Edmonton-based SynBioBlox is using synthetic biology and artificial intelligence to transform industrial emissions into valuable products—starting with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The company, led by CEO John McDougall, has developed its first “designer organism,” digitally engineered to convert greenhouse gases into usable materials. Unlike traditional carbon capture approaches, SynBioBlox uses biological systems customized through genomic editing and AI modeling to target specific emissions—such as CO₂ or methane—and convert them into outputs like fuels, chemicals, or cosmetic ingredients.
“We’re able to essentially design to purpose,” said McDougall in a recent interview with Edmonton Global. “If the input is CO₂ and the goal is sustainable aviation fuel, we can build an organism to do that work efficiently.”
McDougall, the former head of Alberta Research Council, says the technology leap is possible thanks to advances in genomic sequencing, AI, and bioinformatics—much of which is supported by Edmonton’s deep talent pool in AI and life sciences.
The company’s broader vision includes biorefineries situated near major cities that convert waste emissions into critical materials for agriculture, energy, and consumer goods. “Nature has always been the model,” said McDougall. “But we’re enhancing it to work faster and at industrial scale.”
SynBioBlox is currently raising $2 million to scale its first application: turning emissions into SAF—a sector seen as critical for decarbonizing air travel. McDougall believes Alberta is well-positioned to lead, citing its processing know-how, research capacity, and industrial infrastructure.
“This is a billion-ton problem,” he said. “And Edmonton has the pieces to be a global leader in solving it.”