Brevel launches First-of-a-Kind facility to scale microalgae protein production

Microalgae protein innovator Brevel has reached a key milestone by building its first industrial-scale facility under a First-Of-A-Kind (FOAK) model, an approach designed to showcase new technology at commercial scale for the first time. By establishing this FOAK plant, Brevel aims to prove the commercial viability of its proprietary microalgae production technology to partners, investors, and the market at large. The facility’s completion marks Brevel’s transition from pilot to full-scale production, demonstrating its potential to produce microalgae protein in larger volumes with greater efficiency.

The FOAK concept, common in industries like energy and infrastructure, involves creating a production setup to demonstrate and validate novel technology’s performance under commercial conditions. This approach helps reduce the technological risk, providing confidence that the technology can operate effectively in a real-world production environment. Once validated, Brevel will focus on refining operational and market processes to address commercialization challenges, further reducing overall business risk.

In tandem with the facility’s development, Brevel has secured long-term off-take agreements and joint venture partnerships with food and beverage companies. These agreements represent an important step in positioning Brevel’s microalgae protein in the food market. Off-take agreements, where partners commit to purchasing Brevel’s product, help assure stable demand, while joint ventures enable shared responsibility in building additional facilities. Together, these partnerships support Brevel’s vision for scaled production and wider commercial application of microalgae protein.

Microalgae protein, such as Brevel’s chlorella-based product, has gained interest within the food industry due to its high nutritional value, including a complete amino acid profile, and its low environmental footprint. Brevel’s microalgae protein is produced in indoor bioreactors through sugar fermentation, combined with light exposure, to promote nutrient-rich growth without genetic modification. This method allows Brevel to yield microalgae at scale while keeping its environmental impact minimal.

For Brevel, reaching commercial scale has involved creating a lean but fully functional FOAK facility. By designing and building its own fermenters and focusing on core production needs, the company managed to lower capital expenditures compared to traditional industry benchmarks. This approach keeps initial costs manageable while providing a fully operational plant that demonstrates the viability of the technology. Currently undergoing test runs, Brevel’s FOAK facility is expected to be fully operational in early 2025.

The construction of this facility follows broader trends in the alternative protein sector, where securing financing for production scale-up remains a critical challenge. A recent report from the Good Food Institute (GFI) on funding for alternative proteins highlighted several strategies companies could employ to address these financing bottlenecks. Options include co-manufacturing with established food and dairy companies, accessing funding through U.S. government programs or sovereign wealth funds, and forming strategic partnerships with larger corporations in agriculture or food production. According to Sharyn Murray, GFI’s Senior Manager for Investor Engagement and Financing, “Collaboration, sustained effort, and innovative financing pathways are key to advancing the alt-protein industry.”

For Brevel, the partnerships it has formed with commercial customers and production collaborators provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Off-take agreements ensure there is an established demand for Brevel’s microalgae protein, which can help stabilize revenue streams. Additionally, these agreements offer a foundation for attracting further investment, as they demonstrate that there is a market need for Brevel’s product. Joint ventures, on the other hand, will facilitate future expansions by spreading capital and operational costs with partner companies interested in co-developing manufacturing facilities for microalgae protein.

As Brevel CEO Yonatan Golan explained, “Our approach to scaling aligns with the evolving consumer demand for plant-based protein options that are nutritious, affordable, and sustainable.” Brevel’s product, a chlorella-based microalgae protein, is designed to integrate seamlessly into various food applications. The product offers a neutral flavor and color, making it versatile for use in a wide range of food and beverage products. This adaptability makes it appealing to manufacturers looking for sustainable protein alternatives with minimal impact on taste or appearance.

As Brevel prepares for commercial production, it is working to secure additional contracts to strengthen its market position and assure future production stability. By using its FOAK facility as a proof of concept, Brevel hopes to build confidence with potential investors and partners, creating a network of support for future expansions. The company’s strategy includes moving from this initial plant to larger production lines, with the FOAK facility serving as a validation point for prospective collaborators who may be involved in financing and operating subsequent facilities.

Brevel’s FOAK plant is not only a step toward commercial scale but also an indication of the company’s readiness to engage in the next phase of plant-based protein production. By leveraging its proprietary fermentation technology, Brevel is positioned to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of alternative proteins. The facility’s early 2025 launch will mark an important milestone in Brevel’s journey and, potentially, set a foundation for broader adoption of microalgae-based proteins in the food industry.