PoLoPo and CSM Ingredients Partner to Develop Price-Stable Egg Protein Powder for the Baking Industry

PoLoPo, a molecular farming startup that grows proteins in potatoes, has partnered with CSM Ingredients to develop a price-stable egg protein powder for the baking industry. The collaboration aims to provide an affordable, sustainable alternative to traditional egg protein, which has been facing supply chain disruptions and rising prices due to avian flu outbreaks. The companies will optimize PoLoPo’s ovalbumin powder for commercial baking applications, focusing on its functional properties such as foaming, gelation, and water-binding functions.

Founded in 2022, PoLoPo has raised $2.3 million to develop its cultivation platform that turns potato plants into "micro-biofactories" of amino acids. The company's non-exclusive collaboration with CSM Ingredients will enhance its strengths and capacity, allowing for the production of egg-protein-producing potato plants for U.S. partners. PoLoPo is also part of CSM Ingredients' incubator program, Generate, which supports ingredient and food concept startups in bringing innovative products to market.