A start-up biotechnology company specialising in fungi-based protein production is set to establish its operations in a lab space at Exeter Science Park to support its next phase of growth.
The company, HyphaPRO, has been founded by University of Exeter graduate Andy Foster, who has nearly 30 years’ expertise in fungal genetics and industrial biotechnology. His work is focused on developing innovative ways to produce high-value food proteins using precision fermentation – a technology with the potential to transform global food security and dramatically reduce environmental impact.
Andy’s vision is to harness the power of microorganisms – specifically fungi – as a sustainable, resilient platform for producing essential proteins currently derived from animals. Many of these proteins, such as egg white proteins (including ovalbumin), rely on agricultural systems vulnerable to natural disruptions such as avian flu. By contrast, fungi can produce identical or even improved versions of these proteins more reliably, affordably and with a far lower environmental footprint.
HyphaPRO’s initial focus will be on producing ovalbumin and ovotransferrin as proof-of-concept targets. Precision fermentation, the technology underpinning the process, has decades of proven success in producing food-grade proteins – including chymosin, the cheese-making enzyme that transitioned almost entirely from traditional to fermentation-based production due to improved quality and cost-effectiveness.
Andy has almost 30 years of experience of working with genetic manipulation of fungi and has worked in both academic and commercial settings most recently and for nearly three years in a company making cheese proteins by precision fermentation. As a University of Exeter graduate, he sees the potential of the location and the opportunity to exploit close ties to colleagues with mycological expertise at the university.
“Precision fermentation is poised to become a major contributor to meeting global protein demand over the coming decade,” he explains. “It offers a way to reduce emissions, minimise land use and enhance food security, all while producing high-quality ingredients that society relies on. Exeter is the ideal place to build this work, thanks to the world-class scientific expertise in the region and the supportive environment at Exeter Science Park.”
The lab in the Science Park Centre building will enable him to begin research and development early next year. The move aligns with the Park’s mission to support businesses advancing clean growth, agri-tech, biotechnology and other science-led solutions.
Jason Buck, Head of Business Development at Exeter Science Park, said: “By providing these facilities at Exeter Science Park, we can support HyphaPRO’s aims to contribute to the development of technical expertise in this fast-growing field within Devon and across the UK. They will also benefit from the collaborative and science and tech focused community which continues to grow and develop here at Exeter Science Park. We’re looking forward to supporting Andy as he advances the science around these incredible products.
“Biotech is an important and growing focus for us at Exeter Science Park. We have laboratory space available for biotech organisations of all sizes and are keen to support their development within our wider innovation community.”