Arzeda: Redesigning Biology to Transform Industry and Sustainability
Published: 2026 | Author: VisionariesNetwork Team
In a world where both consumers and corporations increasingly demand products that are not only effective but also sustainable, Arzeda has emerged as a leader in Intelligent Protein Design Technology™, a breakthrough approach that reshapes how molecules are engineered for better performance and lower environmental impact. Based in Seattle and co-founded in 2009 by Nobel Laureate David Baker, this pioneering biotech company is redefining what’s possible at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computational biology, and industrial innovation.
From Lab Research to Commercial Impact
Arzeda originated as a spin-out from academic research, integrating physics-based computational protein design with cutting-edge AI algorithms. The company’s foundational idea was radical: rather than rely solely on nature’s evolutionary processes, why not computationally design proteins and enzymes that exceed what’s possible in biological systems? Over the past decade, that vision has translated into a portfolio of innovations with real commercial value.
One of the most significant milestones in Arzeda’s commercialization journey is ProSweet RebM™ stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener produced at industrial scale. Surpassing 10 tons of production, ProSweet RebM™ could replace thousands of tons of sugar in food and beverage applications — and was developed in roughly one-third the time required by conventional methods.
This achievement underscores Arzeda’s ability to accelerate product development from concept to market readiness, a capability that has attracted major global partners such as Unilever, W. L. Gore & Associates, and AAK. These collaborations span diverse sectors from consumer products to advanced materials, demonstrating the broad applicability of protein design innovation.
Intelligent Protein Design Technology™: A New Paradigm
At the core of Arzeda’s innovation engine is its Intelligent Protein Design Technology™, a platform that blends physics-based modeling with AI-driven algorithms and automated laboratory workflows. This combination enables scientists to create proteins and enzymes with tailored properties — from increased stability and efficiency to entirely new molecular functions that natural evolution never produced.
The technology has been adopted across multiple industries. In personal and home care, Arzeda’s engineered enzymes are being used to develop sustainable laundry and cleaning products that deliver superior stain removal while reducing carbon footprint — part of global efforts to create cleaner, greener everyday goods.
In materials science, the company is exploring how computationally designed proteins can improve the durability, functionality, and sustainability of textiles and advanced materials. Meanwhile, in food and nutrition sectors, Arzeda’s protein design tools help optimize valuable compounds such as steviol glycosides, producing greater yields and reducing waste compared with traditional extraction methods.
Partnerships and Strategic Collaborations
Arzeda’s success is amplified by strategic partnerships with industry leaders and research institutions. Its collaboration with Unilever supports the development of next-generation enzymes for sustainable cleaning products, aligning with Unilever’s net-zero goals and commitment to performance and environmental stewardship.
On the pharmaceutical front, Arzeda announced a collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company Takeda to optimize protein biologics using AI-based design methods. This partnership illustrates the broader potential of computational protein design not only in consumer products but also in accelerating therapeutic discovery and development.
Arzeda also leads an NSF-funded consortium focused on advancing cell-free biomanufacturing, integrating generative enzyme design, high-throughput testing, and bioprocess engineering with academic partners such as Stanford, UC Davis, and UNC Chapel Hill. This initiative aims to unlock scalable and cost-effective enzyme cascades for next-generation bio-manufacturing applications.
Recognition, Funding, and Global Relevance
Arzeda’s innovation and growth have drawn attention and financial support from a range of investors and agencies. Earlier funding rounds included a $33 million Series B led by Conti Ventures, positioning Arzeda to accelerate product commercialization and expand its enzyme portfolio across industries such as food, personal care, agriculture, and advanced materials.
In addition, the company received support from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for projects that extend the boundaries of AI-driven protein design — a testament to the platform’s potential in national security and advanced biotechnology applications.
The Broader Vision: Sustainable, High-Performance Biotech
While Arzeda’s protein design technology delivers powerful commercial outcomes, its broader mission has deep implications for sustainability and global challenges. By replacing resource-intensive chemical processes with biological solutions, Arzeda contributes to reducing environmental impact while enhancing product performance. The company’s work exemplifies how biotechnology can reinvent traditional industries — from cleaning products and food ingredients to advanced materials — for a more sustainable future.
As Arzeda continues to scale its operations, partnerships, and technology pipeline, it stands at the forefront of a new era in biotech: one where computational design, artificial intelligence, and biological science come together to create products that are better for people and the planet.
Alexandre Zanghellini, PhD – Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
Alexandre Zanghellini is the co-founder and CEO of Arzeda, where he also oversees research and scientific strategy. A globally respected expert in protein design, Alexandre was instrumental in building the company’s core technology, including Archytas™, Arzeda’s proprietary enzyme design platform, and Scylax™, its metabolic pathway design software.
Before launching Arzeda, Alexandre headed bioinformatics at Cellectis (NASDAQ: CLLS), a publicly listed leader in protein engineering and gene editing, where he played a key role in advancing data-driven biological innovation.
At the heart of Alexandre’s leadership is a conviction that the convergence of large-scale computing, machine learning, DNA synthesis, and laboratory automation marks a pivotal moment in human progress. He believes that the rational design of novel proteins will be essential to tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from enhancing human health and well-being to addressing climate change.
Alexandre holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Washington, a Master’s degree in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Paris, as well as a Master of Engineering from ENSTA/ParisTech.
“We solve some of today’s hardest problems – from food production and better nutrition to sustainable materials and home care – by creating new designer proteins and enzymes that have the limitless potential to create better products for everyone.”
