Precision Fermentation

© Oobli
Fermentation

Oobli Gains FDA Nod for Sweet Protein Monellin, Expands Portfolio of Zero Glycemic Impact Sweeteners

US sweet protein developer Oobli (formerly Joywell Foods) announces that it has received the FDA’s first “no questions” letter for its monellin sweet protein, produced via precision fermentation. With the letter, the FDA confirmed that Oobli’s monellin is safe to use as a sweetener in food and beverages. The acknowledgment follows a previous FDA approval of brazzein, another sweet-tasting protein. Monellin is originally found in the serendipity berry of the Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii plant, and brazzein is in the fruit of the Oubli plant. Both scarce sweet proteins are said to be significantly sweeter than sugar. Founder and CTO Jason Ryder shared, “Having additional sweet proteins on the Oobli platform will enable companies across the globe to focus on ways to reduce sugar without compromising taste. …

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AI biotech company Cradle has raised $73 million in a Series B funding round led by IVP and backed by Index Ventures and Kindred Capital, bringing its total funding to over $100 million.

© Cradle
Investments & Finance

Cradle Secures $73M to Revolutionize Planetary Health with AI-Driven Protein Engineering

AI biotech company Cradle has raised $73 million in a Series B funding round led by IVP and backed by Index Ventures and Kindred Capital, bringing its total funding to over $100 million. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Zurich, Switzerland, Cradle was founded by ex-Googlers Stef van Grieken (CEO) and Daniel Danciu (CTO) in 2021 to make biology engineering more accessible and efficient with AI. Its team comprises machine learning and biotech research specialists from leading companies such as Zymergen, Novartis, Uber, Meta, DeepMind, and Perfect Day. AI-powered protein engineering platform The funds will help Cradle scale its operations to accelerate the adoption of its core product — an AI-powered protein engineering platform — designed to discover and develop animal-free foods, life-changing therapeutics, and sustainable …

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a baby bottle filled with milk

© All G
Fermentation

All G Secures China’s First Approval for Animal-Free Lactoferrin

Australia’s All G (previously All G Foods), which is now focused on precision fermentation-derived milk proteins, announces it has received regulatory approval to sell animal-free lactoferrin in China. All G claims to be the country’s first company globally to reach this significant milestone for a recombinant bovine lactoferrin protein. All G, founded in 2020 by CEO Jan Pacas in Sydney, develops high-value, animal-free, and human proteins for functional foods, medical nutrition, and infant nutrition. The company has raised AUD 45 million and plans to launch its first lactoferrin product in 2025. “This approval is a great moment for All G as we lead the way in precision fermentation technology,” said Pacas. “Lactoferrin is one of the most valuable and functional proteins in the world.” A …

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Nourish Ingredients has unveiled Tastilux, a new animal-free fat

Image courtesy of Nourish Ingredients
Fermentation

Precision Fermentation Industry Could Generate $30Bn Annually for Australia, Says New White Paper

Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) has released a new report exploring the challenges, economic impact, and sustainability of the country’s precision fermentation industry. More than 70 authors from industry, government, and academia contributed to the white paper, highlighting precision fermentation as a crucial technology to transform the food system with tailored and sustainable proteins, fats, and other compounds beyond alternative proteins. The comprehensive paper outlines key recommendations to boost the sector, including forming a national food plan and appointing a food minister. It highlights regulatory frameworks as essential to promote innovation while ensuring safety and maintaining public trust. Other recommendations include establishing common international standards, boosting investment in large-scale manufacturing, and standardizing methods to assess environmental impact. “Our primary recommendation is to develop a …

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AMSilk new partnership

© AMSilk
Materials

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Join Forces to Advance Bio-Based Silk Proteins for High-Performance, Biodegradable Textiles

German biotech company AMSilk GmbH has entered into a long-term partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe, an affiliate of the Ajinomoto Group, to manufacture biobased silk proteins at large scale for biodegradable textiles. The collaboration will leverage Ajinomoto’s extensive industrial expertise in precision fermentation and its strategically located site in Nesle, France. The facility is close to AMSilk’s key customers in the premium textiles and consumer goods industries. Additionally, it uses local raw materials and renewable energy, aligning with AMSilk’s commitment to sustainable business practices. Hiroshi Kaneko, President of Ajinomoto Foods Europe, shared: “We are thrilled to partner with AMSilk and are committed to accelerating the market development of their innovative products by supporting their large-scale biomanufacturing efforts. Together, we aspire to create a substantial economic and social …

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Liberation Labs, planned precision fermentation manufacturing facility now under construction,

