Teshager Kefale

Founder & Chief Technology Officer

With over 8 years of experience at the forefront of synthetic biology, I serve as CTO, where I leverage my expertise in advanced microbial engineering and precision fermentation to drive the bioproduction of commercially viable products. I am expert in rewiring metabolic pathways across a diverse range of organisms, from gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria to conventional and nonconventional yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, Yarrowia lipolytica, and filamentous fungi such as Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger. I focus on optimizing cellular systems and bioprocesses, including strain engineering and downstream processing, to enhance the production of high-value products like alternative proteins, protein sweeteners, myoglobin, and rare sugars. My work extends to cell-free synthesis and is grounded in a strong foundation in biochemical and molecular biology research across yeast, plants, and mammalian cells. In addition to my technical expertise, I lead strategic partnerships with stakeholders to advance our company’s vision in synthetic biology, ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of biotechnological innovation.