NEW TECH FOODS

Switch Bioworks has appointed two senior executives and moved into a new corporate headquarters and R&D facility in San Carlos, California, as it advances its biotechnology-based fertiliser development.

Steve del Cardayre has been appointed chief technology officer. He has more than 25 years’ experience in microbial engineering and industrial biotechnology, most recently as co-founder and CTO of Zero Acre Farms. His previous roles include senior positions at Renewable Energy Group, Codexis, Maxygen and LS9, where he co-developed microbial production methods for fuels and chemicals.

Brett Boghigian has joined as chief business officer. He previously served as SVP at Mori and spent over a decade in the Flagship Pioneering ecosystem. At Indigo Ag, where he helped scale the business and launch more than 20 microbial products used on millions of acres worldwide.

L-R: Steve del Cardayre and Brett Boghigian

"Fertiliser is the bedrock of crop production, supporting food security worldwide," said del Cardayre. "Switch is uniquely positioned to transform this industry with biotechnology – helping farmers earn more, feed more people and care for their land and the planet we all rely on. I'm thrilled to join this exceptional team and support the scaling and delivery of this technology to the field."

Boghigian added: "Our R&D team's achievements have set a powerful foundation, and Switch is now entering a new chapter of customer-driven innovation. I'm eager to expand strategic partnerships across the value chain and work closely with growers to advance our product development."

The company’s move to the San Carlos site triples its R&D footprint and brings fermentation capacity, plant grow rooms, laboratories and offices together under one roof.

Switch Bioworks' headquarters

Tim Schnabel, founder and CEO of Switch Bioworks, commented: "Our new home isn't just more space – it's a launchpad for our mission-driven team, platform and products. With Steve and Brett on board, we have the leadership, experience and spirit to accelerate the development of next-generation fertilisers that society depends on to grow enough food, sustainably and affordably."