Released on 18/12/12

To conclude the year, Lux Research selected the 10 most compelling companies profiled in 2012 across all its coverage areas (released today) and the 10 "companies to watch" for 2013 (to be released Thursday, December 20(th) ).

Lux Research analysts base company profiles on primary and secondary research, rating each firm on a 10-metric scorecard, while providing critical analysis of their prospects. Each firm gets a "Lux Take" that ranges from "Strong Caution" to "Strong Positive," to provide a bottom-line assessment of its prospects, with a "Wait and see" rating for companies that still face too much uncertainty for a definitive call. Its top choices from 2012 include:

1. Solazyme -- Positive -- Alternative Fuels; Bio-based Materials and Chemicals

One of the few advanced fermentation companies generating revenue today, Solazyme is aligning partners and scaling production facilities to sell into high value markets before bringing down costs to compete in commodity fuels and chemicals.

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9. Itaconix -- Positive -- Bio-based Materials and Chemicals

With a low-capex, low-opex process expanding to 5,000 MT/year to produce itaconic acid polymers for chemical intermediates, binders, and super-absorbents, Itaconix is one of the few bio-based chemical companies we expect to run in the black in 2013.

Personal comment : Itaconic acid is poymerized into Polyitaconic acid (PIA) and is potentially used in the manufacture of Absorbent polymers, for more please visit Itaconix Website

About Lux Research

Lux Research provides strategic advice and on--going intelligence for emerging technologies. Leaders in business, finance and government rely on us to help them make informed strategic decisions. Through our unique research approach focused on primary research and our extensive global network, we deliver insight, connections and competitive advantage to our clients. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information.

Source Business Wire