This IssueBiweekly Report on Overseas Observations of the Synthetic Biology IndustryThere are two major highlights. On one hand, benefiting from U.S. interest rate cuts and enhanced liquidity, companies that have been awaiting substantial capital to expand and upgrade production capacity and accelerate R&D have received much-needed relief. Multiple financing rounds in the tens of millions of dollars will be directed toward commercial scale-up.According to a review, eight biomanufacturing companies in the international market have received cumulative investments of approximately RMB 1.129 billion.

Another highlight stems from the vibrant activity in the field of fat substitutes.Clean Food Group Approved by regulatory authorities in the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom for the sale of its yeast-derived oil in cosmetic applications; Estonia’s Äio Completed ton-scale production of its palm oil alternative and aims to officially enter the market by year-end; and the Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationBreakthrough Energy2025Project — Sustainable FatTerra OleoAcquired310USD 10,000 in financing, etc.NoPalm IngredientsandNIZOCo-construction of a yeast oil demonstration plant, along with a series of other advancements in this field.

Capacity Scale Expansion

Plant-Based Meat Companies: Demonstrating Scalable Operational Capabilities, European Expansion Ambitions, and a Path to ProfitabilityNxtFoodFinancing4900€10,000

French startupNxtfoodYu2019Established in , withACCROrenowned for its brand.2022officially entered the food and beverage market, developing plant-based meat products using locally grown wheat and pea protein. It claims to be the fastest-growing plant-based startup in France. Its product portfolio currently includes plant-based chicken, beef, and pork.20+ SKU, entered all major retailers in France and over10,000home catering channel.

2022Annual revenue is120million USD, followed by rapid growth,2023Nian Da1080USD 10,000,2024Annual Forecast to Exceed2050ten thousand US dollars.

This financing round benefits from the rapid growth of the retail and food service markets. The funds will be used to expandNxtfoodLocated in FranceVitry-en-ArtoisThe factory’s production capacity was expanded by doubling its footprint, reaching12,000square meters, as well as high-moisture extrusion technology. It will also be used forACCROThe brand is accelerating its sales and marketing efforts in France, and throughB2Band co-manufacturing opportunities, with the goal of12~18achieve profitability within months.

While plant-based meat sales have been sluggish in many regional markets, the French market appears to have demonstrated robust growth. According to Spherical Insights market research report, the French plant-based meat market in2023~2033during the forecast period, it is projected to 9.02% The compound annual growth rate continues to rise.

The Protein BreweryComplete3560USD 10,000BRound of financing to expand fungal protein production

Dutch StartupThe Protein BreweryPlan to launch its mycoprotein products in the United States and SingaporeFermoteinExpand its fungi-based food ingredient platform prior to commercialization. Expansion in the NetherlandsMijkenbroekDemonstration Plant (annual production capacity of600tons expanded to2500tons), strengthen sales and application development, and prepare to enter the EU and UK markets, pending regulatory approval.

Fermoteinis a powder with high protein content (approximately50%Intact protein,35% Dietary fiber, rich in vitamins and minerals), can be widely applied in baking, snacks, functional nutritional products, and other fields. UseRhizomucor pusillusStrains can be cultured under non-sterile conditions, reducing capital expenditure.

“Price-competitive compared to eggs”:RevyveComplete2800USD 10,000BSeries of financing rounds to expand yeast protein production capacity

Dutch startupRevyveThis financing round was led by the Sustainable Impact Fund of ABN AMRO Bank andInvest-NLLead investor, with cumulative financing exceeding4700million USD. The new funds will be used to expand the production capacity of Dintrolde's facilities to an annual output of1600more than tons. WithAB InBev、Lallemand、CosunCollaborate with global yeast and ingredient companies to strengthen scale-up and commercial implementation.

Revyve It explicitly states that its protein extraction process does not involve fermentation, distinguishing it from many companies that produce proteins using yeast or bacterial fermentation. It employs mechanical processing technology; the raw materials are derived from by-products, specifically residual yeast from the brewing or baking industries, belonging to “upcycled"The resource product is a neutral-tasting, grayish-white substance."“Yeast Protein”, with gelling, foaming, and emulsifying properties. It can replace egg yolks or whole eggs in foods such as cakes, cookies, and sauces, helping customers achieve clean labels, stable supply, and cost control.

RevyveIt is claimed that, due to its price competitiveness with egg-based products, it has become a viable alternative and has been adopted by customers in the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.RevyveExploring the use of residual biomass from precision fermentation as feedstock, which may create synergies with fermentation-based companies, allowing other biotechnology firms to hand over microbial by-products toRevyveProcessing and extraction of functional ingredients.

Accelerating R&D Efficiency

AIEnzyme Development and Design Platform Driven byScindoAcquisition400£10,000 in Seed Funding

UK StartupScindoCombining proprietary data with machine learning models to develop enzymes with novel functions, with a particular focus on C-HActivation andC-CKey bond cleavage, used to degrade stubborn molecules such as plastics. The company has established partnerships with leading specialty chemical manufacturers to develop enzymes for multiple vertical industries, including food and flavorings, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals.

