EU Backs MOA Foodtech with €14.8M to Scale AI-Enhanced Fermentation Technology

MOA Foodtech, a Spanish biotechnology startup specializing in biomass fermentation and AI-driven ingredient production, has secured a €14.8 million investment commitment from the European Innovation Council (EIC). This funding includes a direct grant of €2.3 million and an additional €12.5 million in equity investment. The company plans to use this investment to scale its AI-powered fermentation platform, Albatros, and develop functional ingredients from agri-food by-products.

Using naturally occurring, non-GMO microorganisms, MOA's fermentation process aims to upcycle food industry by-products into high-value ingredients. This sustainable approach aligns with the increasing demand for functional food solutions. The company is already collaborating with industry partners like Barilla to create novel ingredient applications. CEO Bosco Emparanza expressed his excitement about advancing MOA's technology and expanding their impact with the support of the EIC Accelerator program under the Horizon Europe initiative.