People. Planet. Progress.
At Green Bioactives, we are passionate about making a positive impact on the world by developing sustainable plant-based products using our innovative biomanufacturing platforms.

Plant vascular stem cells (VSCs) can adapt into functionally and structurally distinct primary plant tissues. Using our expertise to create the right environment, plant vascular stem cells can be cultured to produce target bioactive molecules which are produced naturally in whole plants.

Our founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Gary Loake PhD, established Green Bioactives to replace current unsustainable methods of extraction and bring cost effective and improved bioactives to the market.

Our vision
Our vision is to improve lives with sustainable plant-derived natural products. We will achieve this by sustainably developing and producing specialty natural ingredients using our pioneering Plant Cell Culture Technology.
Our identity
Our ethos is represented through our Green Bioactives brand. Our visual identity draws inspiration from our unique process; The hexagon symbolises the specialist plant cells sourced directly from nature (represented by the tree) to create our sustainable, bioactive ingredients. At the heart of the tree, three branches embody our three pillars:
People. Planet. Progress.
People.
Improving people’s quality of life for longer.
Planet.
Creating a greener world.
Progress.
Advancing the world through biomanufacturing.
Our Values
Our values are the principles that drive us in everything we do.
Innovation and invention
We turn brilliant ideas into reality.
Credibly green
We’re environmentally friendly by design.
Driven by data
Data is at the core of our thinking and decision making.
Do the right thing
We’re honest, accountable and efficient.
Meet our team
Our people do meaningful work with a clear purpose: to improve lives.
We are a highly collaborative team of scientists, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, all united by our mission to save the environment and revolutionise the industry of biotechnology.

David McElroy
Chief Executive Officer
David is experienced in biotech startups (mostly in the USA) with roles from research scientist to CEO. He is excited by the ability to make plant-based products that help improve people's lives and make the environment more sustainable. David is proud of his origins, hailing from “sun-kissed Portobello”. He is a lifelong supporter of Hibernian FC and once played second division football in Australia.

David McElroy

Gary Loake
Founder and Chief Scientific Officer
Green Bioactives founder, Gary, has worked across the USA, China, Europe and UK throughout his academic career. Gary feels privileged to have the opportunity to translate exciting plant science research into commercial products, while employing sustainable processes that help protect and nurture our planet. Gary has a wide range of interests including racquet sports, surfing, fishing and small boats.

Gary Loake

Chris Meaney
Chief Business Officer
Chris has spent his career working with natural products in both start-up and larger organisations. Chris is a big sports fan with football being his passion. He is an avid supporter of Tranmere Rovers and coaches both his children’s junior teams. Aside from sport Chris loves to travel (handy in his role) and spend time socialising with family and friends.

Chris Meaney

Andy Hall-Ponselè
Head of Operations
Dr Andy Hall-Ponselè is driven by the potential for Green Bioactives to revolutionalise sustainable natural ingredients. Andy has a background in plant metabolic engineering and experience in founding and growing a successful biosciences company. In his spare time, he enjoys music, especially alternative rock and metal.

Andy Hall-Ponselè

Samuel Casasola-Zamora
Production Lead
Samuel has been with Green Bioactives from the beginning and is proud of the company’s achievements from developing flasks in the lab, to becoming a leader in plant Biotechnology. Samuel is fascinated by how plants' immune system work, allowing them to thrive despite being constantly threatened by many microbes and insects. Out of work he enjoys playing tennis, cooking and listening to jazz.

Samuel Casasola-Zamora

Yuan Li
Research Lead
Green Bioactives’ research lead, Yuan has a decade's experience in plant cell culture and metabolism engineering. Yuan is committed to harnessing plant cell culture technology to produce sustainably plant-derived molecules. Yuan is inspired by the collective work of Green Bioactives, and plays a key part in translating goals into tangible solutions for the betterment of lives globally.

Yuan Li

Sasi Hetti Arachchige
Research Associate
Sasi specialises in botany, with a keen understanding of plant tissue culture techniques and has a passion for unlocking the potential benefits of botanical solutions. Sasi is a dedicated phytophile who is motivated by unravelling the wonders of the plant world through biotechnology.

Sasi Hetti Arachchige

Michela Bernini
Research Associate
Michela is a plant biotechnologist who excels in grapevine molecular biology and micropropagation. Michela is passionate about Green Bioactives’ solid values and ethical points and thrilled to be a part of the team that will realise Green Bioactives’ goals. Michaela is a proud Italian and is a dedicated Hellas Verona supporter.

