What started as a high school science project will soon become a division of an international biotechnology company with the vision of transforming the consumer goods market and ensuring a sustainable future.  

Noblegen Inc., a biotechnology company with deep roots in the Trent community and slated to become one of Cleantech Commons’ first tenants, recently announced its acquisition by U.S. company Solar Biotech, a U.S. developer and producer of synthetic biology products. 

Operating as Solar Biotech Canada, the new entity will leverage the two companies’ strengths in microbiology and biomanufacturing to offer revolutionary biotech and synthetic biology-based solutions for a wide range of applications while supporting start-up innovators in the sector through the ideation, technology development, and scale-up production phases. 

As part of its growth strategy, Solar Biotech Canada is planning a GEN2 facility and is exploring tenancy at Cleantech Commons, the research and innovation park under development by Trent University and the City of Peterborough. 

“We are delighted for Adam and the Noblegen team,” says Cleantech Commons executive director Martin Yuill. “This acquisition not only amplifies their market reach and future impact but creates new possibilities for both their advanced facilities at Cleantech Commons as well as future collaboration with Trent’s faculty and students.” 

Developing real-world solutions at Cleantech Commons

Solar Biotech Canada will be leveraging Noblegen’s current GEN1 facility, located in downtown Peterborough, as well as their existing research infrastructure in Trent’s DNA Building. The new venture will continue to employ several Trent alumni and graduate students and plans to build a new GEN2 research and product development facility at Cleantech Commons. This state-of-the-art facility will have a fermentation capacity of over two million litres, as well as fully integrated downstream and drying capacity for all types of processes and products from micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, algae, viruses, or eukaryotic cell culture. 

“Our relationship with Trent University and access to its world-class researchers, students, and facilities has been pivotal to our growth as a company,” says Adam Noble, founder and CEO of Noblegen, who will take on the new role of chief visionary officer at Solar Biotech. “We look forward to building on this relationship as Solar Biotech Canada and supporting future entrepreneurs and innovators.” 

Visit the Cleantech Commons website to learn more about tenancy at the research park and opportunities for students and faculty.