PoLoPo expands lab-scale sample production and completes first outdoor field cultivation

PoLoPo, a molecular farming company, has announced an increase in its capacity to produce functional protein samples for food industry partners following its first successful outdoor field cultivation of protein-rich potatoes. The company has scaled its lab operations with new equipment, enabling it to supply hundreds of grams per month of protein powders derived from its transgenic potato plants.

PoLoPo’s recent field trial yielded approximately five tons of protein-rich potatoes, exceeding initial expectations by two tons. While the potatoes are genetically engineered, the extracted protein powders contain no genetic material and are considered non-GMO.

“Our first cultivation achieves something no other molecular farming company has done before and makes PoLoPo the first to grow and scale such a crop successfully,” commented PoLoPo CEO Maya Sapir-Mir. “In addition, with our increased lab capacity, we can fulfill more requests from potential partners, supply larger quantities of samples, and we’re better able to assist them as they start working with our ingredients.”

PoLoPo’s first large batch of samples is designated for CSM Ingredients, a global leader in food ingredient research, innovation, and production. The two companies are collaborating to develop PoLoPo’s protein powders for baking applications. PoLoPo was selected in October for the Generate startup incubator, a program led by CSM and HIFOOD, an Italy-based developer and producer of plant-based, clean-label, and value-added ingredients.

To maintain a continuous protein supply, PoLoPo will continue replanting throughout the spring in a second growth cycle, ensuring production across different seasons and validating optimal growth conditions.

PoLoPo employs proprietary metabolic engineering techniques to transform potato plants into micro-biofactories. These plants synthesize and store target proteins within their tubers, which are harvested at maturity. The extracted proteins are then dried into a functional powder that integrates seamlessly into existing food processing lines and formulations.