Established in the 1970s, Iogen Corporation has become one of Canada's leading biotechnology firms.  Iogen is the world leader in technology to produce cellulosic ethanol, a fully renewable, advanced biofuel that can be used in today's cars.  Iogen is also an industrial manufacturer of enzyme products with a focus on products for use by the pulp and paper, textile and animal feed industries. 

Iogen is a privately held company, based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with a rapidly growing work force.  Public and private investment in Iogen has totaled approximately $130 million over the past 25 years.  Major investors include the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Petro-Canada and Goldman Sachs.   The company employs a staff of approximately 278 people, with over half involved in research and development, and engineering; one fifth in manufacturing; and the balance in sales, marketing, and administration.

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 the world's only demonstration scale facility to convert biomass to cellulosic ethanol using enzyme technology.  This facility is located in Ottawa. Iogen is currently assessing potential locations for the world's first commercial prototype 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.