Ginkgo Bioworks and Invaio Sciences announced a partnership on February 18, 2026 to develop microbial strains and fermentation processes that will enable large‑scale production of peptide‑based crop protection products. The collaboration will use Ginkgo’s autonomous laboratory platform, including its Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs) and Catalyst software, to optimize strain engineering and scale‑up for Invaio’s peptide candidates.
The partnership positions Ginkgo to expand its tools and automation platform into the agricultural biotechnology market, while Invaio will leverage Ginkgo’s microbial expertise to manufacture its peptide products at industrial scale. Invaio, a Flagship Pioneering company that has acquired Peptyde Bio to accelerate its pipeline, focuses on nature‑positive crop protection solutions that address pest resistance and meet growers’ demands for efficacy, affordability, and ease of use. Ginkgo’s involvement is expected to generate recurring revenue from strain licensing and process services, complementing its existing R&D services business.
Ginkgo’s financial health underscores the strategic importance of the deal. The company’s operating margin stands at –184.54 % and its net margin at –188 %, with an Altman Z‑Score of –7.02, placing it in the distress zone. Liquidity is $462 million as of February 1, 2026, and the company is scheduled to report its Q4 2025 earnings on February 24, 2026, with analysts projecting an EPS of –$1.80. The collaboration offers a potential revenue stream that could help offset Ginkgo’s current profitability challenges and support its broader diversification strategy.
Amy O’Shea, CEO of Invaio Sciences, said, “Ginkgo’s technology offers us a clear path to manufacturing our peptides at scale.” Jill Bradshaw, General Manager of Ginkgo’s Microbial Solutions business unit, noted, “We are committed to supporting next‑generation agricultural solutions that can support growers, consumers and the planet.” The partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable, biological solutions in agriculture, driven by concerns over pest resistance, environmental impact, and consumer demand for natural products.
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