FuturaGene

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in December 1993, FuturaGene operates with 51–200 employees. The company was acquired by Suzano Pulp and Paper in July 2010.

Business overview

FuturaGene is an agricultural biotechnology company focused on developing agronomic traits to enhance and protect yields in forestry, biofuels, biopower, and agriculture. The company's core technology involves genetic modification to improve woody biomass, with a strategic emphasis on plantation forestry, biopower (pellets for combustion and co-firing), and cellulosic biofuels. FuturaGene serves the pulp and paper industry with subtropical eucalyptus, and the biopower and biofuel sectors with short-rotation energy poplar and eucalyptus. The company also explores woody desert species like yellow horn for ecosystem services and economic output, aiming to be a major provider of elite seedlings and an integrated oil producer. FuturaGene operates globally, with lab and field facilities in Israel, Brazil, China, and the United States, and has obtained regulatory approval for a yield-enhanced, genetically modified eucalyptus variety.

Strategic signal

In January 2018, FuturaGene's exclusive license for RNAi technology in eucalyptus was enhanced by the grant of a patent in Brazil. This development signals a strengthening of the company's intellectual property and its strategic position in the genetically modified tree market, particularly for eucalyptus, which is crucial for the pulp and paper and bioenergy industries in key regions like Brazil.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What is FuturaGene's primary focus in agricultural biotechnology?

FuturaGene specializes in researching and delivering agronomic traits to improve and protect yields for forestry, biofuels, biopower, and agriculture, with a particular focus on renewable woody biomass.

When was FuturaGene acquired and by whom?

FuturaGene was acquired by Suzano Pulp and Paper in July 2010.

What significant regulatory achievement has FuturaGene made?

FuturaGene has obtained regulatory approval to commercially deploy a yield-enhanced, genetically modified eucalyptus variety.

Where does FuturaGene conduct its research and field operations?

FuturaGene maintains lab and field facilities in Israel, Brazil, China, and the United States, focusing on traits relevant to eucalyptus and poplar in those markets.

What was a key intellectual property development for FuturaGene in early 2018?

In January 2018, FuturaGene's exclusive license for RNAi technology in eucalyptus was enhanced by the grant of a patent in Brazil.