THE FUTURE OF FOOD: Disrupting protein production with microalgae

Project Information

AFactory

Grant agreement ID: 867307

DOI

10.3030/867307

Project closed

EC signature date 17 April 2019

Start date 1 May 2019

End date 31 October 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

KYANOS BIOTECHNOLOGIES
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AFactory (THE FUTURE OF FOOD: Disrupting protein production with microalgae)

Reporting period: 2019-05-01 to 2019-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Kyanos has developed a unique process called «Cyclotrophy» which boosts the production of microalgae and eliminates the unpredictability and the contaminants that affect traditional microalgae production. This new technology allows the infrastructures to be much more compact and take 20 times less space for a similar output.
Kyanos has already demonstrated a fully functional lab-scale pilot using AFA microalgae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) and is now about to implement its technology at industrial scale with an innovative smart factory.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Technology assessment (M1-M6)

Task 1.1: Strengthen data to scale up the “Cyclotrophy” unit operations and design full-scale pilot with technology providers, to obtain “plug-and-play” design from technology provider.
Task 1.2: Strengthen microbial performances: secure scientific partnership for AFA strain optimisation and identify secondary microorganisms to develop a process-fitted microorganisms’ library.
Task 1.3: Study of feasibility, risks and costs for the implementation of the Kyanos factory at industrial scale, and demonstration batches at lab scale for the composition and toxicity of the microalgae.
Task 1.4: European partners/users search and qualification for the SMEi Phase 2 market replication of the new industrial solution that will be finalised in the Phase 2.

IPR, FTO, Regulatory issues and risk assessment (M1-M6),

Task 1.5: Review providing analysis of possible new rights, and then implementation of proposed recommendations, and new FTO analysis.
Task 1.6: Regulatory issues, risk assessment and analysis to increase profitability of the
enterprise.
Task 1.7: Market knowledge discovery study to analyse project expected impact, company profitability and growth performances, European market uptake and distributing of innovation. Feedback of 20-50 KOLs about Kyanos’ new offer, pricing, positioning, market potential including identification of new customers, new applications and new business opportunity.
Task 1.8: Preparation of a more elaborated business plan ready to SMEi Phase 2, and the criteria for success.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Working with strategic partners, Kyanos has managed to:
measure and quantify the cognitive effects of the in-house produced microalgae extract (+10% neuronal activity) with a dedicated CRO partner
ensure product/market fit for Kyanos ingredient and health supplement production
guarantee product innocuity with deep toxicity studies on human liver, neuronal and gut cells - further guaranteeing better value proposition for consumers
The AFACTORY project has allowed Kyanos to bring its product to market.

Market feedback has allowed us to identify the drivers of the algae ingredients market with the interview of Key Opinion Leaders
Aphanizomenon flos aquae is still a seller’s market, but several elements will be key to convince major actors - notably an ingredient narrative (origin, process) that matches the end-consumer values. Also objective and tangible benefits will further help market the product.
Value chain includes Manufacturers, Ingredient traders, Distributors.
Target leads were identified and engaged with high level of interest.

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