© Liberation Labs
Investments & Finance

Liberation Labs to Advance Precision Fermentation Facility with $3.5M Fundraise

US biomanufacturing company Liberation Labs has raised $3.5 million via a Secured Promissory Note (“Note”), including a $2.0 million subscription from the VC firm Agronomics Limited (LSE: ANIC). With this note, Agronomics’ total investment in the precision fermentation company amounts to $19.6 million, holding 37.5% on a fully diluted basis. Other participants in the fundraising, each contributing $0.5 million, include New Agrarian Company Limited (an affiliate of Agronomics), Galloway Limited, and Jim Mellon in his personal capacity. The Note, a form of convertible debt, will finance the construction of Liberation Labs’ first facility in Richmond, Indiana, before an intended $37.5 million Series A (“Qualified Financing”) round. The plant is scheduled to be operational in Q1 2025, offering a fermentation capacity of 600,000 L. For more …

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Vegan cheese made with animal-free caseins

Image courtesy of Fermify
Company News

Fermify Secures US GRAS Status for Fermented Casein, Animal-Free Dairy Tastings on Horizon

Fermify, an Austrian precision fermentation company developing milk proteins, announces it has obtained self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for its precision-fermented casein after conducting a comprehensive safety study, as per FDA requirements. The GRAS milestone validates the quality and safety of Fermify’s casein and is crucial for introducing animal-free cheese and dairy products to the US market. It also positions Fermify as one of the few suppliers of fermented casein in the country. The company says it has also voluntarily notified the FDA of its GRAS conclusion and is now pending a “no questions” letter confirming the status. “This is a key development for Fermify and the entire precision fermentation sector. We are one of the first companies to sell their casein proteins …

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San Francisco-based The EVERY Co. has been granted a new patent (US 12/096,784 ) covering the scope and use of its precision fermentation-derived ovalbumin.

© The Every Company
Company News

The EVERY Company Secures Patent for Fermented Ovalbumin — the Key Protein Behind its Animal-Free Ingredients

San Francisco-based The Every Company has been granted a new patent (US 12/096,784 ) covering the scope and use of its precision fermentation-derived ovalbumin. The scope of the patent includes wild-type ovalbumin variants with performance enhancements and extends to ovalbumin sourced from various avian species, produced using yeast and fungal strains like Pichia, Trichoderma, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus. The patent covers the use of the novel protein in a wide range of food formulations if combined with at least one additional consumable ingredient (flour, sugar, fats). It spans diverse product formats, such as baked goods, meat, meat analogs, ready-to-eat egg products, whipped cream, ice cream, meringues, and more. It also addresses functional applications, including hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, and foam stability in both liquid and powder forms. Co-founder …

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Australia's Cauldron Ferm announces that the Queensland Government, through its Industry Partnership Program (IPP), will support the development of the Cauldron Bio-fab, a precision fermentation manufacturing facility in Mackay.

Mrs. Julieanne Gilbert (L), Member for Mackay and Assistant Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Industrial Relations and Racing; Michele Stansfield, co-founder and CEO of Cauldron; Belinda Hassen, Candidate for Mackay, and Robin Stinson (R), CFO at Mackay Sugar - Image courtesy of Cauldron

Fermentation

Cauldron Ferm to Develop Asia-Pacific’s Largest Precision Fermentation Facility Following Queensland Government Support

Australia’s Cauldron Ferm announces that the Queensland Government, through its Industry Partnership Program (IPP), will support the development of the ‘Cauldron Bio-fab’, a precision fermentation facility in Mackay. The facility will be the first and largest end-to-end contract manufacturer for bioproducts in Asia-Pacific, with a projected annual output of over 1,000 tons. It will deploy Cauldron’s hyper-fermentation technology for cost-effective and resource-efficient production of alternative proteins and widely used petrochemicals for multiple sectors. Co-founder and CEO Michele Stansfield shares, “We are honored to be receiving support from the Queensland Government to develop our first industrial-scale operations in Mackay. This funding enables us to scale our innovative technology as a major milestone in our journey to redefine the scope of biomanufacturing.” Reaching price parity Cauldron aims to …

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Vegan Cowboys casein launches on US market

© Those Vegan Cowboys
Fermentation

Those Vegan Cowboys to Enter US Market with Microbial Casein That Outperforms Dairy

Belgian biotech company Those Vegan Cowboys announces it has developed a product using a new type of microbial casein. The startup will reveal the kind of cheese and its market entry at tomorrow’s Future Food-Tech summit in London. Casein proteins are essential for making great-tasting cheese that stretches and melts well. According to the startup, the new casein, under certain conditions, outperforms cow’s casein, especially in cheese production. It can offer better properties such as improved stretch, for example, in mozzarella, and a lower melting point, allowing cheese producers to use less casein, which reduces costs. CTO Will van den Tweel says, “Along the way, we realized that, functionally, the existing cow’s casein may not be the best source of casein for cheese.  The casein …

