Imperagen

Based in the UK, Imperagen is a provider of AI-driven enzyme engineering solutions, focused on advancing enzyme design for pharmaceutical, chemical, and consumer product applications. Imperagen, established in 2021, operates out of Manchester, UK, specializing in enzyme engineering. The company has completed one significant deal, with its latest funding round being a Seed round in May 2026, securing GBP 5 million led by PXN Group, alongside IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone. The company does not appear to have undergone any major pivots or changes in strategy since its inception.

Imperagen specializes in closed-loop, AI-guided enzyme engineering, offering advanced enzyme design services that utilize proprietary artificial intelligence models. The company focuses on optimizing enzyme performance for various applications, including pharmaceutical development, chemical synthesis, and consumer products. By leveraging high-throughput testing and physics-based simulations, Imperagen creates bespoke enzyme variants that meet specific industry requirements, significantly improving enzyme efficiency and reducing development cycles. Their services cater to diverse sectors, including biopharma, chemical manufacturing, and industrial biotechnology, serving clients who aim to enhance product performance, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.

The company operates globally, with a client base that spans North America, Europe, and Asia, addressing the needs of businesses involved in drug development, biomanufacturing, and sustainable manufacturing. Imperagen generates revenue through B2B partnerships, providing enzyme optimization solutions to a variety of industrial clients. Transactions typically involve customized service agreements that encompass project onboarding, analytical method development, and iterative cycles of enzyme evolution. Clients engage with the company on a project basis, where they pay for specific enzyme optimization campaigns, which may last around four months and include up to 2,000 variants tested in high-throughput environments.

The company's offerings facilitate advancements in enzyme performance, with revenue derived from the successful enhancement of biocatalysts and related applications in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and industrial processes. Specific pricing structures for these services are established during negotiations based on client needs and project complexity. In May 2026, Imperagen raised GBP 5 million in Seed funding led by PXN Group, with participation from IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone. The company plans to utilize this funding to accelerate its R&D efforts and expand its enzyme engineering platform and commercial capabilities.

Future growth strategies include the launch of new enzyme products aimed at optimizing processes across various industries and expanding its reach into new markets, particularly in North America and Asia, by late 2026.