Company Details
Name: E.V.A Biosystems
Date Founded: 2021
Sector: Climate Tech / Synthetic Biology / Manufacturing / Advanced Materials
Key Products/Services: Advanced cell therapy CDMO offerings including Process & Analytical development, cGMP Cell Banking, cGMP iPSC Development, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Clinical & Commercial Manufacturing, Quality
& Regulatory Compliance, and Supply Chain Logistics.
Website URL: www.evabiosystems.com
Executive Summary
We are a deep-tech synthetic-biology start-up developing selectively degradable plastics by embedding engineered microbes into everyday polymers.
Our microbes stay dormant during manufacture and use, activating only under defined triggers (e.g. seawater-level salinity) to secrete enzymes that then degrade the plastic. We work with the low-cost, abundant plastics industry already uses, and by fitting seamlessly into existing supply chains we aim to scale rapidly and maximise impact by creating a solution that is attractive to large industry players.
We have created salt-responsive 3D-printing prototypes and are working on injection-moulding via an Innovate UK project with NMIS, match-funded by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Ventures. Traction includes two patent filings, multiple awards (e.g., Young Scottish EDGE 2022, Inspire Launch Grow 2023, Converge Challenge 2024 Net Zero & IBioIC awards) and various media reports including selection in PwC’s Net Zero Future50 report.
The Challenge
Plastic pollution is massive and persistent: An estimated 14 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans annually, with about 22% of plastic waste being mismanaged and escaping into the environment, while biobased plastic alternatives only account for ~0.7% of global production and typically cost 3 – 4 times more. Conventional plastics continue to dominate due to affordability, availability and performance, keeping industry locked into existing plastics despite the growing problem.
The Solution
Embedding engineered microbes directly into existing plastics so they remain inert until a defined environmental cue (e.g. seawater-equivalent salinity) triggers in-situ enzyme production to depolymerise the plastic. Our additive approach keeps costs down and is compatible with current manufacturing and recycling systems, and our engineering biology methodology allows the microbes to be tuned for different polymers and different environmental activation signals.
The Impact
Intended environmental impact: Reduce plastic and microplastic pollution to help safeguard ecosystem functions and carbon sinks by ensuring mismanaged plastics fully break down only in unintended environments to preserve product functionality.
Early results and traction: salt-responsive 3D-printing prototypes (developed via SE SMART:SCOTLAND feasibility study), two patent filings (both with UK and PCT), Innovate UK injection-moulding project with NMIS, 2 completed investment rounds including Old College Capital and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Ventures, recognition via multiple awards and media reports.
Future Plans
E.V.A’s future plans centre on two near-term technical priorities through its Innovate UK project, running until October 2026: demonstrating injection moulding compatibility for high-volume manufacturing workflows, and optimising and capturing robust data on PET plastic degradation, with regulatory groundwork progressing in parallel to inform design and go-to-market.
In 2026, the company will raise a Seed round to continue R&D, grow the team, and fund pilot studies and small-scale production to validate performance and de-risk scale-up. E.V.A is actively seeking partner organisations, advisors, and investors to support this journey and welcomes any interested parties to get in touch.