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 researching and delivering agronomic traits to enhance and protect yields in forestry, biofuels, biopower, and agriculture. The company's core technology involves genetic research and development, with a strategic emphasis on renewable woody biomass for plantation forestry, biopower (pellets for combustion and co-firing), and biofuels (cellulose to ethanol). It primarily serves the pulp and paper industry with subtropical eucalyptus, and the biopower and biofuel sectors with short-rotation energy poplar and eucalyptus. FuturaGene also explores woody desert species for ecosystem services and economic output, such as yellow horn for oil production, and has obtained regulatory approval for a yield-enhanced, genetically modified eucalyptus variety.

Strategic signal

In January 2018, FuturaGene and CSIRO announced the issuance of a patent in Brazil for RNAi technology, enhancing FuturaGene's exclusive license for its application in eucalyptus. This development is significant as it strengthens the company's intellectual property in gene silencing, enabling the development of eucalyptus varieties resistant to pests and diseases. For investors, this signals continued innovation and a reinforced market position in sustainable forestry, potentially leading to improved yield protection and increased market penetration in key agricultural regions.

Company Intelligence Q&A

When was FuturaGene acquired?

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

What was the valuation of FuturaGene at the time of acquisition?

In May 2010, FuturaGene received a buyout offer from Suzano Papel e Celulose SA at a company value of ₤59.2 million.

What was a key development regarding FuturaGene's RNAi technology in Brazil?

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

What collaboration did FuturaGene enter into for yield enhancement in staple crops?

In May 2013, FuturaGene entered into an agreement with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to test its yield-enhancing technology on staple crops for increased food security in arid and semi-arid regions.

What partnership did FuturaGene form to increase biomass in eucalyptus and poplar trees?

In April 2015, Intrexon Corp. and FuturaGene Group entered into an exclusive collaboration to increase biomass in eucalyptus and poplar trees, utilizing Intrexon’s platform for gene constructs and FuturaGene’s expertise in plant yield enhancement.