Ginkgo Bioworks and Tender Foods win DOE grants for alt proteins

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In Boston, foodtech startup Tender Foods and synthetic biology firm Ginkgo Bioworks are among more than 60 recipients of recent US Department of Energy grants for low-carbon technologies.

Ginkgo Bioworks will receive $2.4 million to advance a precision fermentation technology for producing human lactoferrin. Specifically, Ginko is using a novel yeast strain to create hLF from low-cost, waste-derived carbon sources. The hLF can be used to replace bovine lactoferrin.

Tender Food was awarded $5.4 million for a low-energy fiber-spinning system for producing plant-based whole-cut proteins. Tender Food said the funds will “recognizes the revolutionary potential of our technology to unlock the future of food innovation and drive massive efficiencies beyond conventional production technologies.”

Additionally, Michigan State University was awarded $1.8 million to develop a plant protein production platform using ultrasound-assisted fermentation.