ScindoConstruct proprietary datasets to overcome the limitations of public enzyme databases, enhancing model prediction and design capabilities. Adopt cell-free biomanufacturing approaches to avoid costly fermenters and cytokines, thereby improving reaction efficiency while reducing energy consumption and downstream processing costs.  The enzyme design process includes selectivity optimization, enhancement of thermal stability and expressibility, and assessment of industrial scalability. The initial product portfolio comprises enzymes for the synthesis of fragrance, flavor, and cosmetic ingredients. Pilot-scale production is currently underway, with expectations for the future12Achieve market debut within months.

Potential Markets and Products

Fat Substitutes: The NetherlandsTime-Travelling MilkmanFinancing230$10,000 to Launch Plant-Based Milk Fat Alternatives

Its Core ProductsOleocreamMade from sunflower seeds, retaining natural oleosomes (oleosomes), requiring no extensive processing. Oleosomes are encapsulated by phospholipids and proteins, enabling stable emulsification that mimics the texture of milk fat.OleocreamAllergen-free, rich in unsaturated fats, suitable for applications involving high temperatures, fermentation, and low acidity.

OleocreamIt will be used in plant-based cream cheese, desserts, barista milk, ice cream, sauces, and blended meat products. The production scale will be expanded to an annual output of1,000 tons, with the first product set to hit the market soon.

Alternative Fats: Bill GatesBreakthrough Energy2025Project, Sustainable FatTerra OleoAcquired310$10,000 in financing

Singapore Startup Terra OleoConverting agro-industrial waste into sustainable alternatives to palm oil and cocoa butter, using feedstocks derived from starch, biodiesel, and oleochemical waste streams, offers particular cost advantages in Southeast Asia.Terra OleoProduction has been established in Thailand and Singapore, with product testing conducted in collaboration with global and regional industry leaders. Application areas span food, personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Unilever800$10,000 capital injectionAlice Mushrooms, expand the functional vegan chocolate business

Alice MushroomsRecently Completed800USD million in financing. The company was established in2022year, with first-year revenue reaching seven figures, projected2025Annual turnover will exceed eight figures. Plans are underway to expand the product line to1,300retail stores, with a full-year sales growth target of40%, driven by expansion in retail channels, full-year growth is expected to reach250%。

Alice MushroomsCentered on the “food as medicine” philosophy, it offers four core products with distinct functions: sleep support, focus enhancement, social boosting, and energy activation. Its best-selling SKUYesNightcap, a sleep supplement chocolate enriched with Ganoderma lucidum to regulate stress and promote restful sleep cycles, while chamomile provides calming effects,L-L-theanine promotes relaxation, while zinc and magnesium enhance the body’s natural melatonin. The company will launch two new products, one of which is formulated by obstetricians and gynecologists to target the women’s health market. These products will join the ranks of eco-friendly foods, beverages, and supplements, strengthening nutritional support for women.

Alternatives to Microplastics:BiowegAcquire1900USD 10,000A Round of financing

German StartupBiowegUtilizing precision fermentation technology to convert food industry by-products (such as potato, beer, and sugar processing residues) into bacterial cellulose for replacing microplastics in cosmetics, personal care, and agricultural products. Microplastic ingredients that can be replaced include AMPS, acrylic polymer,PMMA and nylon powder.

BiowegAn industrial-scale production facility is under construction in Germany, co-located with a local sugar refinery to achieve raw material synergy. The existing pilot plant has an annual production capacity of6tons. The new funding will be used to expand production, upgrade the pilot production line, expand the team, and enter the European market.Biowegtechnology is a pioneering innovation (FOAK) process, unable to rely on external contract manufacturers, it chose to build its own factory and collaborate with the German biotechnology ecosystem to mitigate scale-up risks.

Fat Substitutes: Flavor FatsNourish IngredientsEstablish a Global Business Hub in Leiden, the Netherlands

Nourish Ingredientsis an Australian startup that leverages microbial fermentation technology to develop fat products.Nourish is one of the growing number of startups using microbial fermentation to produce custom fats, includingTerra Oleo、Checkerspot、Yali Bio、Melt&Marble、ÄIO、c16 Bio、Circe、Seminal Bio、NoPalm Ingredients、Zero Acre Farms and Clean Food Group。

Compared to replacing bulk vegetable oils,Nourish Focusing on "high-efficiency, low-additive" flavor lipid molecules, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and flavor enhancement potential. The new facility will2026Officially commenced operations in [Year], integrating R&D, product development, a demonstration kitchen, customer showcases, and commercial operations.

NourishCurrently focused on two product lines:TastiluxandCreamilux。TastiluxIt can impart authentic animal-like flavors to plant-based meats, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and condiments at extremely low inclusion levels. The technology has already entered the commercialization phase, and a partnership has been established with Cabiyo, a Chinese biomanufacturing company.