Michela Bernini
Beimi Cui
Molecular Biologist
Beimi joined Green Bioactives as a research scientist after 10 years of study and work at The University of Edinburgh. Through his experience in plant genetic biology & synthetic biology, Beimi has published more than 10 research papers in leading journals, such as Nature Communications, Plant Cell, New Phytologist.
Beimi Cui

Jess Atkinson
Production Associate
A recent graduate from the University of Aberdeen, Jess holds a master’s degree in Microbiology. During that time Jessica completed a year long placement at IBioIC's bioprocessing facility. A very passionate microbiologist, who is excited to work with plant vascular stem cells GBL. In her free time Jess enjoys yoga, swimming, reading and travelling.

Jess Atkinson

Emily Naray
Production Assistant
Emily holds a MSci Biomedical Sciences (Molecular Biology) degree and has experience with a work placement at IBioIC where she worked on scaling up the bioprocesses of multiple companies. Green Bioactives’ fast progress in an exciting niche is what excites her about her role in production. Emily enjoys playing musical instruments, ballet and running.

Emily Naray

Euan McElroy
Laboratory Assistant
Euan joined Green Bioactives to help with the production of media and cell cultures and to bring his expertise in analytical chemistry using HPLC machines. Euan has a background in chemistry with an interest in computer science. Outside of work Euan enjoys sailing, being surrounded by nature and hiking, as well as programming and problem solving.

Euan McElroy

Lorna Kennedy
Analytical Chemist
Lorna comes from a background of academia, small CROs and start-ups. She has a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and experience with process development and various analytical techniques. Lorna is excited to use her analytical skills to assist Green Bioactives in developing their pioneering methodologies. Lorna’s interests include running, rugby and animals. She is an accredited dog trainer and competes in agility with her Hungarian Vizsla, Drico.

Lorna Kennedy

Ala Jazdzyk
Laboratory Assistant
Ala joined Green Bioactives to begin her career in science following several years in the accounting sector. Ala has a Bachelor's degree in polymer chemistry and fuelled by her passion for laboratory-based science, she chose to change her career path and contribute her skills to the innovative world of Green Bioactives as part of the research and development team.

Ala Jazdzyk
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together scientific, academic and strategic management experts to support our purpose and commitment to improving lives.
Thomas Nagy
Chair of the Board
Thomas, is a seasoned executive with broad experience within industrial biotechnology. He has lived in three continents, working with biotech companies ranging from start-ups (incubator environments and companies) to large-scale corporations. As an investor, chairman or advisor he is passionate about start-ups, innovation and enjoys working with teams aiming to make a more sustainable world. In his spare time, he enjoys football, his convertible and good wine….one at a time.
Thomas Nagy

Gary Loake (PhD)
Founder, Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Director
Green Bioactives founder, Gary, has worked across the USA, China, Europe and UK throughout his academic career. Gary feels privileged to have the opportunity to translate exciting plant science research into commercial products, while employing sustainable processes that help protect and nurture our planet. Gary has a wide range of interests including racquet sports, surfing, fishing and small boats.

Gary Loake (PhD)

David McElroy (PhD)
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director
David is experienced in biotech startups with roles from research scientist to CEO. He is excited by the ability to make plant-based products that help improve people's lives and make the environment more sustainable. David is proud of his origins, hailing from “sun-kissed Portobello”. He is a lifelong supporter of Hibernian FC and once played second division football in Australia.

David McElroy (PhD)

Andrew Durkie
Non-Executive Investor Director
Andrew is a Partner in Eos Advisory LLP, an investor in innovative early-stage science, engineering and technology businesses. Andrew is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of transaction experience. He was a corporate finance advisor with Andersen and Deloitte and Head of Group M&A at HBOS. He held senior Finance, Corporate Development and Commercial roles within the Insurance & Wealth business of Lloyds Banking Group and has supported a number of early-stage businesses.

Andrew Durkie
Dr Samuel Casasola-Zamora (PhD)
Production Lead and Executive Director
Samuel has been with Green Bioactives from the beginning and is proud of the company’s achievements from developing flasks in the lab, to becoming a leader in plant Biotechnology. Samuel is fascinated by how plants' immune systems work, allowing them to thrive despite being constantly threatened by many microbes and insects. Out of work he enjoys playing tennis, cooking and listening to jazz.
Dr Samuel Casasola-Zamora (PhD)
Meet us at events!
Green Bioactives attends and presents at many events each year. We look forward to seeing you at some!
Our History
2023
Appointment of management team / Move to new office and lab space at Pentlands Science Park.
2022
Appoints new CEO / seed investment of £2.6m.
2021
Recruitment of first full-time employees.
2020
Opening of our first research laboratory.
2019
Green Bioactives is registered as an official company.
2018
Green Bioactives is awarded a place on the Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research’s (ICURe) programme to explore the global plant natural products market.
Become a part of our sustainable future
We will soon have open roles available at Green Bioactives Ltd. In the meantime, please send your CV to HR@greenbioactives.com and we will be in touch if we are the right fit.
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