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Helaina is ready to commercialise its animal-free lactoferrin for functional foods

Image courtesy of Helaina
Fermentation

Helaina Raises $45M to Commercialize First Precision-Fermented Human Lactoferrin

US precision fermentation company Helaina has raised $45 million in Series B funding to scale and commercialize its first product, effera Human Lactoferrin. Effera, claimed to be the first and only human lactoferrin available, is a bioactive ingredient that supports women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging. According to the startup, clinical and pre-clinical research indicates it is even more effective than bovine lactoferrin. The round, led by Avidity Partners, brought Helaina’s total equity funding to $83 million. Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity, and Primary Venture Partners, among others, also backed the first company to put human proteins into food. Founder and CEO Laura Katz shared, “This infusion of new capital marks …

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a splashing bottle of milk

Anusorn- stock.adobe.com
Investments & Finance

Earth First Food Ventures Opens $10M Funding Round for Precision Fermented Dairy via Tokenization

Venture capital platform Earth First Food Ventures (EFFV) has launched a $10 million Series A funding round via tokenization. The investment will expand EFFV’s portfolio in the alt-dairy sector, launch a $50 million fund dedicated to precision fermentation, and support team growth. The EFFV tokens can be purchased on Securitize, the leading platform for tokenizing real-world assets on a blockchain, to make investment opportunities in disruptive food technologies and alternative proteins more accessible and streamlined. Brian Ruszczyk, co-founder and CEO of the firm, shares: “We are excited to announce the launch of our Series A round on the Securitize platform. This step helps us become a leader in the scaling of ‘Dairy without the Cow’ in collaboration with global strategic partners. “The traditional dairy industry …

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Precision fermentation startup Melt&Marble has achieved a milestone in biomanufacturing with the demo-scale production of over ten thousand liters of fermented fats.

Image courtesy of Melt&Marble
Fermentation

Fermented Fats Designer Melt&Marble Achieves 10,000-Liter Production Milestone

Precision fermentation startup Melt&Marble has achieved a milestone in biomanufacturing with the demo-scale production of over ten thousand liters of fermentation for fats. According to the Swedish startup, the target bioprocess performance was maintained throughout the scale-up, achieving a 10-fold increase in bioreactor volume while sustaining comparable strain and performance metrics. This achievement builds on a previous bioreactor trial and demonstrates the platform’s scalability and robustness, explains Melt&Marble. CEO Anastasia Krivoruchko shares, “Scale-up of fermentation processes can be tricky, and we’re extremely proud of what our scientific team has managed to achieve in such a short amount of time.” Better alternatives for tasty food The large amount of fat produced from this demo will enable the company to conduct application pilots to fine-tune the fat’s use …

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Impossible heme

© Impossible Foods
Fermentation

Impossible Foods and Motif FoodWorks Settle Heme Patent Tech Dispute

Impossible Foods and Motif FoodWorks have announced a joint settlement agreement regarding the legal battle over a patent infringement of heme technology using yeast and precision fermentation. Under the deal, Impossible Foods would acquire Motif FoodWorks‘ heme-related business. The agreement also stipulates neither party can renew allegations or bring the issue back to court, reported AFN. With this settlement, Impossible Foods, which produces the protein soy leghemoglobin found in soy, has gained access to the intellectual property and expertise of Motif FoodWorks on the animal-free protein myoglobin, branded as HEMAMI. Both iron-bearing proteins, known as heme, are said to impart the taste, texture, red color, and bleeding features of animal meat to plant-based alternatives. A battle for a secret ingredient By 2021, Impossible Foods exclusively …

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21st.BIO's team

© 21st.BIO
Company News

21st.BIO’s Precision Fermented Whey for Animal-Free Dairy Obtains US GRAS Status

Danish fermentation upscaling partner 21st.BIO announces that it has earned self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for its precision fermented beta-lactoglobulin, BLG Essential+. The GRAS milestone assures that 21st. BIO’s animal-free whey is safe for human consumption, allowing its commercialization within US territory. According to the biotech company, beta-lactoglobulin, the predominant protein in milk’s whey, has garnered significant interest from producers due to its high nutritional quality and beneficial properties for food product formulation. BLG Essential+ is said to boast essential and branched-chain amino acids, offering 45% more leucine than commercially available whey protein isolates. In addition, it is tasteless, pH-stable, and heat-tolerant, making it easy to incorporate into foods, from alt-dairy to protein drinks to bakery products. Precision-fermented whey for protein suppliers Founded in …

