
Birch Biosciences is an AI-native biotechnology company developing engineered enzymes as molecular scissors to enable enzymatic recycling of plastics. Their proprietary platform uses generative AI and high-throughput screening to redesign enzymes that break down plastic polymers into chemical monomers, which are then repolymerized into 100% recycled plastic resin. This process produces recycled plastic matching the quality of virgin plastic, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 70%, and improves economics to enable competitive pricing. Birch Biosciences collaborates with businesses, government agencies, and universities to commercialize sustainable plastic recycling technologies, positioning itself as a leader in circular economy solutions for plastics.

Birch Biosciences is an AI-native biotechnology company developing engineered enzymes as molecular scissors to enable enzymatic recycling of plastics. Their proprietary platform uses generative AI and high-throughput screening to redesign enzymes that break down plastic polymers into chemical monomers, which are then repolymerized into 100% recycled plastic resin. This process produces recycled plastic matching the quality of virgin plastic, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 70%, and improves economics to enable competitive pricing. Birch Biosciences collaborates with businesses, government agencies, and universities to commercialize sustainable plastic recycling technologies, positioning itself as a leader in circular economy solutions for plastics.
Founded: 2021
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, United States
Core tech: AI-driven enzyme engineering for enzymatic plastic recycling (PET, polyurethane)
Employees (approx.): 8
Notable supporters: NSF SBIR, U.S. Department of Energy, Y Combinator
Plastic waste and circular economy for plastics (enzymatic recycling)
2021
Biotechnology
Crunchbase and company materials report grant-style funding and DOE involvement.
Company reports NSF SBIR awards (Phase I/Phase II referenced).
Additional investors reported include Liquid 2 Ventures, Pioneer Fund, SAV (Scale Asia Ventures), and participation in Y Combinator S22.