Monrovia, CA – Invizyne Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: IZTC), a leader in enzyme-based biomanufacturing, has secured a $2 million grant under the U.S. Department of Defense’s BioMADE initiative. The funding supports the development of cell-free biomanufacturing technology aimed at scaling the production of isobutanol, a critical precursor for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The project, undertaken in partnership with the University of Georgia, will enhance Invizyne’s enzyme production pipeline and deploy its technology in 100L pilot-scale facilities. This effort marks a significant step toward commercializing cell-free biomanufacturing to meet the rising demand for renewable fuels.
Scaling a Novel Approach
Invizyne’s cell-free biomanufacturing process eliminates the need for living organisms, leveraging multi-step enzyme-based systems to convert renewable sugars into isobutanol efficiently. Isobutanol, a versatile chemical, serves as both a replacement for conventional fuels and a precursor to SAF.
“This initiative could indeed mark the beginning of a new era in sustainable biofuel production,” said Paul Opgenorth, PhD, Co-Founder and VP of Development at Invizyne. “At its heart, this project seeks to mature the technology readiness level of our cell-free enzyme approach, enabling the conversion of renewable sugars into isobutanol at scale.”
The SAF market, projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 52.2%, is set to reach $27.4 billion by 2032, offering significant opportunities for innovative production methods like Invizyne’s.
Positioning for Leadership in Biomanufacturing
The grant also underscores Invizyne’s broader ambitions to lead in next-generation biomanufacturing.
“While the BioMADE project will play a pivotal role in validating the technical and economic feasibility of cell-free isobutanol production, it’s also important to understand that our vision at Invizyne extends beyond biofuel applications,” said Michael Heltzen, CEO of Invizyne. “We see this project as establishing a framework for expanding Invizyne’s cell-free approach into various industrial processes, too.”
“This project seeks to mature the technology readiness level of our cell-free enzyme approach, enabling the conversion of renewable sugars into isobutanol at scale.” – Paul Opgenorth, PhD, Co-Founder, Invizyne
Since completing its IPO, Invizyne has garnered $5.85 million in prior grants from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, solidifying its position as a transformative player in the bioeconomy.
BioMADE’s Role in U.S. Bioindustrial Manufacturing
BioMADE, a U.S. Department of Defense initiative, plays a critical role in advancing biomanufacturing innovations. By funding projects like Invizyne’s, BioMADE fosters technological advancements, strengthens domestic supply chains, and builds a globally competitive bioindustrial workforce.