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Company News

The World’s Most Sustainable Protein ‘Solein’ Achieves GRAS Status, Heads for US Debut

Solar Foods announces that it has achieved self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for its air-based protein Solein in the USA. This milestone will allow the company to introduce the novel ingredient, offering a new alternative to animal and plant proteins. Claimed as the most sustainable protein in the world, the company expects its debut by the end of 2024. The biotech explains that it conducted large-scale scientific research, and the results about food safety have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. A panel of qualified experts has stated the product’s safety and intended use, explicitly detailing its application across various food categories and appropriate Solein concentrations. Juan Benitez-Garcia, Solar Foods’ CCO, comments, “Obtaining self-affirmed GRAS status is the first step towards entering the …

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Three bottles of animal-free milk

© Eden Brew
Fermentation

Government Support Crucial for Australia to Become a Global Precision Fermentation Leader, Says New CAA Report

The non-profit Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA) has released a new white paper highlighting Australia’s capabilities in producing precision-fermented ingredients and its potential to become a global leader. The country is already home to a precision fermentation ecosystem of startups, established companies, research institutions, mature investors, and manufacturing capabilities. Eden Brew, Daisy Lab (NZ), All G Foods, Eclipse Ingredients, Nourish Ingredients, the ASX-listed company Noumi, and CMDO Cauldron Ferm contribute to making Australia and New Zealand’s precision fermentation sector the largest in Asia-Pacific. These companies focus on producing proteins such as whey and casein for dairy products and bovine lactoferrin, a sought-after whey protein due to its iron content, and fats to improve meat and dairy alternatives. Australia’s strong reputation as a global food supplier, established logistics networks, …

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Perfect Day's animal-free whey protein in whipped cream.

© Perfect Day
Fermentation

Pharmaceutical Giant Zydus & Perfect Day Partner to Make India an Animal-Free Protein Hub

Pharmaceutical giant Zydus Lifesciences has announced an agreement to acquire a 50% stake in Sterling Biotech, a manufacturing company based in Mumbai, purchased by the Californian biotech Perfect Day from bankruptcy for $78 million in 2022. Both Zydus and Perfect Day will have equal representation on Sterling Biotech’s Board post-transaction. It is worth highlighting that India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 25% of global milk production. According to Zydus Lifesciences, the joint venture aims to make India a “bright spot” in the global supply chain of sustainable proteins to reduce the environmental impact of food production and meet the growing demand for ethically sourced nutrition. The 50:50 joint venture will combine Zydus’ manufacturing strength with Perfect Day’s advanced technology in precision fermentation to establish a …

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The US-based precision fermentation company De Novo Foodlabs announces it has secured new funding to expedite the commercialization of its flagship ingredient, NanoFerrin.

© De Novo Foodlabs
Fermentation

De Novo Foodlabs to Revolutionize Health & Wellness Market with Anti-Aging, Animal-Free Lactoferrin 

The US-based precision fermentation company De Novo Foodlabs announces it has secured new funding to expedite the commercialization of its flagship ingredient, NanoFerrin. NanoFerrin is said to be a “nature-identical” alternative to bovine lactoferrin, a protein renowned for its iron-rich content and effectiveness in mitigating aging-related changes, according to De Novo Labs. The undisclosed round was spearheaded by California’s Joyful Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in sustainable proteins, led by prominent figures such as Jennifer Stojkovic of the Vegan Women Summit and Milo Runkle, co-founder of the Good Food Institute. Including this round, De Novo Foodlabs has raised a total of $4 million following initial investments from Sustainable Food Ventures, Siddhi Capital, Pascual Innoventures (Mylkcubator), UM6P Ventures, CULT Food Science, and Prithvi Capital. Runkle …

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A photo of a pizza slice

© Ergo Bioscience
Ingredients

Ergo Bioscience Creates “Animal Proteins, Without Animals” for the Next Generation of Plant-Based

Ergo Bioscience, recognized in 2022 by FoodBytes! from Rabobank as one of the 15 most disruptive food tech startups worldwide, specializes in developing complex animal proteins such as bovine myoglobin and casein through plant cell culture. Founded in May 2020 with pre-seed investment from CITES, the startup boasts a team of 12 scientists dedicated to innovation and biotechnology to create animal-free ingredients. With biotech research in Wilmington, Delaware, laboratories in Sunchales and Santa Fe, Argentina, and a new subsidiary in Canada, Ergo believes in the potential of plant cells to bring sustainability to the food industry and beyond. Plant cells instead of microbes Ergo has developed a platform called EUKARYA that “programs” plant cells with multiple simultaneous genetic modifications to make them express complete structures …

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