ZYMVOL: Accelerating Enzyme Discovery for Industrial Biocatalysis

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Industrial manufacturing is under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce waste streams, and lower dependence on resource intensive chemical processes. Enzymes are attracting growing attention because they can catalyse highly selective reactions under comparatively mild conditions, making them relevant for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food ingredients, materials, and other industrial sectors. However, discovering suitable enzymes for specific reactions remains a major technical challenge due to the enormous complexity of protein sequence space and reaction behaviour. Barcelona-based company Zymvol develops computational technologies intended to accelerate the enzyme discovery and optimization process through physics-based molecular modelling and AI. The company focuses on helping industrial partners identify and optimise biocatalysts for production relevant applications while reducing experimental screening efforts and development timelines.

Technology and Product

Zymvol develops computational enzyme discovery and optimisation technologies for industrial biocatalysis. Its platform combines physics based molecular modelling, AI, bioinformatics, and laboratory validation to identify promising enzyme candidates and variants before extensive screening begins. The company supports projects ranging from enzyme discovery to optimisation of key industrial performance parameters, such as activity, selectivity and stability. Zymvol describes its approach as a way to explore large sequence spaces, prioritise candidates, and reduce experimental workload while keeping development linked to real industrial reaction conditions. Its services include in silico screening, enzyme engineering campaigns, and project support for new catalytic routes.

In silico enzyme screening and molecular simulations for industrial biocatalysis applications. (© ZYMVOL)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Zymvol works with companies seeking enzyme based routes for pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, speciality ingredients, materials, and other industrial processes. Biocatalysis can support lower temperature reactions, improved selectivity, and more sustainable production pathways where suitable enzymes can be identified and scaled. Through collaborations, including work linked to industrial scale manufacturing partners, Zymvol positions its platform as a bridge between computational enzyme design, lab validation, and implementation in production relevant settings.

Laboratory validation and optimisation of enzyme candidates for industrial biocatalysis. (© ZYMVOL)

Founding Team

Zymvol was founded in 2017 by Dr. Maria Fátima Lucas, Dr. Emanuele Monza, and Víctor Gil. CEO Maria Fátima Lucas previously worked in computational chemistry and enzyme modelling, including research at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. Her team combines expertise across molecular simulations, biocatalysis, software, and industrial enzyme development. This multidisciplinary background forms the basis of Zymvol’s focus on computational enzyme discovery and industrial biocatalysis technologies.