FuturaGene Overview
FuturaGene is an agricultural biotechnology company that researches and delivers agronomic traits that improve and protect yields for forestry, biofuels, biopower, and agriculture. The companys strategic focus is renewable woody biomass, with plantation forestry, biopower (pellets for combustion and co-firing), and biofuels (cellulose to ethanol) as its target sectors. Its leading crops for these sectors are subtropical eucalyptus for the plantation-based pulp and paper industry and short-rotation energy poplar and eucalyptus for biopower and biofuel. In China, FuturaGene is exploring the potential of woody desert species to couple ecosystem services with economic offtake. One of these, yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia), is an oil-bearing tree of increasing importance, and FuturaGene aims to be a major provider of elite seedlings of this species as well as an integrated oil producer. With lab and field facilities in Israel, Brazil, China, and the United States, the companys in-house focus is on relevant traits for eucalyptus and poplar in those markets. FuturaGene has obtained regulatory approval to commercially deploy a yield-enhanced, genetically modified eucalyptus variety. FuturaGene is a subsidiary of Suzano Pulp and Paper.
Latest News
growth-positive
FuturaGene's Exclusive License for RNAi Technology in Eucalyptus Enhanced by Grant of Patent in Brazil
FuturaGene, a subsidiary of Suzano Pulp and Paper, and CSIRO have announced the issuance of a patent in Brazil for the downregulation of plant target genes. FuturaGene has the right to sublicense the technology in Brazil and non-exclusive rights outside of Brazil. The company has been using the technology to develop eucalyptus varieties resistant to pests and diseases. FuturaGenes CEO, Dr. Stanley Hirsch, stated that the technology can protect and improve yield in a sustainable manner. CSIROs hairpin RNAi technology is used for gene-based interventions and selective breeding in plants and animals. FuturaGene is open to sharing the technology with other companies to combat yield loss to pests and diseases. FuturaGene is a leader in plant genetic research and development for sustainable forestry, and CSIRO is Australias national science agency.
Partners
growth-positive
With GMO insect-resistant sugarcane approval, Brazilian farmers poised to reap benefits of biotech pipeline
Brazil has approved the commercial cultivation of genetically engineered insect-resistant sugarcane, developed by Centro de Tecnologia Canavieria SA (CTC). The sugarcane is designed to naturally ward off the sugarcane borer, which causes significant losses to Brazilian farmers. CTC is conducting research to add additional traits to the sugarcane, making it resistant to another insect and tolerant to targeted herbicides. Brazil could become the first nation to sell genetically engineered sugarcane commercially. The government of Brazil is actively encouraging research and development for additional genetically engineered crops. GE crops have become a major pillar of Brazils economy, with the country being a major producer and exporter of soybeans, corn, cotton, and beef. The approval of genetically engineered sugarcane is expected to contribute to the growth of the biotechnology industry in Brazil.
Customers
growth-negative
Forest industry wants to blanket the south with invasive, flammable tree species
ArborGen, a company specializing in genetically engineered trees, is seeking deregulation to expand its eucalyptus tree plantations in the American south. The company claims that its purpose-grown trees will not harm the environment and can replace native pine trees. However, environmental advocacy groups and scientists argue that eucalyptus trees are invasive and detrimental to ecosystems. The USDA is likely to approve ArborGens plans, but opposition groups have submitted over 250,000 public comments opposing the expansion. Eucalyptus trees have a history of causing wildfires, as seen in Portugal. ArborGen and another company, FuturaGene, promote their genetically engineered trees as a solution to increasing demands for pulp and paper and as a potential source of renewable energy. The debate over eucalyptus plantations and their environmental impact continues.
CustomersPartners
growth-positive
4 Questions with Stanley Hirsch, CEO of FuturaGene -creator of Brazil's first commercially available GE eucalyptus tree - Alliance for Science
Brazil has approved FuturaGenes genetically modified (GM) eucalyptus, marking a milestone in the use of biotechnology for sustainable forest production. The approval is seen as a positive step towards the acceptance of beneficial technologies for renewable plantation forests. The WWF estimates that global wood demand will triple by 2050, and plantations currently produce 50% of industrial wood. FuturaGenes GM eucalyptus aims to improve yields and protect against disease and pests resulting from climate change. FuturaGene is also working on yield enhancement and yield protection projects for eucalyptus and poplar trees in Brazil, China, and the USA. The bioengineered trees will be made available to Brazils farmers once forest certification issues are resolved.
