A consortium working to convert CO₂ into food is now entering a new phase, where actual food prototypes will be developed and tested. The initiative is funded by the Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Since 2023, a consortium of research institutions and private companies has been pursuing a radically new approach to food production, where sugar in fermentation processes can be replaced with CO₂-based acetate. The principle builds on natural processes that can be scaled into an economically sustainable production of nutritious food—without the use of farmland. This is stated in a press release from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which, together with the Gates Foundation, is funding the project with DKK 162.2 million over the next two years.

• When the consortium began its work, food made from CO₂ seemed like something out of a science fiction film. Within the next two years, we can expect to see real food prototypes that will be tested by consumers. The consortium demonstrates what we can achieve with BioSolutions when researchers and businesses join forces and work toward a common goal, says Claus Felby, Vice President, Agri-Food at the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

In its second phase, the consortium will focus on optimizing and scaling the technologies, as well as developing and testing food prototypes.

This new phase will also expand the group of partners with additional expertise to complement the technological platform:

• One of Denmark’s strengths is its ability to bridge research, industry, and gastronomy. That makes us an ideal testing ground for new technologies like this, where we can use CO₂ as a raw material for the food of the future. Here we can develop and test prototypes in close collaboration with researchers, companies, and chefs—and then bring these solutions to the rest of the world, says Claus Felby.

Results from Phase 1:

• Development of microbial strains that grow on 100% acetate and contain more than 40% protein.
• Establishment of pilot facilities for acetate production at Aarhus University.
• Identification of key cost drivers: electricity and infrastructure.

Read ore about the consortium HERE

By LWM