Using innovative processes found in nature to brew sustainable alternatives to palm oil
Notable Achievements
- Raised $24 million to date, including funding from Breakthrough Energy Ventures (Bill Gates) and US DOE.
- Increased process efficiency 5x in two years.
- Company and palm oil issue featured in top beauty industry publications, including Marie Claire, Vogue, Clean Academy, trade publications
Currently Operating in 57 Regions
Press Mentions

September 4, 2023
Lab-grown palm oil could offer environmentally-friendly alternative
Scientists have developed a lab-grown alternative to palm oil, which is a major driver of deforestation. The new oil is made from yeast and can be produced in large quantities.
Read on CBS News »
June 15, 2023
How I Built This Podcast with Guy Raz: E525: Saving the f#$%ing rainforests with Shara Ticku of C16 Biosciences
Palm oil is a wonder ingredient, used in almost everything from toothpaste and oat milk to biodiesel and laundry detergent. But to keep pace with rising global demand, producers have burned down...
Read on Wondery - Feel The Story »
February 22, 2023
The Next Step in C16 Biosciences’ Mission to Upend $60B Palm Oil Industry Is a Multipurpose Beauty Product
Biotech company C16 Biosciences is debuting its first torula oil-powered beauty product through its consumer-facing platform, Palmless.
Read on WWD »
November 28, 2022
c16 Biosciences gears up to launch fermentation-based palm oil replacement for personal care in 2023, food in 2024
Utilized in everything from lipsticks and moisturizers to baked goods and confectionery, palm oil comes with environmental and societal costs – displacing tropical forests across Asia, Latin...
Read on foodnavigator-usa.com »Work at C16 Biosciences
Posted March 11, 2023
Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Team Lead - Strain Engineering
New York, NY, USA
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