Glycolic acid is a high-performance ingredient used in cosmetics, agriculture, and industrial cleaning. Current supply is costly and fossil-based, we're changing that.
Biobased and Circular
Our glycolic acid is made by fermenting upcycled waste oils and biomass, not fossil methanol. This delivers a genuinely circular, low-carbon process that aligns with net-zero and ESG goals.
Cost Competitive
Through cheap waste feedstocks, engineered yeast strains, and novel bioreactor design, we can ferment glycolic acid at a price competitive with petrochemical routes—without compromising on sustainability.
Low Carbon
Our integrated bioprocess lowers emissions by over 80% compared to the petrochemical process, owing to our carbon-negative feedstocks and low-energy separations.
Low Brine Waste
Our downstream process avoids producing tonnes of salt effluent, eliminating the need for brine disposal and lowering both operating costs and environmental impact.
Ultra-pure
Our fermentation pathway is entirely free from formaldehyde, delivering an ultra-pure glycolic acid ideal for high-purity markets like cosmetics for sensitive skin.
Say hello!
We’re working with formulators, manufacturers, and innovators across industries.
If you’re interested in samples or partnering, contact us at [email protected]
Our Team
Our team combines expertise in synthetic biology, bioprocess engineering, and scale-up manufacturing, with experience from leading biotech companies and research institutions to build scalable, sustainable production of high-purity glycolic acid.
Seraj Kotagama
Founder, Director
A PhD candidate in Synthetic Biology and a Blackbird Ventures Foundry graduate with extensive synthetic biology startup experience.
Jared Bergman
Co-founder, Bioprocess
Jared is an experienced Project Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer at Vow, focused on scaling bioprocesses, bioreactor design, and downstream process development.
Andrey Gomes
Synthetic Biologist
Andrey is a PhD biotechnologist with expertise in synthetic biology, genomics, analytical chemistry, and nanotechnology.
Ian Paulsen
Advisor, Science & Partnerships
Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, provides leadership in metabolic engineering, multidisciplinary and industry partnerships.
Paige Erpf
Advisor, Science & Communication
A synthetic biologist post-doc that brings extensive experience in genome design, microbial engineering, and science communication.