Creamiluxwhich mimics the mouthfeel, flavor, and emulsifying properties of milk fat, is preparing for its first commercial production run, in partnership with a New Zealand dairy giantFonterraExpand cooperation to explore its application potential in traditional and non-dairy sectors, including cheese, cream, butter, and baking. Currently,NourishObtained in the United States FEMA GRASSafety certification has been obtained, and regulatory approvals in markets such as the European Union and China are currently being advanced, with the relevant pathways expected to be completed within the next year.

Fat Substitutes:Clean Food GroupAcquisition10010,000-Liter Fermentation Facility Accelerates Commercialization of Microbial Oils

UK StartupClean Food GroupSpecializing in the production of customized lipids using oleaginous yeast, with applications in the food, cosmetics, pet food, and personal care sectors. Recently acquired the formerAlgal Omega 3 LtdLocated in Liverpool10010,000-Liter Fermentation Facility Accelerates the Commercialization of Microbial Oils. Validation Completed at This Facility10Ten-thousand-liter-scale fermentation runs successfully produced two tons of oil, reducing technical and capital risks.

Clean Food GroupApproved by regulatory authorities, it can beCleanOIL25The product is sold to the cosmetics markets in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and documentation is being prepared to secure regulatory approval for food applications in Europe and the United States. To date,Clean Food Group Raised approximately800million pounds, preparing to launchAround of financing.

Fat Substitutes:NoPalm IngredientswithNIZOCo-build a yeast oil demonstration plant.

Dutch StartupNoPalm IngredientsWith Food Research InstitutionsNIZOCollaborate to build a demonstration-scale factory at the Edible Innovation Park.

The goal is to produce palm oil alternatives through fermentation, with an expected2026commenced production in the second half of the year, with an annual production capacity reaching1200tons, with a total fermentation tank capacity of63000liters, with flexible design supporting product portfolio development and customer R&D. The demonstration plant is the pathway to the first commercial facility (annual production capacity of6000~10000tons), a critical step, with the latter’s capital expenditure being approximately three times that of the demonstration plant.NoPalm Completed to date500€10 million in financing, currently being preparedAround of financing.

Furthermore,NoPalm Ingredients With Dairy Giants Milcobel Signed an agreement to use its whey permeate as a fermentation feedstock for its palm oil alternative.

Alternative Fats: Yeast Fermentation of Wood and Agricultural ByproductsÄioDeveloping a Palm Oil Alternative: First Ton Produced

ÄioUtilizing yeast fermentation of wood and agricultural by-products (such as sawdust-derived sugars) to produce lipid ingredients that can replace palm oil, coconut oil, and mineral oil.ÄioFirst ton of production completed, with capacity increased compared to the laboratory stage.300times. Scheduled for2025Launch the first cosmetic ingredient at year-end, prioritizing entry into the European market. Currently preparing EU regulatory documentation while planning expansion into the United States, South America, and Asia.

Luxury Goods GiantLVMHPlant-BasedPETSubstitute

LVMH's Scientific and Environmental R&D Department LVMH Gaïa With Dutch Chemical Company Avantium and a global leader in the production of sugar, starch, alcohol, and bioethanol Tereos Signed a series of memorandums of understanding.

The goal of these three groups is to form a consortium with the participation of more partners, through Europe's first use ofAvantiumProprietaryYXYAcceleration of Technological InfrastructurePEFIndustrial-scale production of poly(ethylene furanoate), converting plant-based raw materials intoFDCA(Furandicarboxylic acid) andFDCAbase polymer. This strategic initiative builds on EU-supported PEFerence Building on its previous achievements, the alliance aims to accelerate the transition from fossil-based polyesters to plant-based polyesters.

MichromaBy means ofCJCJBiomanufacturing capabilities, expanding the commercial production of natural pigments.

MichromaProduction of Heat-Stable [Products] via Filamentous Fungal Fermentation,pHStable natural red pigment, and throughCRISPRTechnology boosts output and performance. ItsRed+The pigment maintains color stability during processing (e.g., pasteurization, baking, extrusion), offers coloring power far superior to beet powder, and requires lower dosage. Pigments are being developed as alternatives to titanium dioxide, with plans to expand into the U.S. market.FDASubmit a color additive petition.

CJCJWith robust biomanufacturing capabilities worldwide, and expertise in raw material sourcing, advanced processes, and regulatory compliance, it will serve asMichromaofCDMOExpand the commercial production of its natural pigments.

WithFDAPlan to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes, Surge in Demand for Natural Pigments.MichromaLetters of intent have been signed with multiple food companies, and several paid pilot projects have been completed. Labeling remains to be finalized withFDADiscussion, but the client may claim“No Artificial Colors”or“No synthetic dyes”。

Mitigate price volatility,Onego BioAcquisition of Bio-identical Egg White ProteinFDA GRASApproved.

Onego Biois a Finnish-U.S. food technology company, focused on producing non-animal proteins through precision fermentation. Bio-protein (Bioalbumen) as the first non-animal egg protein, with an amino acid sequence identical to that of natural egg white, and possessing the same taste, nutrition, and functionality as egg white. Each kilogram of the product is equivalent to277egg white, with a protein content as high as90%，PDCAASScore: 1.0(comparable to eggs, soy milk, and cow's milk).