Johan Kers

Johan Kers is the Co-founder and CEO of Birch Biosciences, a company focused on developing innovative solutions for plastic recycling using engineered enzymes.12

Professional Background

Johan Kers has an extensive background in biotechnology and genetic engineering:

Education::

• PhD from Cornell University
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine2

Career Highlights::

• Co-founded Birch Biosciences in April 20211
• Previously held leadership positions at AbSci, including:
  • Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Vice President of Research1
• Worked as a Program Director at Joyn Bio and Ginkgo Bioworks1
• Served as Director of the Human Therapeutics Division at Intrexon Corporation1

Birch Biosciences

Under Johan's leadership, Birch Biosciences is developing an enzyme-mediated process to recycle plastic. The company's approach involves:

• Engineering high-performance enzymes that act as "molecular scissors" to break down plastic polymers
• Focusing on recycling PET plastics (beverage bottles, polyester clothing) and polyurethane plastics (foam for furniture, bedding, insulation)
• Aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 70% compared to traditional plastic manufacturing2

The company has received support from:

• Y Combinator (part of the S22 batch)
• US Department of Energy
• National Science Foundation (awarded an SBIR Phase I grant)23

Johan Kers has spent over 15 years programming bacteria and genetic circuits to produce novel therapeutic proteins and other natural products. He is particularly interested in applying biotechnology to solve major sustainability problems.2