capacity will expedite the commercialization of iMicrobes' bio-based acrylic acid production platform, which seeks to replace traditional petrochemical sources with more sustainable alternatives. Acrylic acid is a widely used chemical in everyday products, from paints to personal care items, and is currently derived from fossil fuels.

iMicrobes has developed two distinct methods for producing bio-based acrylic acid using methane and ethanol as feedstocks. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is sourced from industrial by-products and agricultural waste, turning an environmental hazard into a valuable raw material. Ethanol, a biofuel staple, is being repurposed to advance the biomanufacturing of sustainable chemicals, a shift that also bolsters domestic supply chains.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our new investors,” said Dr. Noah Helman, CEO of iMicrobes. “Their support is crucial as we bring innovative, sustainable products to market. This funding empowers us to advance towards commercial-scale production, decreasing global reliance on fossil fuels while providing cost-effective alternatives.”

Beyond this core biomanufacturing focus, iMicrobes is participating in the “Sustainable Carbon Fiber Made from Waste” initiative. This project, backed by grant funding, aims to transform waste products, including ethanol and carbon dioxide, into biobased carbon fiber—a sustainable alternative for industries reliant on high-performance materials. This initiative will strengthen U.S. domestic supply chains and pave the way for more eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Guided by principles centered on renewable carbon feedstocks, net-zero emissions, and cost-effective production, iMicrobes' biobased solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing industry formulations. By offering sustainable, high-performance materials without compromising quality, iMicrobes is redefining the possibilities of biomanufacturing for a more sustainable future.