Solena raises funds to develop biodegradable protein fibers

Solena, a protein materials design company, has raised $6.7 million in seed funding to create eco-friendly textiles using synthetic biology. Using artificial intelligence, Solena designs clothing fibres at the molecular level. The funding round was supported by Sir David Harding, SynBioVen, and Insempra.

This expansion is aimed at increasing the production of Solena’s innovative fibres and supporting commercial collaborations in the fashion and textiles industry.

Dr James MacDonald stated: “This funding reflects strong belief in our mission to create the next generation of textile fibres. It will help us scale production, lower costs, and begin working with partners to bring Solena fibres to market. It’s an exciting step toward uniting performance and sustainability in textiles.”

Solena combines AI design with engineered microbes to produce protein fibres. These fibres are tailored for texture, strength, and durability, making them ideal for fashion, sportswear, and technical textiles. Unlike traditional synthetic fibres made from petroleum and non-biodegradable materials, Solena’s bio-based fibres aim to reduce plastic pollution and environmental impact.

Insempra CEO Jens Klein commented: “Solena’s work aligns with our mission to build a sustainable future through high-performance, nature-based solutions. We are excited to support their vision of biodegradable, non-oil-derived fibres that could reshape the textile industry.”