Swedish biotech company Melt&Marble, which develops technology for producing any fat from simple feedstocks without relying on unsustainable animal and plant sources, has secured €2.76 million from the EIC Accelerator and the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.
- Founded in 2014 by Florian David, Anastasia Krivoruchko, and Jens Nielsen, Melt&Marble uses synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to create proprietary yeast strains, utilizing iterative engineering cycles and high-throughput screening. They rewire yeast cells to produce desired fats instead of alcohol, transforming the core technology behind beer, wine, and bread production.
- Gothenburg-based, the startup is developing its first product, MeatyMarble™, a solid, meat-like fat designed to replicate the properties of animal-derived fats. This product is intended for use in alternative meat products, offering a more delicious and sustainable option.
Details of the deal
- The EIC Accelerator, which has allocated €411 million to support 68 innovative companies across Europe, awarded the €2.5 million grant. The program offers grants of up to €2.5 million and equity investments of up to €15 million.
- Melt&Marble has also secured an additional €260,000 grant from the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for the "DELICIOUS" project, which is part of the EU's "Farm to Fork" strategy.
‘’These grants mark a significant milestone for Melt&Marble, enabling us to decrease production costs, scale our innovative technology and bring sustainable fats to market. We are excited about the opportunities this creates for us to progress on our mission to enable the transition to a more sustainable agri-food system," Chief Business Officer, Thomas Cresswell, stated.
- The fresh capital will enable the startup to further scale up its process and advance to pre-commercial levels. It will also support the application development of the company's first product, MeatyMarble™, while reducing production costs in preparation for a commercial launch.
‘’We’re thrilled to receive this funding and proud to be recognized for our efforts in driving the transition towards a more sustainable food system. This funding will help bring us a step closer to offering delicious and healthy meat and dairy analogues, significantly improving both sustainability and food security,” Co-founder & CEO, Anastasia Krivoruchko, commented.
