Solena Materials, a biomaterials company developing novel protein fibres for high-performance, intrinsically sustainable clothing, has secured £5m in investment in a seed funding round backed by Sir David Harding, SynBioVen and Insempra.
Using artificial intelligence-based methods to develop bespoke proteins, Solena Materials produces high-performance clothing fibres that are tough, soft to the touch, and biodegradable; now, with funding secured, they are on a clear pathway to scale.
The company offers bio-based solutions for the apparel industry, providing a more environmentally responsible alternative to currently prevalent petrochemical-derived, non-biodegradable performance materials whose environmental impact includes plastic pollution entering the water cycle through production and garment washing.
This funding will facilitate Solena’s expansion to larger facilities, allowing it to enhance its IP portfolio and start commercially supporting customers across the fashion and textiles industries. The company aims to launch its first product to market with a partner brand within the next three years.
Spun out of Imperial College London in 2022 by Dr James MacDonald, Prof. Paul Freemont, and Prof. Milo Shaffer, the company combines artificial intelligence with bio-based manufacturing. Solena's protein fibres are designed from the ground up using proprietary deep neural networks and software tools. This molecular-level design enables precise tuning of fibre properties—from tensile strength and elasticity to biodegradability and functional performance—unlocking new possibilities for technical textiles and next-generation apparel.