CustomersPartners
growth-positive
Intrexon, FuturaGene collaborate on eucalyptus, poplar
Intrexon Corp. and FuturaGene Group have entered into an exclusive collaboration to increase biomass in eucalyptus and poplar trees. This collaboration will utilize Intrexon’s platform to design complex gene constructs and FuturaGene’s expertise in plant yield enhancement to cultivate improved qualities in eucalyptus and poplar trees. The goal is to drive sustainable agriculture and maximize crop yield while minimizing inputs. Intrexon will receive royalties of gross profits for each product produced through the collaboration.
Partners
| Sector | Agriculture & Food Technologies |
Funding
| Total funding | Undisclosed |
| Last funding | Undisclosed |
| Stage | Acquired |
| Rounds | 0 |
| Investors | 0 |
Team Members
3
Employees: 51-200
Web & Social Links
| Website | www.futuragene.com |
Locations
Prof. Haim Pekeris Street 2, Rehovot, Israel
Avenida Doutor Jos Lembo, 1010 - Jardim Bela Vista, Itapetininga - State of So Paulo, Brazil
333 Guiping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200233
Photos & Videos
4 item(s)
FuturaGene Business
Business models
B2B
Product stage
Released
Employees
51-200
Sector
Climate TechFood & Land UseSustainable FarmingAgriculture & Food TechnologiesAg TechFarm Equipment & TreatmentTarget Customer
Industrial ManufacturingHybrid IndustriesPulp & PaperAgriculture & FoodCropsTreesEnergy, Utilities & Waste ManagementNew FuelsCore Technology
BiologicalsGenesTags (15)
plant-genomicscropsbiofuelforestrybreedingseedsclimate-techfarmersagricultureenterprisesagtechbiotechnologygeneticsbiomaterialsenvironmental-technologiesGeographic Markets
GlobalBrazilFuturaGene Financials
Undisclosed
Total funding
—
Capital raised
Undisclosed
Last funding
Acquired
Funding stage
0
Total rounds
0
Investors
Public Offering / Exit
MNAEvent
Jul 2010
$100M
FuturaGene Lifecycle
All Events
MNAEvent
Jul 2010
$100M
FuturaGene News
13 articles
growth-positive
FuturaGene's Exclusive License for RNAi Technology in Eucalyptus Enhanced by Grant of Patent in Brazil
FuturaGene, a subsidiary of Suzano Pulp and Paper, and CSIRO have announced the issuance of a patent in Brazil for the downregulation of plant target genes. FuturaGene has the right to sublicense the technology in Brazil and non-exclusive rights outside of Brazil. The company has been using the technology to develop eucalyptus varieties resistant to pests and diseases. FuturaGenes CEO, Dr. Stanley Hirsch, stated that the technology can protect and improve yield in a sustainable manner. CSIROs hairpin RNAi technology is used for gene-based interventions and selective breeding in plants and animals. FuturaGene is open to sharing the technology with other companies to combat yield loss to pests and diseases. FuturaGene is a leader in plant genetic research and development for sustainable forestry, and CSIRO is Australias national science agency.
Partners
growth-positive
With GMO insect-resistant sugarcane approval, Brazilian farmers poised to reap benefits of biotech pipeline
Brazil has approved the commercial cultivation of genetically engineered insect-resistant sugarcane, developed by Centro de Tecnologia Canavieria SA (CTC). The sugarcane is designed to naturally ward off the sugarcane borer, which causes significant losses to Brazilian farmers. CTC is conducting research to add additional traits to the sugarcane, making it resistant to another insect and tolerant to targeted herbicides. Brazil could become the first nation to sell genetically engineered sugarcane commercially. The government of Brazil is actively encouraging research and development for additional genetically engineered crops. GE crops have become a major pillar of Brazils economy, with the country being a major producer and exporter of soybeans, corn, cotton, and beef. The approval of genetically engineered sugarcane is expected to contribute to the growth of the biotechnology industry in Brazil.
Customers
growth-negative
Forest industry wants to blanket the south with invasive, flammable tree species
ArborGen, a company specializing in genetically engineered trees, is seeking deregulation to expand its eucalyptus tree plantations in the American south. The company claims that its purpose-grown trees will not harm the environment and can replace native pine trees. However, environmental advocacy groups and scientists argue that eucalyptus trees are invasive and detrimental to ecosystems. The USDA is likely to approve ArborGens plans, but opposition groups have submitted over 250,000 public comments opposing the expansion. Eucalyptus trees have a history of causing wildfires, as seen in Portugal. ArborGen and another company, FuturaGene, promote their genetically engineered trees as a solution to increasing demands for pulp and paper and as a potential source of renewable energy. The debate over eucalyptus plantations and their environmental impact continues.
