Innovations from the genetic revolution are making possible the advent of dedicated energy crops.

A history of discoveries

Founded as a genomics technology firm, and operational since 1997, Ceres has been applying the techniques used in the Human Genome Project to crops. Our high-throughput systems have proven to be extremely effective at identifying not just genes, but also their function and potential use. More about the plant genomics race >>

Today, we are applying our knowledge to dedicated energy crops. This is resulting in higher biomass yields, more fuel per acre, fewer agricultural inputs, and a cleaner environment for us all.

Ceres Timeline

August 2010	Ceres establishes Brazil subsidiary, Ceres Sementes do Brasil.
June 2010	Ceres announces unprecedented levels of salt tolerance in energy crops.
May 2010	Novozymes and Ceres partner on co-evolution of enzyme cocktails and seed varieties.
April 2010	Univ. of Tennessee and Dupont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol plant improved switchgrass varieties from Ceres for large-scale trial.
Nov 2009	Choren and Ceres assess energy crops for thermochemical production of biofuels
Nov 2009	A prestigious ARPA-E grant is awarded to Ceres to field test high-yield, low-input traits.
Sept 2009	Ceres and NRG Energy plant switchgrass and high-biomass sorghum for biopower trial.
2008	The company markets its first improved switchgrass varieties and high-biomass sorghum hybrids under its Blade Energy Crops brand
2008	Range Fuels and Ceres test energy crops at Georgia biofuel facility
2007	Company to develop high-biomass sorghum with Texas A&M.
2007	Ceres raises $75 million through a private offering of convertible preferred stock. The late-stage financing round was led by Warburg Pincus.
2006	Company receives $1.5 million research grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) to double switchgrass yields by 2020.
2006	Ceres completes the analysis of over 12,000 switchgrass genes and characterizes the genetic variation associated with them.
2006	Ceres begins a broad, long-term collaboration with the Noble Foundation to develop and commercialize energy crops.
2004	20,000 corn DNA sequences released to public researchers by Ceres.
2004	The company releases 15,000 full-length soybean DNA sequences and over 95,000 partial sequences to Qualisoy, a soy industry coalition.
2002	Ceres signs $137-million product discovery and development deal with Monsanto, providing the company with a broad outlet for its technology, including potential royalties.
2000	Ceres and Genset sequence and characterize tens of thousands of genes in corn.
2000	Ceres and Keygene complete gene expression database covering an estimated 90% of all genes expressed in a test plant.
2000	Ceres completes major gene sequencing program in Arabidopsis.
1999	The company forms plant genetics collaboration with the University of California.
1998	Ceres obtains exclusive license to Genset's genomics technologies for applications in agricultural genetics.
1997	Ceres focuses on applying genomics technologies developed for the Human Genome Project to plants.