ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, December 16th, 2020— Ecovia Renewables Inc., a Michigan-based biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased materials and ingredients, today announced the addition of two key personnel to its leadership team. This month Mr. Kousay Said joined the company as Chief Strategy Officer to lead partnering and fundraising efforts for advancing Ecovia’s portfolio of polyglutamic acid-based products. Separately, Mr. Marc Gillin joined Ecovia’s board of directors.
Exploring Polyglutamic Acid: New Applications for A Natural Ingredient
What is Polyglutamic Acid?
Polyglutamic acid, or “PGA”, is a naturally occurring, non-toxic polymer of the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid. Known by its gamma form (γ-PGA), this highly versatile ingredient has a long history of human use. It occurs naturally in natto, a traditional fermented soy food whose characteristics are so unusual that it is called by its native name in every European language. Natto as a delicacy first appeared in Japanese culture in the 11th century and is thought to have been used as an offering at altars. The viscous, silky threads of PGA on soybeans are formed via fermentation with Bacillus species. Still eaten primarily in Japan, it is cheap, nutritious, and easily made at home.
Ecovia Renewables Announces $198,000 in New Funding
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, June 23rd, 2020— Ecovia Renewables Inc., a Michigan-based biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased materials and ingredients, announced today that it was the recipient of a $148,000 loan under the US Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses weather the impact of COVID-19. This loan could qualify for partial or complete forgiveness if Ecovia meets certain conditions under the revised terms of the PPP Flexibility Act, as signed into law on June 5th, 2020.
Ecovia Executes License for Fermentation Technology from University of Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, April 15th, 2020— Ecovia Renewables Inc., a Michigan-based biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased materials and ingredients, announced today that it has in-licensed a fermentation technology developed in the lab of founder Dr. Xiaoxia “Nina” Lin at the University of Michigan. This technology expands Ecovia’s growing portfolio of upstream processing offerings and enables significant cost reductions by consolidating manufacturing steps together.
Ecovia Announces Appointment of Terry Papoutsakis to Scientific Advisory Board
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, September 9th, 2019— Ecovia Renewables Inc., a Michigan-based biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased materials and ingredients, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eleftherios (Terry) Papoutsakis to its Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Papoutsakis brings invaluable experience to early-stage biotechnology development and will lend his expertise to advance Ecovia’s core strategy of bringing high-value biobased products to market.