CustomersPartners
growth-positive
4 Questions with Stanley Hirsch, CEO of FuturaGene -creator of Brazil's first commercially available GE eucalyptus tree - Alliance for Science
Brazil has approved FuturaGenes genetically modified (GM) eucalyptus, marking a milestone in the use of biotechnology for sustainable forest production. The approval is seen as a positive step towards the acceptance of beneficial technologies for renewable plantation forests. The WWF estimates that global wood demand will triple by 2050, and plantations currently produce 50% of industrial wood. FuturaGenes GM eucalyptus aims to improve yields and protect against disease and pests resulting from climate change. FuturaGene is also working on yield enhancement and yield protection projects for eucalyptus and poplar trees in Brazil, China, and the USA. The bioengineered trees will be made available to Brazils farmers once forest certification issues are resolved.
CustomersPartners
growth-positive
Intrexon, FuturaGene collaborate on eucalyptus, poplar
Intrexon Corp. and FuturaGene Group have entered into an exclusive collaboration to increase biomass in eucalyptus and poplar trees. This collaboration will utilize Intrexon’s platform to design complex gene constructs and FuturaGene’s expertise in plant yield enhancement to cultivate improved qualities in eucalyptus and poplar trees. The goal is to drive sustainable agriculture and maximize crop yield while minimizing inputs. Intrexon will receive royalties of gross profits for each product produced through the collaboration.
Partners
Intrexon, FuturaGene partner to improve biomass in eucalyptus and poplar trees
growth-positive
FuturaGene enters agreement with Danforth Center
FuturaGene has entered into an agreement with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to test its yield-enhancing technology on staple crops grown by farmers in Asia, Africa, and Brazil. The aim is to provide increased food security to small and subsistence farmers in arid and semi-arid regions. FuturaGenes technology has already been extensively tested in eucalyptus and poplar. The collaboration with the Danforth Center will evaluate the technology for enhancing crop productivity. FuturaGene is a leader in plant genetic research and development for the global forestry, biopower, and biofuel markets.
Partners
Arcadia Biosciences and FuturaGene Enter Agreement to Develop Nitrogen Use Efficient and Water Use Efficient Eucalyptus and Poplar Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
FuturaGene Launches Field Trials in China to Couple Desert Reversal and Local Socio-Economic Benefit
Neutral
Renewable Energy Focus - Journal - Elsevier
The article discusses the growing importance of renewable energy, which is expected to provide 50% of global power in the coming decades. This shift has significantly impacted conventional energy infrastructure, leading to new challenges in the energy sector. The Renewable Energy Focus Journal aims to explore these challenges, particularly the intersection of decarbonisation, decentralisation, and digitisation with the scale-up of renewable energy. The journal serves multiple stakeholders, including academics, engineers, economists, technology manufacturers, and government entities.
Customers
Renewable Energy Focus - Journal - Elsevier
growth-positive
Brazilian firm bids for agri-biotech co FuturaGene
FuturaGene has received a buyout offer from Suzano Papel e Celulose SA at a company value of ₤59.2 million. The offer represents a 35% premium on the opening price. If accepted, FuturaGene will become a subsidiary of Suzano Papel. FuturaGenes CEO stated that the company will keep its Israeli operations and expand them. CBD Technologies Ltd., an Israeli subsidiary of FuturaGene, currently has 24 employees.
Acquisition
N/A
UPDATE 1-FuturaGene gets 59.2 mln stg cash offer from Suzano
The article does not provide any specific information about Reuters.
FuturaGene Team
Employee Info
| Employees (range) | 51-200 |
| Exact count | 71 |
| Team members | 3 |
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FuturaGene Internal
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Admin Info
| Confidence | 90/100 |
| Missing | markets, not claimed |
| BI Verification | Natalia Golczar |
| Registrar ID | 511907412 |
| Crunchbase | futuragene |
| Phone | +97289319550 |
| Creator | Sharon Shapira |
| Creator email | shapira.sharon2@gmail.com |
| Last updater | Asaph Wagner |
| Updater email | asaphwagner@hotmail.com |
| Last update | 2020-06-28T00:00:00.000Z |
| Created | 2014-11-20T00:00:00.000Z |
| Status detail | Acquired by Suzano Pulp and Paper on Jul, 2010 |