Novonesis Event Demonstrates Broad-Reaching Bonds Beyond Biology
FRANKLINTON, N.C., June 17, 2025 -- Novonesis, the global leader in biosolutions, proudly hosted the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) during the first stop on its nationwide biotechnology roadshow. The visit marked a historic moment not only for Novonesis but for North Carolina's thriving life sciences ecosystem, highlighting how collaboration across sectors, institutions, and communities is driving America's biotech industry forward.
The day brought together a powerful mix of voices from private industry representing various specialties within biotech, to academic leaders, local and state officials, trade associations, and community groups. It underscored the reality that the future of America's biotech industry isn't built by biology alone, but by a coalition of partners working side by side to turn science into solutions.
"Nothing could be more symbolic of just how deep and broad this industry's impact is in the U.S.—and specifically right here in North Carolina—than the sheer number of vested partners that were in the room," said Tue Micheelsen, President of Novonesis North America. "We were joined by representatives from the NSCEB, a Congressional advisory commission advocating for increasing bioliteracy and taking steps to support U.S. biotech workforce development. Right alongside them were our local Franklin County Schools and United Way partners who have helped us bring biotech to life for our community here in Franklin County, illustrating the many promising career pathways in this field. The demonstration of collaboration is remarkable and the energy behind this movement is palpable."
The visit began with the Commission and other special guests participating in a behind-the-scenes tour of Novonesis' Franklinton campus, the largest multipurpose enzyme manufacturing facility in North America. Next, at an industry roundtable, Commissioners joined Novonesis leadership and key stakeholders from the region's agricultural biotechnology community to discuss the role of biosolutions in national resilience, from food security to supply chain stability, and how public-private partnerships can accelerate innovation from lab to field. This was followed by a press conference and reception with members of North Carolina's growing bioindustrial community. The press conference included remarks from Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the NSCEB; Tue Micheelsen President, North America and Head of Global Consumer Health at Novonesis; Senator Benton Sawrey from North Carolina's District 10; and Brooke Coleman, co-founder and executive director of the recently launched American Alliance for Biomanufacturing.
Speakers at the press conference shared why North Carolina's Research Triangle, home to hundreds of innovative life sciences companies, was a fitting launch point. "North Carolina is leading this work," said Dr. Rozo. "Nearly 180 ag tech companies, together with two land grant universities and a network of 18 research stations statewide, make up the largest global cluster of groups working on these types of technologies."
"North Carolina ranks seventh in the nation in life sciences employment, with over 103,000 people working in the industry, a 23% increase since 2019 - outpacing overall private sector growth," said Senator Sawrey.
The NSCEB's final report emphasizes that public-private collaboration is essential to securing America's biotechnology future—not just through policy, but through deep partnerships that align research, development, and deployment.
"While RTP has historically been a premier biotechnology hub, the current level of enthusiasm and momentum for food and ag biosolutions is unprecedented, especially with numerous startups based on new technologies coming out of public-private partnerships," said Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou, Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor at NC State University. "The interwoven connections between academics bringing new technologies, entrepreneurs bringing disruptive innovations, and industry partners enabling a commercial path, are really fostering a new cohort of promising companies."
"At Sable Fermentation, we have experienced first-hand how North Carolina's unique mix of biotech innovation, agtech expertise, and advanced manufacturing makes it the ideal place to grow," said Toni Riggin Bucci, PhD, CEO and President at Sable Fermentation. "It's not just a hub—it's where the future of biotechnology is being built."
The momentum witnessed in Franklinton reflects exactly that spirit. With industry leaders like Novonesis, BioMason, DisSolves Inc., DMC Biotechnologies, Elo Life Systems, Ferment, Innatrix, Pairwise, Sable Fermentation, TerraSafe, Verb Biotics, and others working alongside academia, government, and local communities, the path forward is clear: collaboration is the catalyst. From climate-resilient agriculture to sustainable materials, reducing food waste and creating more secure supply chains, biotechnology offers powerful tools to meet today's challenges and shape tomorrow's economy. As the NSCEB continues its national tour, the bright future of American biotechnology shines strongest where innovation and partnership go hand in hand.
About Novonesis: Novonesis is a global company leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes, and lives. In more than 30 industries, our biosolutions are already creating value for millions of consumers and benefitting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology. Learn more on www.novonesis.com
About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit biotech.senate.gov.
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