Established in the 1970s, Iogen Corporation has become one of Canada's leading biotechnology firms.  Iogen is a world leader in technology to produce cellulosic ethanol, a fully renewable, advanced biofuel that can be used in today's cars. Iogen is also a manufacturer and marketer of enzyme products for application in processes that modify or hydrolyze natural fiber, including, for example, the pulp and paper, grain processing, brewing, textile and animal feed industries. 

Iogen is a privately held company, based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with a rapidly growing work force. Since the late 1970s, more than $300 million CAD has been invested in Iogen Corporation and its activities related to cellulosic ethanol, including more than $60 million CAD in the demonstration plant.  Major investors include the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Petro-Canada and Goldman Sachs.  The company has approximately 325 permanent full-time employees.  

Cellulosic Ethanol is Ready to Go

Cellulosic ethanol can significantly:

• lower overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• reduce reliance on imported oil and increase energy security
• help build rural economies and improve farm income

Cellulosic ethanol is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce GHGs and gasoline consumption in road transport and can deliver benefits similar to improved vehicle efficiency.

Iogen built and operates a demonstration scale facility to convert biomass to cellulosic ethanol using enzyme technology.  This facility is located in Ottawa. Iogen is currently assessing a potential location for a commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plant.

In the long-term, Iogen intends to commercialize its cellulosic ethanol process by licensing its technology broadly through turnkey plant construction partnerships. License fees and the supply of enzymes to the licensees' plants will generate income.