The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) named Solazyme
(NASDAQ: SZYM) CEO and co-founder Jonathan S. Wolfson as the
recipient of its 2015 George Washington Carver Award for
innovation in industrial biotechnology. George Washington Carver
was one of the founding fathers of the chemurgy movement, a branch
of applied chemistry focused on manufacturing industrial products
from raw agricultural materials. Industrial biotechnology is the
modern-day equivalent of Carver’s vision for chemurgy, and the
award honors individuals for carrying on Carver’s legacy.
“I am truly honored to accept the 2015 George Washington Carver
Award for Solazyme’s contribution to creating better, safer and
healthier oils and ingredients for people and the planet,” said
Wolfson. “For more than a decade, we have been working to solve
some of the world’s biggest problems with one of its smallest and
most ancient life forms: microalgae. Innovation never rests, and we
will continue to use the tools of modern biotechnology to
produce solutions that the world needs now more than ever.”
“BIO is pleased to recognize Jonathan for his determination to
provide innovative biotech solutions to some of today’s greatest
challenges in energy, nutrition, personal care and industrials.
Just like George Washington Carver, Jonathan wants others to live
better by having access to greener consumer products, healthier
foods, better home and personal care products, and more
sustainable, cheaper transportation fuel,” said Brent Erickson,
Executive Vice President for BIO’s Industrial & Environmental
Section.
“Jonathan S. Wolfson’s commitment to this industry matches that
of George Washington Carver. The innovation he has demonstrated
throughout his career makes him very worthy of the recognition
attached to this award,” said Joe Hrdlicka, Executive Director of
the Iowa Biotechnology Association and sponsor of this year’s
award.
Wolfson will receive the award and give a brief talk at the
upcoming BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in
July in Montreal, Canada. A special selection committee chose
Wolfson for his vision to take one of the smallest organisms in the
world – microalgae – and use it to revolutionize some of the
biggest industries in the world. Solazyme’s revolutionary
biotechnology platform enhances the oil-producing nature of
microalgae at the cellular level to tailor-make amazing oil
profiles that bring specific benefits to people and the planet.
The company’s sustainable algal oils can replace petroleum-based
and other unsustainable oils widely used in many industries today.
Solazyme’s algal oils have a lower carbon footprint than nearly all
other oils– including fossil fuels, palm, palm kernel, and soybean.
The company is able to turn plant-based sugars – like sucrose from
sugar cane and dextrose from corn – into entirely new sources of
healthy food ingredients in a matter of days.
Jonathan has positioned Solazyme to succeed across a variety of
vertical industries – from skincare to food, from industrials to
liquid fuels – with many of the world’s leading brands lining up to
co-develop and purchase Solazyme oils, making the company first to
market with algae-based ingredients for chemicals and biofuel.
In November of 2014, Solazyme was awarded the Presidential Green
Chemistry Challenge for its groundbreaking microalgae-based
renewable oils and ingredients platform. This was the first time
that an algae company has been recognized for this honor.
A graduate of New York University (NYU) School of Law and Stern
School of Business, Jonathan recognizes the value of education in
propelling biotechnology innovation. In his tenure at Solazyme, he
has overseen the filing of the company’s 300-plus technology
patents.
Past recipients of the Carver Award are Ellen Kullman, CEO &
Chair of the Board, DuPont in 2014; Dr. Jay Keasling, Hubbard Howe
Jr., Distinguished Professor of Biochemical Engineering at the
University of California, Berkeley in 2013; Steen Riisgaard,
president and CEO of Novozymes in 2012; Gregory Stephanopoulos, the
Willard Henry Dow Professor of Chemical Engineering at
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010; Charles O. Holliday,
Jr., chairman of the board of DuPont in 2009; and Dr. Patrick
Gruber, CEO of Gevo, Inc., in 2008.
The 2015 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology will be held
July 19-22, 2015 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montréal,
Canada.
All programs at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology
are open to attendance by members of the media.
Complimentary media registration is available to editors
and reporters working full time for print, broadcast or web
publications with valid press credentials.
For more information on the conference, please visit
www.bio.org/worldcongress. For assistance, please
contact worldcongress@bio.org. Industrial
Biotechnology (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers) Journal is
the official publication for the BIO World Congress on Industrial
Biotechnology.
About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing
biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology
centers and related organizations across the United States and in
more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the
research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural,
industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also
produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest
gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with
industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the
world. BIOtechNOW is BIO's blog chronicling “innovations
transforming our world” and the BIO Newsletter is the
organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Subscribe to the BIO
Newsletter.
About Solazyme, Inc.
Solazyme, Inc. develops and sells high-performance oils and
ingredients that are better for people and better for the planet.
Starting with microalgae, the world’s original oil producer,
Solazyme creates innovative, sustainable, high-performance
products. These include renewable oils and ingredients that serve
as the foundation for healthier foods; high-performance industrial
products; unique home and personal care solutions; and more
sustainable fuels. Headquartered in South San Francisco, Solazyme’s
mission is to solve some of the world’s biggest problems with one
of the world’s smallest and earliest life forms: microalgae. For
additional information, please visit Solazyme’s website at
www.solazyme.com.
About Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio)
The Iowa Biotechnology Association, a 501(c)6 non-profit trade
association, was founded in 1994 to unify Iowa's bioscience
industry, academic research institutions and economic development
organizations. We represent more than 100 members spanning across
our state, who are vested in Iowa and in the biotech industry.
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Solazyme, Inc.Genet Garamendi, 650-780-4777VP of
CommunicationsPress@solazyme.com