Rubi’s cell-free biocatalysis technology employs a series of specialized enzymes that convert simple carbon molecules into complex carbohydrates like cellulose under mild conditions. This method offers significant advantages over traditional processes like fermentation or chemical catalysis in terms of cost reduction, efficiency improvement, yield enhancement, energy consumption reduction, and product diversity.
This technology converts CO2 into materials and chemicals, focusing initially on creating cellulose from CO2 as an alternative to traditional wood pulp. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of textile production by eliminating the need for deforestation and reducing environmental damage during raw material creation.
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The NSF Phase II award is an extension of Rubi’s successful completion of the SBIR Phase I grant in 2023. The earlier phase facilitated advancements in multi-enzyme cascade design and enzyme stabilisation pertinent to carbon-to-cellulose synthesis.
In the past ten years, this grant has been awarded to less than 5% of SBIR applicants, acknowledging Rubi’s innovative work and will aid in the company’s journey towards market readiness.
Rubi CEO and co-founder Neeka Mashouf said: “This award is a testament to Rubi’s vision for a symbiotic manufacturing future and our ambition to lead the next era of sustainable industry.
“As we move into 2025, this grant will accelerate our efforts to scale CO-derived, low-carbon cellulose for the textile industry. It allows us to transform environmental challenges into opportunities, bridge our proven science with existing supply chains, and set a new standard for decoupling industrial growth from environmental degradation.”
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By GlobalDataRecently, Rubi garnered $8.7m in a series seed funding led by Talis Capital with contributions from Patagonia’s Tin Shed Ventures, H&M Group, Collaborative Fund, and Necessary Ventures.
The company has established strategic pilot partnerships with leading fashion brands such as H&M, Patagonia, Reformation, Ganni, and Nuuly.
A collaboration with Ganni has resulted in the development of a yarn produced directly from carbon emissions through an enzymatic process. This yarn is notable for being neutral in terms of land and water use.
Rubi is engaged with Walmart on pilot projects where they will assess how its modular reactor systems can be integrated into Walmart’s supply chain manufacturers to capture and convert CO2 emissions.
Additionally, they will evaluate the performance of Rubi’s cellulose fibre in prototype garments aiming to create an accessible apparel collection.
Rubi co-founder and CTO Dr Leila Mashouf said: “Rubi’s cell-free biocatalysis approach is a paradigm shift in manufacturing. It provides a sustainable and efficient solution to produce CO2-derived materials without exploiting natural resources. By producing forest-free cellulose in hours rather than decades—with drastically reduced carbon emissions, water usage, and land impact—Rubi offers a faster, more sustainable alternative to traditional wood pulp.”
