Solar Foods produces Solein, a protein derived from a single microorganism using air, electricity, and fermentation, eliminating the need for traditional agricultural resources. This technology addresses the inefficiencies of conventional protein production by providing a sustainable and resource-efficient alternative that can be used in various food applications.
Funding
€108.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
ALBIBFCCFGRI+1Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional protein production methods rely heavily on agriculture, which requires significant land use, water consumption, and is susceptible to weather-related disruptions. This dependence on conventional agriculture strains Earth's resources and contributes to environmental challenges.
Solution
Solar Foods offers a sustainable alternative to conventional protein production with Solein, a protein created from a single microorganism using air, electricity, and fermentation. This bioprocess decouples food production from agriculture, enabling a resource-efficient and weather-independent protein source. Solein is nutritionally rich, versatile in its applications, and can be used in various food products regardless of dietary restrictions. The company's Factory 01 facility produces Solein at a commercial scale, making it available to food industry partners. Solar Foods aims to transform the food system by providing a protein source that minimizes environmental impact and promotes a circular economy.
Target Audience
Solar Foods targets food manufacturers, food brands, and food service companies seeking sustainable and versatile protein ingredients, as well as space agencies and companies developing commercial space stations.
Features
- Production of Solein protein via microbial gas fermentation
- Decoupled from traditional agriculture, eliminating reliance on land and weather
- Utilizes air, electricity, and a small amount of minerals in the production process
- Nutritionally rich, containing iron, fiber, and B vitamins
- Versatile ingredient suitable for replacing or complementing proteins in various food applications
- Can be used as a fortifier to enhance the nutritional profile of foods
- Production process allows for integration into on-board environmental control and life support systems of a spacecraft