ZymoChem, a trailblazer in sustainable biotech solutions, has been awarded a $1.57 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) under the prestigious Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP). This award underscores the company's cutting-edge approach to bio-based ingredient production and its strategic role in enhancing the domestic supply chain for critical materials.

The DBIMP, an integral part of President Biden's Executive Order 14081, is designed to propel advancements in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, aiming to build a sustainable, secure American bioeconomy. ZymoChem's selection reflects its alignment with national priorities, specifically the expansion of U.S.-based production capabilities and the reinforcement of the bioindustrial manufacturing sector.

ZymoChem will channel this funding toward developing a bioproduction facility focused on bio-based monomers for manufacturing military-grade fabrics, tactical gear, parachute systems, aerospace components, and other high-performance materials. By establishing a domestic production base, ZymoChem aims to reduce dependency on foreign supply chains, a crucial move for national security.

"We are deeply honored to receive this award from the DoD's Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program," said Harshal Chokhawala, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of ZymoChem. "This recognition is a testament to our mission of driving the transition to a real-zero economy through bio-based materials. Our proprietary Carbon Conserving (C2) technology platform allows us to produce critical materials from renewable resources without sacrificing performance, cost, or sustainability. This capability is not only essential for commercial applications but also for strengthening and domesticating vital government supply chains."

Dr. Peter Emanuel, PhD, Senior Technology Advisor to the Office of Biotechnology under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, echoed this sentiment: "This award is a clear demonstration of our commitment to reinforcing the American industrial base and national defense with cutting-edge technology. The DoD is committed to building versatility, flexibility, and resilience into American supply chains through strategic investments in innovative, homegrown talent."

As one of just 30 organizations selected nationwide for the DBIMP, ZymoChem will leverage this award to biofabricate monomers that form the backbone of high-performance products. Success in this initiative could position the company for a follow-on, five-year contract with the DoD, potentially valued at over $100 million. This follows ZymoChem's earlier selection by the DoD in 2023 as part of the BioMADE manufacturing consortium, which aims to secure America's future through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration.

This DoD contract follows closely on the heels of ZymoChem's recent $21 million Series A funding round, intended to accelerate the commercialization of BAYSE™—the world’s first scalable, 100% bio-based, biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). This innovation highlights ZymoChem's capacity to deliver sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived materials, addressing environmental concerns while maintaining competitive pricing across industries, including hygiene, agriculture, and water treatment.