Key Takeaways:
- Partnership Aim: Vivici BV has partnered with Ginkgo Bioworks to leverage advanced cell programming and biosecurity for developing alternative dairy proteins through precision fermentation.
- Vivici’s Mission: As a startup backed by DSM Venturing and Fonterra, Vivici focuses on creating sustainable, nutritious, animal-free dairy proteins, addressing the global need for sustainable protein sources.
- Ginkgo’s Role: Ginkgo Bioworks will support Vivici by optimizing strains for dairy protein production, utilizing their AI-driven strain design and fermentation scale-up expertise.
- Product Innovation: Vivici is set to launch its first product, a nature-equivalent whey protein, beta-lactoglobulin, in early 2024, targeting food and beverage brands for sustainable, animal-free consumer products.
- Sustainability Impact: This collaboration marks a significant step towards a more sustainable food system, reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture and mitigating environmental impacts.
Vivici BV, an emerging leader in the B2B ingredients sector specializing in animal-free dairy proteins, has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks. This collaboration signifies a significant step in producing alternative dairy proteins using precision fermentation technology.
Vivici, founded by DSM Venturing (now part of DSM-Firmenich) and Fonterra, has a clear vision to fulfill the escalating global demand for sustainable, nutritious, and palatable proteins. The company’s innovative approach uses precision fermentation to create animal-free dairy proteins. This complements the existing animal protein supply and lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.
Ginkgo Bioworks, recognized as a leader in cell programming and biosecurity, brings its specialized strain engineering and optimization capabilities to the table. Ginkgo’s role in the partnership includes developing optimized strains specifically for dairy protein production. This involves designing a comprehensive strain library, screening for high-performance strains, validating the most promising candidates, and scaling them up for commercial production. This collaboration aims to achieve superior protein functionality and high-yield production, accelerating Vivici’s market entry.
The CEO of Vivici, Stephan van Sint Fiet, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, citing Ginkgo’s unique AI-driven approach to strain design and its potential to enhance Vivici’s market presence. Kevin Madden, Senior Vice President of Commercialization at Ginkgo Bioworks, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Ginkgo’s commitment to supporting Vivici’s mission of delivering sustainable, animal-free protein alternatives.
Ginkgo Bioworks, with its extensive experience in diverse markets ranging from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals, is well-positioned to support Vivici’s ambitious goals. Ginkgo’s biosecurity unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, further underscores their commitment to public health and safety.
Vivici’s upcoming product launch, a nature-equivalent whey protein named beta-lactoglobulin, is scheduled for early 2024. The company focuses on supplying this innovative ingredient to leading food and beverage brands, aiming to offer more sustainable whey alternatives and improved animal-free consumer products.
The partnership between Vivici and Ginkgo Bioworks represents a significant leap in sustainable food production. It exemplifies the potential of precision fermentation in creating environmentally friendly and nutritious alternatives to traditional dairy products, marking a new era in the food and beverage industry.
Image provided by Ginkgo Bioworks