South Korea’s Soyft Biome Bags Funding to Upcycle Tempeh Waste Into Plant-Based Dairy

South Korean food tech startup Soyft Biome has secured funding to expand its plant-based products made from fermented soybean waste. The funding from MY Social Company’s Extramile Lycon Fund will support the startup’s waste-to-value AquaProtein and Soyft technologies. By turning plant-based waste into non-dairy products, Soyft Biome aims to bring its climate-friendly alternatives to more coffee shops and bakeries in South Korea.

Soyft Biome produces AquaProtein, a functional protein rich in amino acids and saponins, from soybean waste generated during tempeh production. The company uses AquaProtein to create plant-based cream and sauce formulations under the Ja:yu brand and functional drinks under the Fermax label. With plans to expand into the foodservice channel and wellness markets, Soyft Biome also aims to enter the cosmetics and medical nutrition markets with its proprietary emulsion formulation technology, offering sustainable alternatives beyond the food industry.