Concentrations of Mg2+, glycine, yeast extract, biotin, acetaldehyde and peptone were optimized by a uniform design process for ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using non-linear step-wise regression analysis, a predictive mathematical model was established. Concentrations of Mg2+ and peptone were identified as the critical factors: 50 mM Mg2+ and 1.5% (w/v) peptone in the medium increased the final ethanol titre from 14.2% (v/v) to 17% (v/v) in 48 h.