Codexis, Inc. · Redwood City, CA United States

The pharmaceutical and the biodiesel industries don't seem like they have much in common, but they both use the chemicals produced by Codexis. The company develops biocatalysts -- chemicals used to make other chemicals in a way that's easy on the environment. Its technology is used to make the active ingredients in pharmaceuticals and produce biofuel from plant material. In 2007 Codexis entered into a research agreement with Shell to develop new ways of converting biomass to biofuel. The company is also working with other markets to use its technology to manage CO₂ emissions from coal-fired power plants and treat wastewater. Codexis applied to go public in 2008 but withdrew the registration later that year. To read the full description, subscribe now.