Onego Bio, a US-Finnish food technology company specializing in animal-free egg proteins, has opened a 5,000-square-foot commercial headquarters in San Diego, California. The facility includes office space, advanced laboratory capabilities, and a test kitchen designed to demonstrate the functional applications of its flagship product, Bioalbumen.
“By leveraging precision fermentation technology, we are addressing the global demand for egg protein at scale”
Bioalbumen is a powdered, animal-free egg protein created through precision fermentation. It is designed to replicate the taste, nutrition, and functionality of traditional egg proteins while offering a significantly reduced environmental impact. According to the company, Bioalbumen’s production results in over 90% fewer emissions compared to conventional eggs.
Maija Itkonen, CEO and co-founder of Onego Bio stated, “The test kitchen will demonstrate Bioalbumen’s application in a variety of food categories, including pasta, bakery, and confections. By leveraging precision fermentation technology, we are addressing the global demand for egg protein at scale, helping to create resilient supply chains and power a more sustainable food system.”
The decision to base its US commercial operations in San Diego reflects the city’s strengths as a biotechnology hub. San Diego’s proximity to leading research institutions, universities, and a vibrant network of food-tech innovators aligns with Onego Bio’s goals. Additionally, the region’s focus on sustainability complements the company’s vision of a more environmentally friendly food system.
Scaling production and future plans
Onego Bio is in the process of scaling up Bioalbumen production through partnerships with co-manufacturers while planning its first industrial-scale manufacturing facility in the United States. The facility, equipped with a two-million-liter fermentation capacity, will produce a volume of egg protein equivalent to that of six million laying hens annually.
The company employs a patented fungal fermentation process, which it describes as highly scalable and cost-competitive compared to traditional egg protein production.
Funding and commercialization
To date, Onego Bio has raised $70.8 million in funding. This includes $40 million from one of the largest Series A funding rounds in the Nordic region earlier this year, supported by a $10 million investment from the Finnish government. In July, the company secured $15.2 million through the European Innovation Council Accelerator Program.
The funding supports the company’s efforts to commercialize Bioalbumen in North America, where regulatory conditions are expected to facilitate a quicker market launch than in Europe. The San Diego office will play a key role in this strategy.
“The opening of our San Diego office is a critical step forward in our journey to scale sustainable protein production. The city’s thriving biotech ecosystem, access to top-tier talent, and strong culture of innovation make it the perfect place for us to grow our US presence and collaborate with industry leaders,” Itkonen continued.
