Innovate UK

Better Nature Ltd. is a UK-based company specializing in the production of packaged organic food products, primarily focusing on tempeh and related items. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of products including tempeh, tempeh mince, rashers, and smoked varieties, which are available through its online platform and various retailers. Better Nature is recognized as a pioneer in tempeh fermentation and innovation, utilizing proprietary starter cultures and processing methods to create high-protein, plant-based foods that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. The company has received several accolades for its innovative approach, including multiple awards at international food tech competitions. Better Nature has established a presence in over 200 independent retailers and is negotiating with major supermarkets in the UK. Additionally, the brand has gained recognition as a leading vegetarian protein provider on platforms like Amazon UK and has recently expanded into foodservice distribution. The company aims to offer products that promote health and sustainability, aligning with its mission to create food that benefits both people and the planet.

Xampla Ltd develops and produces a pea plant protein-based plastic material to replace microplastics for commercial use. The company’s products include microcapsules for application in homecare and personal care products; and films, coatings, and single use plastics for application in single and multi-layer films, coatings, and packaging products. Xampla Ltd was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Aramune Technologies is developing natural, plant derived feed materials which can be mixed with standard animal feeds to replace antimicrobial agents and promote growth.

Mimica Lab Ltd., established in 2017 and based in London, develops innovative freshness indicators for perishable products, including food and pharmaceuticals. The company's flagship product, Mimica Touch, features a patented label or cap that becomes bumpy to signal when a product is no longer safe for consumption, based on real-time temperature conditions. This tactile interface provides a clear indication of freshness calibrated to various food types, addressing the critical issue of food waste, which affects a significant portion of global food production. Research suggests that utilizing Mimica Touch could lead to a 50% reduction in retail food waste and a 60% decrease in waste at home. By improving food safety and efficiency, Mimica aims to prevent millions of tonnes of food from being discarded, thereby contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Entocycle Ltd is a London-based company that specializes in producing insect-based protein for animal feed. Founded in 2014, it raises black soldier flies in an automated system designed to monitor their development and environmental conditions. By utilizing food waste from farms, factories, and the catering industry, Entocycle effectively converts organic waste into sustainable protein biomass. This approach not only provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional feed sources like soymeal and fishmeal but also addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional agriculture. The company's technology enables efficient vertical farming, allowing for large-scale production of protein with significantly reduced land and water usage. Entocycle serves various sectors, including feed suppliers, retailers, and the agricultural industry, promoting a more sustainable and resource-efficient method of livestock feeding.

Breedr is a productivity and marketing platform that’s transforming the livestock supply-chain.

Cascade Water Products Ltd specializes in micro-greywater recycling systems designed to reduce water consumption for businesses. The company's innovative technology enables clients to achieve greater water efficiency by recycling domestic greywater, thus helping them save on water and energy bills while also lowering their carbon footprint. Cascade's systems are characterized by their low energy requirements, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation and maintenance, making them an attractive option for enterprises looking to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.

Beta Bugs is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of enhanced insect strains for the insect farming industry. By focusing on the genetic foundations of insects, particularly the black soldier fly, the company aims to create high-performance breeds that serve as a sustainable protein source for animal feed. These optimized strains convert food waste into high-quality protein, offering a viable alternative to traditional feed sources like soymeal and fishmeal. This innovation not only supports the profitability of the insect farming sector but also promotes environmentally sustainable practices by reducing reliance on conventional protein sources in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed.

Axitan is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of a microalgae-production platform aimed at producing innovative and safe alternatives to conventional antibiotics in animal agriculture. By leveraging algal biotechnology, Axitan seeks to address significant challenges in the industry, including the need for sustainable and resource-efficient production methods. The company focuses on developing a library of endolysins and related products designed to target pathogens that have traditionally been managed through antibiotic supplements in animal feed. This approach not only enhances productivity and production yields but also promotes better animal welfare and environmental protection. Through its initiatives, Axitan strives to facilitate a cost-effective transition away from antibiotics in the livestock sector.

Better Origin, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focuses on sustainable food systems through innovative insect biomass conversion technology. The company has developed two main processes for feeding insects: Metamorphosis, which can generate thousands of tons of insect meals annually, and Genesis, a data-driven engineering solution. By utilizing a network of AI-powered mini-farms, Better Origin effectively transforms excess nutrients into essential nutrients, addressing inefficiencies in the food supply chain. This approach aims to create a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, farm by farm.

Nandi Proteins Limited is a technology-driven company based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, focused on enhancing the functional properties of proteins in food manufacturing and nutrition. Established in 2000 and spun out of Heriot Watt University in 2001, the company specializes in patented processes that improve common proteins such as whey, egg, and soy. Nandi Proteins aims to be a leader in denatured protein technology, facilitating growth through direct trading of value-added proteins and strategic licensing agreements with industry partners. Its innovative approach employs a combination of heat, time, and temperature control to modify proteins, enabling food and beverage manufacturers to achieve desirable characteristics and health benefits while efficiently extracting valuable components like enzymes.