New York startup Pureture, a developer of animal-free ingredients with a focus on alternative casein proteins and high-functionality yeast strains, has partnered with South Korea’s Kangwon National University to establish the “Alternative Protein Research Center.”
The center aims to develop innovative solutions at scale for the global alternative protein market, explains the startup in an announcement this Wednesday.
This new joint initiative will leverage the University’s expertise in fermentation science and Pureture’s R&D capabilities to produce highly functional proteins derived from non-GMO yeast. Pureture has already developed a plant-based casein that is said to offer a complete amino acid profile and melting and stretching functionalities of milk caseins.
Rudy Yoo, CEO of Pureture, shared, “The development of high-functionality proteins derived from non-GMO yeast is at the core of Pureture’s competitive advantage. This partnership with Kangwon National University marks a critical milestone in overcoming technological barriers in the alternative protein market.”
Kangwon National University will identify and analyze new wild yeast strains and provide foundational research data to the center. In addition, the researchers will work to validate the health benefits of yeast-fermented proteins and ensure compliance with international regulatory standards. Pureture said it aims to set new benchmarks for health and safety strengthening consumer trust and market competitiveness.
Additionally, the center will co-develop optimized growth media and yeast strains designed to maximize resource efficiency by using upcycled whey and cane molasses as feedstocks. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by over 30% while transforming waste into high-value resources.
Reshaping food
Yoo founded Pureture in 2022 (as Armored Fresh Technologies) to develop ingredients that function like animal protein using only 100% plant-based ingredients. Pureture operates separately from the plant-based cheese brand Armored Fresh, another company founded and run by Yoo. This year the US biotech announced a partnership with South Korea’s dairy giant Namyang Dairy to develop a new vegan product line.
Yoo added, “Together, we aim to advance upcycling technologies and deliver environmentally sustainable, nutritionally superior solutions that meet global consumer demands. Pureture will continue to invest in differentiated solutions utilizing cutting-edge yeast strains, providing affordable, versatile, and nutrient-rich products to reshape the future of food.”
