Melvin I. Simon

Diversa searches high and low for DNA. In its quest to develop new enzymes and other active biological compounds, the biotechnology company collects and catalogs the DNA of organisms in diverse environments (from manure piles to tropical islands). A variety of manufacturers license these compounds from the firm to develop or improve their products, which include detergents, oils, animal feeds, and pharmaceuticals. Diversa's products include enzymes for the oil and gas industry

Verenium Corp. produces cellulosic ethanol derived from multiple biomass feedstocks. It manufactures and markets enzyme products in the fields of animal health and nutrition, grain processing, oilseed processing, oilfield services and other industrial processes such as pulp and paper and textiles. The company was founded in December 1992 and is headquartered in San Diego, CA.