Precision Fermentation

© INTAKE
Investments & Finance

South Korea’s INTAKE Secures $9.2M for Alt Proteins Made With Yeast-Based Precision Fermentation

INTAKE, a South Korean food tech company using yeast-based precision fermentation to produce alternative proteins, has raised KRW 13.5 billion (US$9.2 million) in Series C funding. The round was led by CJ Investment, HB Investment, Woori Venture Partners, KDB Industrial Bank Capital, J Curve Investment, and Wonik Investment Partners. INTAKE plans to use the funding for R&D and global infrastructure expansion for its microbial-based alternative protein business. Super-protein yeast strain INTAKE uses precision fermentation-based yeast cultivation to produce protein powders, which serve as a foundation for alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs. By taking naturally occurring yeast from domestically grown grapes and enhancing it through adaptive evolution, the company has developed a super-protein yeast strain said to contain 1.5 times more protein than conventional yeast. …

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GEA unveils a new technology called perfusion, which includes the use of pilot scale bioreactors and a machine for rejuvenating the grown media.

Image courtesy of GEA
Fermentation

New FAO Report Discusses Precision Fermentation and Food Safety

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published a new report discussing the food safety aspects of precision fermentation. Titled Precision Fermentation – With a Focus on Food Safety, the report outlines the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks and safety protocols within the industry. It notes that there is currently no universally accepted definition of precision fermentation, which could hinder the development of effective regulatory frameworks. The authors acknowledge that there are existing frameworks in countries such as Singapore and the US, but claim that a cohesive global approach to regulation is needed. They suggest that authorities elsewhere in the world could look to these countries when establishing regulatory processes. Additionally, they argue that regulations should be adaptive in order to …

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Verley founders Hélène Briand and Stéphane Mac Millan

Verley founders Hélène Briand and Stéphane Mac Millan, image supplied
Fermentation

Bon Vivant Rebrands to Verley, Unveils “World’s First” Functional Precision Fermentation Dairy Proteins

French precision fermentation company Bon Vivant has announced that it is rebranding to Verley and launching a new portfolio of functionalized dairy proteins said to be the first of their kind. The new name reflects the company’s international ambitions and strong connection to France, especially the Lyon region where many villages end in -ey. Verley aims to honor the dairy traditions and craftsmanship of these villages while pioneering a more sustainable way to produce dairy products. The name change is accompanied by a new brand identity, a new logo, and a fully redesigned website. The news comes as Verley launches a complete range of functionalized dairy proteins that is claimed to deliver superior nutrition and advanced functionality. FermWhey™ range Verley claims to be the first …

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Vegan Egg White

© The Every Co.
Fermentation

UK Government Invests £1.4M to Expand Food Standards Agency’s Precision Fermentation Expertise

The UK government has announced it is investing £1.4 million in a new innovation hub that aims to expand the expertise of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in new technologies such as precision fermentation. Precision fermentation involves the use of microorganisms such as yeast to make ingredients like whey protein without the use of animals. The process has been used for decades to produce ingredients such as rennet for cheesemaking, and in recent years there has been increasing interest in its potential as a method of producing alternative proteins. No precision fermentation dairy products are currently on the market in the UK, but several applications are reportedly being evaluated by the FSA as part of the regulatory process. The new innovation hub, funded by the …

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Vivici

© Vivici
Fermentation

Vivici Secures €32.5M to Expand Its Precision Fermentation-Derived Dairy Proteins

Dutch ingredients startup Vivici has secured €32.5 million in a Series A funding round led by APG (on behalf of one of the world’s largest pension funds, ABP) and Invest-NL. The round also saw participation from InnovationQuarter, along with existing shareholders dsm-firmenich and Fonterra. The news comes after Vivici secured its first customer offtake agreements for dairy proteins made with precision fermentation. The funding will be used to expand into new international markets, launch a second dairy protein ingredient, and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities. Through its proprietary protein platform, ViviteinTM, Vivici hopes to complement the protein production of the dairy industry. The company’s first ingredient, ViviteinTM BLG, is targeted at consumers in the active nutrition category. It is suitable for use in products such as …

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© 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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