The groundbreaking ceremony for Ordos Synthetic Biology Technology Co – the first synthetic biology project in Otog Banner, Ordos – was held on Aug 28 at the Qipanjing Industrial Park within the Otog High-Tech Industrial Development Zone.

The groundbreaking ceremony. [Photo/Otog Banner Integrated Media Center]

The company is a joint venture between Hangzhou Bota Bio Co and Inner Mongolia Erdos Electric Power & Metallurgy Co, with a total investment of 230 million yuan ($32.26 million).

Bota Bio brings expertise in cutting-edge technologies such as biological design, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence. Erdos Electric Power & Metallurgy contributes extensive industrial resources in energy and fine chemicals. By combining their strengths, the companies aim to turn the project into a nationally leading and globally competitive synthetic biology industrial base.

With ambitions to secure a significant share of the global market, the project centers on efficient, green, and low-carbon bio-manufacturing technologies. It focuses on the entire process from research and development to scaled production.

Upon the completion of its first phase, the facility is expected to produce 4,000 metric tons of bio-based calcium propionate annually, making it the world's largest producer of clean-label products. The second phase will further advance integrated biochemical development, establishing a new hub for bio-manufacturing.