Qteros readies for near-term cellulosic ethanol production
A technology that might offer some respite to first-generation ethanol makers like Verasun and Pacific Ethanol has received a significant $25 million from backers including oil giant BP and George Soros’s investment fund. The company in question is Qteros, formerly called SunEthanol, a little-known startup placing big bets on a plucky microbe.
Qteros is one of a large group of companies trying to engineer a microorganism to cheaply break down woody matter, including everything from corn… Continue Reading
SunEthanol, latest cellulosic ethanol company, raises round
SunEthanol, an Amherst, Mass. biofuels technology company, said it has raised a first round of funding to commercialize the so-called “Q Microbe,” a natural bacteria that helps convert cellulose into ethanol.
VeraSun Energy, Battery Ventures and Long River Ventures, led the investment, the amount of which is undisclosed.
There are at least a dozen companies working on ways to produce cellulosic ethanol, which is cleaner way to make ethanol. The process relies on waste from… Continue Reading