Founded in 2021, Arkeon is an “ingredients” startup based in Austria, which has developed a patented process to convert (inorganic) CO2 into (organic) proteins. The tech leverages years of research from co-founders Dr. Simon Rittmann (CSO), Dr. Guenther Bochmann (CTO) & Dr. Gregor Tegl (CEO), into (among others) underwater volcanos; high-pressure & high-temperature environments, with very little nutrients, where microbes feed off the nutrients in gases. Of particular focus is the “archaea” microbe (part of the microbiota of all organisms), which naturally feeds on CO2 & transforms it into amino acids. Arkeon can “cultivate” archaea & with a one-step gas fermentation process, the microbe produces all 20 amino acids, the basis of proteins, from CO2. The fully customizable proteins can then be used as a clean-label ingredient for food & beverage products, alternative proteins, flavors & aromas, dietary supplements & cultured meat. The startup obtains the CO2 required directly from industry (through carbon capture). In this way, Arkeon wants to offer companies the opportunity to improve existing products – or create new ones – & to reduce their ecological footprint (as the tech does away with large swaths of land, animals or vast amounts of water). Sales are headed by fellow co-founder Michel Mitsakos (CSO). <Source: Businesswire.com>
