MicroHarvest scales up production, aiming for 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by 2026

MicroHarvest, a Hamburg-based innovator in microbial protein, has reached a major milestone in its quest to scale sustainable protein production. Just three years after launching, the company has validated its ability to scale its production process tenfold, achieving 10 tons per day in a single vessel. This breakthrough paves the way for MicroHarvest’s ambitious plan to construct a facility capable of producing up to 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by the end of 2026, addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable protein solutions.

A recent large-scale production trial confirmed that MicroHarvest's strain performance and process parameters remain stable at this elevated scale. Importantly, the company demonstrated the speed and resilience of its proprietary seed train, which accelerates the production timeline from cryovial to full-scale output by a factor of ten compared to traditional food industry methods. This technological advantage supports the company’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of commercial-scale production.

MicroHarvest’s CEO, Katelijne Bekers, emphasized the significance of overcoming scaling challenges in the B2B ingredients market: “Producers of feed and food face high pressure to adopt novel ingredients within three to five years, but scaling these ingredients has been a bottleneck for the B2B ingredients market. First trials require hundreds of kilos or even tons of product to test with, followed by consistent, large-scale production in the magnitude of thousands of tons. While many biotechnology startups struggle to scale their production beyond small pilot volumes in the range of a few kilos, we’ve always successfully run pilots with 50-100 kg of product. Our demonstrated process stability at scale puts us in a unique position to actually match market demand in 2026.”

The company’s rapid progress has been bolstered by a commitment to minimizing common scaling risks. According to Jonathan Roberz, COO of MicroHarvest, the team’s focus on process stability has been a key differentiator: “New demo factories often face start-up troubles, with processes sensitive to contamination or technical perturbations not expected at lab scale. This leads to delays that can take more than a year and, in the worst cases, make profitability unachievable due to production losses. Our R&D and pilot teams prioritized minimizing these risks from the outset. Our technology reduces contamination risks and ensures quick recovery from technical problems. Having overcome these barriers, we are confident in reaching our kiloton output target.”

MicroHarvest’s fermentation process not only promises scalability but also delivers significant environmental benefits. By using agricultural side-streams as feedstock, the company minimizes reliance on fossil fuels and reduces land use, achieving a fraction of the carbon footprint associated with traditional plant- and animal-based proteins. Earlier this year, MicroHarvest partnered with VEGDOG to launch "Pure Bites," a microbial protein-based treat for dogs. The startup is also conducting validation and application trials with global aquafeed producers, exploring opportunities in salmon and shrimp farming.

Beyond animal feed, MicroHarvest is eyeing expansion into human nutrition. This aligns with its mission to create versatile, sustainable protein solutions for diverse markets. "We’re not only addressing current demand but also laying the groundwork to scale across nutrition sectors,” said Bekers. “Our work in aquaculture and pet food is just the beginning. With our technology’s flexibility, we’re well-positioned to explore applications in human food, contributing to a more resilient and eco-friendly food system.”

The company’s progress has also accelerated its Series B fundraising efforts, as investors recognize the potential of its scalable solutions to disrupt the protein market. With a proven track record of rapid scaling—from lab trials to pilot production to commercial operations—MicroHarvest is emerging as a leader in the alternative protein space. Its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and process optimization puts it at the forefront of the global transition toward sustainable food production.

As the company pushes toward its ambitious 2026 production goals, MicroHarvest continues to demonstrate how microbial fermentation can play a pivotal role in addressing the world’s protein needs while significantly reducing environmental impact. With a growing portfolio of applications and a strong foundation in scalability, the company is set to make a lasting impact on the food and feed industries.