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Current Clients

  • Helaina, Inc
  • ChakraTech (Fractional CSO)
  • BloomBiome
  • ​Navinataa (Medical Devices)
  • IMS Expert Services (Legal Referral)

Previously, Dr. Wolner implemented a new metabolic engineering strategy and overhauled the high throughput screening operations at Dow AgroSciences, bringing it up to cGMP compliance in a new ISO-5 cleanroom setting. These changes resulted new production strains for DAS' crown jewel insecticides, Spinosad and Spinetoram, as well as a novel fungicide (fenpicoximid) for disease control in Septoria species. Combined these resulted in over $240MM/yr in new revenue. 


Earlier in his career, Dr. Wolner invented a novel Synthetic Biology platform termed "Genetic Chemistry" that consisted of two core technologies: one to generate genetic diversity in biosynthetic gene clusters ("ComGene"), the other to discover novel genetic pathways based on homology to known conserved genes ("Directed Discovery"). This platform, deployed in a high throughput manner, resulted in novel antimicrobials for the treatment of nosocomial infection, a $13B market.


Dr. Wolner's technical expertise covers strain/cell line engineering/optimization, high throughput screening, assay development, fermentation development and scale-up, tech transfer, protein engineering and CMC/GMP manufacturing. He is also experienced in Business Development, Partnering, Product Development and Market Research.


In his personal life, Dr. Wolner is a committed environmentalist and conservationist. He has served on the Board of Directors of Tree San Diego since January 2021 and was appointed to the San Diego Community Forestry Advisory Board in October, 2025.

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Branden Wolner, PhD. Fractional Chief Scientific Officer


With over 20 years' experience in Academia and Industry, Dr. Wolner has broad expertise in both Scientific Strategy and Business Development. Dr. Wolner is a proven Functional and Project Manager. He recently led the R&D at Aqua Cultured Foods, resulting in a successful product launch in just 10 months. At Helaina, he established the technology platform leading to successful Seed and Series A raises. The first product, Effera® is now on the market.


At Curative, Dr. Wolner led the entire product development cycle for an ultra-fast (<10 min) multiplex qPCR Molecular Diagnostic platform and at Intrexon he led projects to develop a new methanotroph capable of metabolizing inexpensive natural gas as well as an international enzyme engineering project, drawing on both his high throughput screening expertise and his deep insight into protein engineering. This project involved 10 scientists in the Bay Area and Budapest, Hungary.

Past Clients

Testimonials


"I had the pleasure of working closely with Branden and quickly saw the impact he brings as both a scientist and a leader. His expertise spans the full spectrum from strain engineering and microbiology to fermentation scale up and downstream processing, and he never hesitates to dive into the details when the team needs it most. What impressed me most was how he combined deep technical knowledge with a natural ability to lead by example, creating an environment where tough problems became solvable. He inspires confidence, drives projects forward with clarity, and brings out the best in those around him. Collaborating with him was both productive and genuinely enjoyable, and he is exceptionally well suited for any leadership roles with broader responsibilities." - Stefan Baier, Chief Scientific Officer, Aqua Cultured Foods


"Branden has mentored us throughout the CLSI FAST program. His expertise and advice spanned many functional areas like business development, research and development, people management and operations. Specifically, he provided actionable advice that has directly led to a new product development opportunity. We were truly fortunate to have Branden as a mentor and I would highly recommend him for his strategic and technical know-how." - Brent Stead, CEO, Specific Biologics


"Branden is a highly motivated, intelligent, and results oriented R&D manager. While Director of Genetic Chemistry at SelectX, his department was highly productive and timely, while also on-budget. Branden also excelled in training/mentoring junior level staff under his supervision." - Michael Chaparian, CEO, SelectX Pharmaceuticals