Onego Bio, a Finland-based food-biotech company, is spearheading innovation in sustainable egg protein alternatives. Led by co-founder and CEO Maija Itkonen, alongside precision fermentation expert Christopher Landowski, Onego Bio stands at the forefront of revolutionizing protein production. Their flagship product, Bioalbumen, is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Using the fungus Trichoderma reesei and precision fermentation, Onego Bio has engineered an animal-free egg white alternative that not only mirrors the properties of traditional egg white but also surpasses it in terms of sustainability.
Bioalbumen, as claimed by Onego Bio, is “bioidentical” to ovalbumin, the primary protein found in chicken egg whites. With a high protein content of 90 grams per 100 grams, it offers a nutritious and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional eggs. Moreover, boasting a 90% smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional egg production methods, Bioalbumen exemplifies the company’s dedication to mitigating environmental impact.
Beyond its nutritional and ecological merits, Bioalbumen is engineered to possess a clean, neutral flavor, making it a versatile ingredient suitable for a myriad of culinary applications, from baked goods to sauces. Onego Bio plans to collaborate with food companies to incorporate Bioalbumen into various products, thereby diversifying the market for sustainable protein alternatives.
To expedite the commercialization of Bioalbumen, Onego Bio recently secured $40 million in Series A funding, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward market expansion and increased manufacturing capabilities. With strategic investments from NordicNinja, Tesi, EIT Food, and other partners, Onego Bio is poised to disrupt the $330 billion egg market and catalyze a green transition in the food industry.
Looking ahead, Onego Bio aims to obtain regulatory approval for Bioalbumen and expand its market presence globally, starting with North America. With projections for self-affirmed GRAS status and FDA approval in the pipeline, Onego Bio is well-positioned to lead the charge toward better animal-free egg protein options.
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