Switch Bioworks Accelerates Development of Microbial Fertilizer Products
Switch Bioworks, a biotechnology company developing low-cost and sustainable fertilizers, today announced that two senior leaders have joined its management team and that it has moved into a new, dedicated corporate headquarters and R&D facility in San Carlos, California.
Switch Bioworks, a biotechnology company developing low-cost and sustainable fertilizers, announced today that two senior leaders have joined its management team and that the company has moved into a new, dedicated corporate headquarters and research and development facility in San Carlos, California.
Dr. Steve del Cardayre is joining as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and brings more than 25 years of experience in microbial engineering and industrial biotechnology, including building and commercializing product platforms. Most recently, he served as Co-Founder and CTO of Zero Acre Farms, where he led the development of a novel oil platform using unconventional yeast. Steve previously held senior roles at Renewable Energy Group, Codexis, and Maxygen, and was a Co-Founder of LS9, where he pioneered sustainable microbial production of fuels and chemicals. Steve del Cardayre said, "Fertilizer is the foundation of crop production that supports global food security. Switch is uniquely positioned to transform this industry with biotechnology by helping farmers earn more, feed more people, and steward the soils and planet we all depend on. I am excited to join this exceptional team and support the scaling and deployment of this technology in the field."
Dr. Brett Boghigian is joining Switch as Chief Business Officer (CBO) and brings approximately 20 years of leadership experience in agricultural and industrial biotechnology and venture capital-backed life sciences innovation. Most recently, he served as SVP at Mori and spent the previous 12 years in the Flagship Pioneering ecosystem. At Indigo Ag, Brett held leadership roles in business and product development, helping the company scale from inception and executing the launch of more than 20 microbial products used globally across tens of millions of acres. Dr. Boghigian said, "Our research and development team's accomplishments have built a strong foundation, and Switch is now entering a new phase of customer-focused innovation. I look forward to expanding strategic partnerships across the value chain and working closely with growers to advance our product development." To support continued growth, Switch Bioworks relocated to its new headquarters in San Carlos, California, and tripled its research and development space. The new facility houses fermentation capacity, plant growth chambers, laboratory and office space under one roof.
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