Lux Research has included Amyris Inc. on its top 10 list of innovative companies profiled by its analysts during the first quarter of 2012. The company was given a “Lux Take” of positive. According to information released by Lux, 328 companies spanning 15 different emergent technology domains were profiled during the quarter as part of the organization’s ongoing intelligence services.

Information released by Lux noted that each quarter the Lux Research team of analysts identifies the top 10 most compelling companies profiled across all its coverage areas. Each firm gets a “Lux Take” rating that ranges from “strong caution” to “strong positive” to provide a bottom-line assessment of its prospect. Amyris was the only company in the biobased products and chemicals space to make the top 10 list this quarter.

Regarding Amyris’ positive rating, Lux noted that despite revised production and cash flow targets, the company still tops the list of biobased innovators briefed during its first quarter with its farnesene product that can be converted into products in the cosmetics, flavorings, diesel-compatible fuels, and specialty chemicals markets.

Lux Analyst Kalib Kersh said that commercial production capacity and strategic partnerships are two of the major factors Lux looks at when assigning Lux Take ratings. “Amyris has both of those things,” he said. While the rating shows how Amyris stacks up when compared to other companies profiled during the quarter, Kersh stresses that the comparison is based on an assessment of startup companies in the emerging technologies space. The assessments are not based on comparisons with larger, more mature companies.

Although Amyris ranked high as far as commercial production capacity and strategic partnerships, Kersh also noted that demand for its products could be a concern moving forward. “That’s really debatable right now, and frankly I don’t think they have the demand they need for the long term,” he said. However, Kersh also pointed out that Amyris obviously recognizes that concern and is concentrating on ways to expand demand for their products.

According to Kersh, a positive Lux rating essentially reflects his organization’s take of a particular company and whether its analysis indicates that company is a good candidate for partnerships. In other words, the rating reflects whether the combination of technology and business execution is on track, he added.

The day before Lux’s ratings were publically released, Amyris announced it was realigning its senior leadership team to better support its growth strategy.  “We are realigning our management team as we pursue our current production ramp up,” said John Melo, president and CEO of Amyris. “We are committed to achieving profitable, predictable operations.” As part of the announced changes, President of Global Operations Mario Portela, Executive Vice President of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Tamara Tompkins and Chief Technical Officer Neil Renninger have departed the company. Renninger will remain a member of the company’s Board of Directors.