APAC-SCA and Beyond Impact VC Launch Initiative to Support the Future of Food and Cellular Agriculture
The APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA) has formed a partnership with Beyond Impact VC and the Beyond Animal investment platform to advance funding in the cellular agriculture and future food sectors. As part of the collaboration, Peter Yu, Program Director of APAC-SCA, will take on the role of advisor to Beyond Impact VC. In this capacity, Yu will provide guidance on potential investment opportunities within the growing cellular agriculture …
Checkerspot and Huvepharma Develop Algal Oil Simulating Human Milk Fat for Infant Formula
Checkerspot, a biotechnology firm focused on renewable oils and fats, has entered into a partnership with Huvepharma, a global leader in fermentation technology, to scale production of a novel nutritional oil derived from microalgae. This high sn-2 palmitate algal oil is designed as a direct alternative to palm oil, particularly for use in infant formula, where it mimics the triglyceride structures found in human milk fat. The collaboration follows successful …
AltProtein.Jobs Transitions to Non-Profit Model Amid Market Challenges
AltProtein.Jobs, a prominent talent platform serving the alternative protein sector, has announced a shift to a non-profit model in response to ongoing challenges in the food technology industry. The change comes after the sector has faced a downturn in venture capital funding and other key growth indicators, prompting the company to rethink its business strategy. Founded by Pia Voltz, the platform originally operated under a for-profit business model as part …
Webinar Recap: Rethinking Food: APAC as a Living Lab for the Future | update #15
The recording of our recent webinar, “Rethinking Food: APAC as a Living Lab for the Future,” is now available on the vegconomist YouTube channel. This session explored the transformative role the APAC region is playing in the future of food innovation. Moderated by Nadine Filko, the webinar brought together a diverse panel of experts: Megumi Abigail Yoshitomi, President of the Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture; Byron Perez, Programme Doctorate at …
Investments in Alternative Proteins Total $443 Million in First Half of 2025
The alternative protein sector saw notable investment activity in the first half of 2025, with 54 deals totaling $443.45 million. These investments spanned multiple technologies and product categories, reflecting a broad interest across the industry. The two main technology categories, plant-based and fermentation, attracted the largest share of funding, with cultivated protein remaining a smaller segment. Investment breakdown by quarter and technology Investment in alternative proteins showed variation across the …
Seven Startups Chosen for Big Idea Ventures’ Latest Global Food Innovation Fund Cohort
Big Idea Ventures (BIV) has announced the addition of seven new startups to its Global Food Innovation Fund II (GFIF II). These companies are focusing on various aspects of food technology, including sustainable ingredients, new preservation techniques, and alternative oils and fats. Each of the selected startups will now have access to BIV’s extensive mentorship, R&D resources, and commercialization opportunities. The latest cohort is diverse in its approaches, addressing issues …
Guest Post: Biomass vs. Precision Fermentation – Understanding the Technologies Reshaping Food Innovation
Nemailla Bonturi is a biotech entrepreneur and executive with over a decade of experience in applied microbiology, fermentation, and circular bioeconomy. As the co-founder and CEO of ÄIO, she is driving the company’s mission to transform agricultural and food industry side-streams into sustainable alternatives to palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats. With a PhD from the University of Campinas (Brazil), Nemailla is passionate about climate-positive innovation and has been …
21st.BIO Develops New Method for Scalable, Animal-Free Production of Essential Dairy Protein
21st.BIO has introduced a new development program focused on producing bovine alpha-lactalbumin (α-lac) using precision fermentation technology. The company, a leader in industrial-scale fermentation, has secured an exclusive license for a high-yield microbial strain developed by Novonesis, a biosolutions company. Unlocking the potential of α-Lac Alpha-lactalbumin is a milk protein recognized for its nutritional value. It is particularly rich in essential amino acids and is easy to digest, which makes …
Arsenale Bioyards, Cauldron & Shiru Selected as Technology Pioneers by World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum has announced the 2025 cohort of its Technology Pioneers community, recognizing 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries. Among the cohort are three companies developing novel proteins and ingredients: “You need a community to move your mission forward” 2025 marks the 25th year of the Technology Pioneers program. Alumni include notable names like Google, Dropbox, PayPal, and SoundCloud, along with companies focused on alternative proteins such as …
Startups Invited to Compete for Paid Pilots and Grants in Foodtech Frontier Challenge
The Foodtech Frontier Challenge, organized by Enterprise Singapore and Padang & Co, has launched a global open innovation call for startups, researchers, and solution providers to address pressing challenges in the food industry. This initiative invites participants to present innovative solutions in the areas of ingredients, processing, and sustainability, collaborating with major food companies including Barry Callebaut, CJ CheilJedang, DSM-Firmenich, Mondelēz International, Nurasa, SD Guthrie International, Symrise, and Tee Yih …