Solena Materials Raises US$ 6.7 Million To Scale Up Sustainable Protein Fibre Production

Solena Materials, a biomaterials company pioneering the development of high-performance, sustainable protein fibres for clothing, has raised $6.7 million in a seed funding round. The investment is backed by Sir David Harding, SynBioVen, and Insempra.

Founded in 2022 as a spinout from Imperial College London by Dr. James MacDonald, Prof. Paul Freemont, and Prof. Milo Shaffer, Solena Materials uses artificial intelligence to design bespoke proteins for bio-based fibres that are tough, soft and biodegradable. This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional petrochemical-derived performance materials, which contribute to microplastic pollution through production and garment washing.

With this funding, Solena will expand into larger facilities, strengthen its IP portfolio, and begin supporting commercial partners in the fashion and textile sectors. The company aims to bring its first product to market in collaboration with a brand partner within the next three years.

Solena’s proprietary technology integrates deep neural networks and bio-manufacturing processes to design fibres at the molecular level, enabling precise control over properties like tensile strength, elasticity, biodegradability and functional performance—unlocking new possibilities for technical textiles and next-generation apparel.

Dr. James MacDonald, Co-Founder and CEO of Solena Materials, said: “This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our mission to deliver the next generation of textile fibres. It will help us scale production, reduce costs and collaborate with partners to launch Solena-based products. We are building a future where sustainability and performance go hand-in-hand.”

Sir David Harding commented, “Solena’s technology offers a compelling solution to make fashion compatible with sustainability. Manufacturing wearable materials biologically could be the next revolution. Today’s clothing is largely made from fossil fuel-based materials—hopefully, the future will be grown in vats.”

Jens Klein, CEO of Insempra and Chairman of the Board at Solena Materials, added, “Solena’s mission aligns perfectly with our goal to drive a regenerative revolution. Their biodegradable, non-oil-derived fibres have the potential to transform the textile industry.”