Solena Materials

Solena Materials operates at the intersection of synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and materials science, positioning itself as a key player in the sustainable textiles market. Spun out of Imperial College London in 2022, the company was co-founded by Dr. James MacDonald (CEO), Professor Paul Freemont, and Professor Milo Shaffer. The technology was conceived and developed at the university, where Dr. MacDonald, during his Research Fellowship, collaborated with his co-founders, who bring extensive knowledge in materials chemistry, structural biology, and bio-automation.

The firm's core business is the design and manufacture of novel protein-based fibres intended to replace petroleum-derived synthetic textiles like polyester. Solena targets the apparel and fashion industry, specifically premium and accessible luxury brands, by offering a high-performance, biodegradable alternative to conventional materials that contribute to microplastic pollution and carbon emissions. The business model involves developing these proprietary fibres and partnering with fashion brands to integrate them into their products, with a first product launch anticipated within three years of its 2025 funding round.

Solena's technological process begins at the molecular level. It uses in-house trained deep learning models and AI to design entirely new protein sequences not found in nature. These designer proteins are engineered to yield fibres with specific, customizable properties such as superior tensile strength, flexibility, softness, and hand-feel. The company utilizes an automated lab with liquid-handling robots for small-scale production and a proprietary high-throughput testing method to rapidly evaluate the material properties. This data is then fed back into the AI models, creating a virtuous cycle that accelerates material discovery. The proteins are produced through a bio-manufacturing process using engineered microbes fed with renewable feedstocks, which is designed to be more scalable and cost-effective than other biotech approaches.

Since its inception, Solena has achieved significant financial milestones, securing a $4.1 million pre-seed round in 2022, followed by a $6.7 million seed round in May 2025 led by Sir David Harding, with participation from SynBioVen and Insempra. This funding is earmarked for scaling up production, moving to a larger facility near its deep-tech campus roots, expanding its IP portfolio, and forging commercial partnerships with major fashion brands.

Keywords: synthetic biology, biodegradable fibres, protein engineering, sustainable textiles, AI material design, biomaterials, fashion tech, non-oil derived materials, computational protein design, deep learning models, advanced materials, biotech, regenerative fashion, textile innovation, microplastic alternative, circular economy, bio-based manufacturing, high-performance apparel, green chemistry, sustainable apparel