UNCAGED Innovations

UNCAGED Innovations is a biomaterials company based in White Plains, New York, founded in 2020. The company specializes in creating sustainable alternatives to animal leather, focusing on high-performance, eco-friendly materials developed through proprietary biotechnology. Co-founded by CEO Stephanie Downs and biomedical engineer Dr. Xiaokun Wang, UNCAGED Innovations aims to eliminate animal-derived and plastic-based materials while addressing environmental and ethical concerns. The flagship product is a plant-based leather alternative made using grains and BioFuze™ technology, which mimics the structural properties of animal collagen. This innovative process significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and energy consumption compared to traditional leather. The company collaborates with automotive and luxury fashion brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, to develop custom material solutions that meet the demand for sustainable options without sacrificing durability or aesthetics. With a total funding of $8.05 million, UNCAGED Innovations is advancing from research and development to full-scale production, committed to transforming industries reliant on animal leather.