Shiru and GreenLab partner to scale sustainable protein production using corn-based expression

Shiru, a leader in AI-powered ingredient discovery, and GreenLab, a specialist in plant-based protein expression, have announced a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize novel food proteins using GreenLab’s proprietary corn expression system. This collaboration provides Shiru with a scalable production pathway that extends beyond microbial and precision fermentation, opening new opportunities for sustainable ingredient manufacturing.

The partnership will focus on creating high-performance functional proteins for consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers. By combining Shiru’s AI-driven protein discovery with GreenLab’s corn-based production system, the companies aim to offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional fermentation-based protein production.

“This partnership brings together some of the best natural protein compounds with a highly productive agricultural production platform to manufacture proteins that are not only sustainable but also scalable and commercially viable,” said Dr Jasmin Hume, Founder & CEO of Shiru. “While we continue to leverage precision fermentation in our screening efforts at Shiru, we've always acknowledged that scaling our ingredients can be done via microbes or crops. By integrating GreenLab's corn expression platform with our AI-driven ingredient discovery, we're unlocking an entirely new way to produce high-performance food proteins that nourish billions without exhausting the planet's resources.”

Unlike conventional fermentation methods, producing proteins in corn allows for large-scale expansion across existing agricultural infrastructure. The process minimizes upfront capital investment and optimizes resource use by integrating residual corn material into food, feed, and fuel supply chains. This approach enhances cost efficiency while reducing waste.

Maurice Moloney, President & CSO of GreenLab, highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration. “We're fundamentally changing how the industry approaches protein production,” he said. “Corn is a powerful and efficient system for expressing proteins, and by working with Shiru, we're taking the next step in creating truly scalable, commercially viable, and sustainable ingredients for CPG companies worldwide.”

Initially, Shiru and GreenLab will focus on optimizing protein expression in corn before scaling up production to meet commercial demand. The companies will work closely with food and beverage manufacturers to accelerate adoption and bring these proteins to market.