NovoNutrients, a Silicon Valley-based innovator making protein through carbon capture and utilization, was selected as one of the 11 sustainable innovations that are active in the culmination of the FEED-X program. The company is dedicated to capturing carbon dioxide and transforming it into bulk protein and food and feed additives, through proprietary precision fermentation.
FEED-X is one of several Project X programs designed to tackle sustainability challenges at an industry level. Marcela Navarro, CEO of Project X Global, commented on the innovators that were selected from more than 133 expressions of interest. “We are thrilled to be moving forward with such a talented roster of innovators with incredible potential for sustainability performance and inspiring commitments to make a positive difference to the planet.”
“NovoNutrients is very proud to be a FEED-X innovator,” Brian Sefton, CTO and founder, said. As for making nutrition from greenhouse gases, particularly for seafood production, he explained that “aquaculture relies on feeding wild fish to farmed fish. Less costly additives and proteins are needed to make feed with wild fish ingredients in it and more of everything else. Our gas fermentation process is anchored by low blended-cost, massive-scale feedstocks: waste CO₂, as well as hydrogen. The gases grow up our fast-doubling bacterial strains, which can be natural, have more than 70% protein, and, optionally, integrated additives.”
FEED-X innovators were chosen by a panel of 13 fully independent subject matter experts in the fields of nutrition, feed, environment, alternative protein, aquaculture innovation, finance and assurance at a September 17, 2019 event in London. With a systems approach, that event called on innovators in the feed and aquaculture sectors to come forward with sustainable alternatives to transform the industry’s performance. The judging panel included representatives from Skretting, IKEA, DTU Aqua, WWF, Cambridge University, Surrey University, DNV GL and the World Bank, as well as private wealth and impact investment partners, with EIT Climate Kic providing independent observation.
