Industry: Technical cooperation Region: Germany Transaction price: USD 1 million Transaction method: Equity financing
Description of Requirement:
A start-up company from northern Germany has developed a new sustainable solution for producing proteins from bacteria that grow on carbohydrates. To study different raw materials to optimize the production process, the team wanted to test different sugar-containing side streams from the food and beverage industry. Partners such as breweries or juice and cheese makers interested in adding value to their sidestreams are seeking technical cooperation on sample testing.
details:
Vegetarian and vegan meat or fish substitutes need to replace animal protein with suitable substitutes. The current main source of protein is soy, but the growing demand has resulted in a severe environmental footprint such as deforestation, loss of natural habitat and biodiversity. A start-up company from northern Germany has developed a new sustainable solution for producing proteins from bacteria. Applications are envisaged in alternative feeds and foods, as well as in pet food.
Bacteria grow on carbohydrates. The startup intends to develop sustainable production processes based on the concept of a circular economy. Therefore, it is planned to grow bacteria on carbohydrate-containing lateral streams, which are currently considered to have low or negative residual values.
In order to investigate which raw materials are suitable for optimizing the production process, the startup is looking for producers with carbohydrate-containing side streams who are interested in exploring new higher value solutions to add value to these side streams. The requirements for a suitable agri-food sidestream are food grade and constant composition and consistency. A partner with a suitable waste stream can be, for example, a brewery, juice producer, cheese maker or cider.
As a start, a technical cooperation agreement on sample testing was envisaged. If gratifying results are achieved, further cooperation will be negotiated to expand production.