The novel farming systems category has raised $826 million so far in 2023, according to preliminary data from AgFunder.
The first products featuring Brevel’s neutral-tasting algae protein are expected to hit the market in 2024.
Between 2005-2012, venture capitalists poured millions into startups attempting to make fuel from microalgae, getting their fingers badly burned in the process. But could algae be gearing up for a second bloom?
If you’re in space for three days, says Phnam Bagley, food is fuel. If you’re on a three-year round trip to Mars, it’s mission critical, a matter of life and death.
Sugar-eating microbes dominate industrial fermentation today. But algae will be the “predominant biomanufacturing platform of tomorrow,” predicts Australian startup Provectus Algae, which is unlocking the potential of photosynthetic algae to make high-value ingredients.
Tofurky’s new owner Morinaga Nutritional Foods paid north of $50m for the family-owned alt meat brand, one of the leading players in the US meat alternatives market, AFN has learned.
As demand for greater food security and traceability increases, so too will the size of the rounds for Novel Farming Systems in APAC.
It also announced the official opening of its manufacturing facility in North Carolina, where it will scale production of its kelp-based yarn.
The New Zealand startup just closed its pre-seed round.
Marine bioproducts derived from resources like algae could add $3 billion to the Australian economy by 2035 – while also building a more resilient food system.
Novel Farming Systems – which includes CEA, aquaculture, and insect production – was the second best-funded agtech category last year, according to AgFunder.
It’s aiming to build “the world’s largest algae factory” to supply raw material for a feed supplement that can reduce livestock methane emissions by up to 80%.
Sea Forest will use the funds to start supplying commercial quantities of seaweed that Australian science agency CSIRO has shown to reduce cattle methane emissions by as much as 80%.
Purissima intends to fundamentally change the production and consumption of bioactive ingredients that can help us to live longer, healthier lives.
The cattle ranches of Texas have long provided protein for the US populace. Qualitas wants to continue that tradition – but it’s raising algae instead.
New research from biotech startup BYAS suggests that a microalgae extract could improve the commercial viability of indoor & vertical farms.
The Australian startup uses lighting, robotics, and AI to ‘program’ algae strains so they can more efficiently produce specialty ingredients for the food and ag sectors.
Emerging from stealth, GrainCorp-backed FutureFeed will build a value chain from the ground up to cultivate and commercialize its seaweed additive.
The Faroese company wants to make sea-bound macroalgae farming less labor intensive, and more able to withstand the elements.
The women-led startup is tackling wastewater in aquaculture while selling a valuable silica extract with applications in multiple industries.
Smoke & mirrors, not worth the extra cost: 50 US farmers speak out on carbon markets