Sustainable Food Ventures

Propel Foods is an innovative startup that produces plant-based and fungi-based alternative proteins, focusing primarily on frozen Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos and chorizos. Utilizing AI technology, food science, and data-driven approaches, Propel crafts realistic, sustainable, nutritious, and affordable alternatives to traditional animal proteins. Their mission is to encourage both vegan and non-vegan consumers to adopt these healthier, eco-friendlier options occasionally, thereby positively impacting the environment and personal health.

Farmless is a food technology startup developing a fermentation platform that converts renewable-energy feedstocks into carbon-negative, functional proteins and other nutrients, reducing reliance on arable land. By domestifying microbes with food-relevant properties and growing them on liquid feeds powered by renewable energy, it enables scalable, low-cost proteins with a complete amino acid profile while lowering farmers’ carbon footprints. The approach links food production with electricity, creating a new interface between energy and nourishment.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.

Loki Foods develops plant-based seafood designed as a sustainable alternative to conventional seafood and industrial fishing. The company focuses on Arctic-inspired, plant-based products that are nutritious, tasty, cookable, and affordable. Its offerings aim to provide high-protein, vitamin-rich foods that support healthy diets while reducing environmental impact. By replacing conventional seafood with plant-based substitutes, Loki Foods seeks to help preserve marine ecosystems and offer consumers a reliable, planet-friendly source of seafood that delivers comparable nutrition.

High Time Foods specializes in producing shelf-stable, moldable plant-based meat alternatives for foodservice operators. Their flagship product is a plant-based chicken substitute that eliminates the need for refrigeration and can be used across various cuisines.

Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

Loki Foods develops plant-based seafood designed as a sustainable alternative to conventional seafood and industrial fishing. The company focuses on Arctic-inspired, plant-based products that are nutritious, tasty, cookable, and affordable. Its offerings aim to provide high-protein, vitamin-rich foods that support healthy diets while reducing environmental impact. By replacing conventional seafood with plant-based substitutes, Loki Foods seeks to help preserve marine ecosystems and offer consumers a reliable, planet-friendly source of seafood that delivers comparable nutrition.

De Novo Foodlabs specializes in developing animal-free dairy products and proteins that offer nutritional profiles identical to cow's milk. The company employs precision fermentation technology to create innovative ingredients that are sustainable, vegan, and free from antibiotics. By integrating bioinformatics and advanced biotechnology, De Novo Foodlabs modifies the functionality of proteins and essential nutrients, ensuring that its offerings are not only healthier for consumers but also easier to produce and less harmful to the environment. This approach allows food companies to take a phased strategy in creating healthier and more sustainable products for their customers.

Founded in 2019 and based in Mumbai, India, Evo Foods specializes in producing plant-based liquid eggs using proprietary technology and indigenous Indian ingredients like moong beans and peas. Their cholesterol-free product offers a high protein content and egg-like texture.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Veggie Victory is Nigeria's first plant-based food technology company, focusing on providing healthy and sustainable food options through its vegetarian restaurant. The company offers a variety of plant-based meats and meals designed to promote a healthier lifestyle while addressing food security, environmental, and socio-economic challenges in Africa. By delivering affordable and delicious plant-based products, Veggie Victory aims to enhance the dining experience for customers and encourage a shift towards more sustainable eating habits.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

POW! Foods specializes in creating nutritious, plant-based meat substitutes designed to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional animal products while maintaining a lower fat content and higher protein levels. The company utilizes natural ingredients such as pea proteins, algae extracts, and dietary fibers to develop its offerings. This innovative approach caters to consumers seeking a sustainable and ethical alternative to meat, allowing them to enjoy a similar culinary experience without compromising their dietary choices. By focusing on scientific development and combining various plant-based ingredients, POW! Foods aims to provide a more efficient and health-conscious way of consuming food.

Founded in 2019 and based in Mumbai, India, Evo Foods specializes in producing plant-based liquid eggs using proprietary technology and indigenous Indian ingredients like moong beans and peas. Their cholesterol-free product offers a high protein content and egg-like texture.