Ourobio

Ourobio is a private synthetic biology and biomaterials company developing engineered-microbe fermentation processes that convert industrial and agricultural byproducts into bio-based, biodegradable materials. The company focuses on circular-economy applications rather than therapeutics, with an emphasis on polyhydroxyalkanoate-based plastic resins, pigments, and additives intended to replace petrochemical-derived materials. Ourobio originated from the University of Virginia iGEM project "Transfoam" in 2019 and was spun out in March 2020. Its platform is designed to co-produce complementary biomaterials in a single fermentation process, including initial work using dairy byproducts such as whey as feedstock. The company appears to be an early-stage private startup working with manufacturers and brands on sustainable materials and packaging applications.