The Swiss-based pioneer isolates high-quality protein and fibres from natural yeast at an industrial scale

Brugg/Switzerland December 2024 – Yeastup AG extracts highly functional ingredients from brewers’ spent yeast using its patented process. This breakthrough innovation isolates protein, beta-glucan and mannoprotein in a single industrial process. These high-quality, functional products have a wide range of application possibilities in the food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. The funding of CHF 8.9M enables the company to establish a large-scale production site in Switzerland with the capacity to upcycle over 20,000 tons of brewers’ spent yeast annually.

The facility will repurpose a former dairy site, requiring limited CAPEX while leveraging top-standard equipment. “We are pleased to collaborate with Yeastup, whose innovative process not only brings new life to our facility but also demonstrates how existing dairy infrastructure can be successfully utilized for the alternative protein sector. We see this as an opportunity to reposition ourselves and explore innovative pathways together with Yeastup,” says Ralph Perroud, CEO of Cremo, Switzerland’s second-largest dairy producer.

The vegan yeast-based protein Yeastin® combines high biological value (PDCAAS* of 1, comparable to egg protein) with excellent functionalities. Its good solubility and neutral taste sets it apart from most other proteins on the market. All ingredients from Yeastup are produced in an ecology-friendly way. The protein production, for example, requires 74 percent less CO₂ than the production of an alternative pea protein, making it a truly green choice. Its fibres (Upfiber®), consisting of beta-glucans and mannoproteins, have advanced functionalities such as optimum gelling and water-binding properties, serving as a healthy ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods. 

Scaling across Europe and globally

Yeastup has established several strategic partnerships in supply and engineering to ensure cost competitiveness. The new production site is critical in meeting the significant market demand, turning it into revenue and profit. Moreover, it will serve as the reference site for global scaling efforts. Dr. Martin Hahn, Head of Global Emerging Platforms and Technologies at Gelita AG, sees good reasons for supporting Yeastup’s technological approach: “Yeast-based ingredients have the potential to transform how alternative products are developed and produced. Yeastup provides proteins and fibers, allowing customers to create tailored solutions and optimize ingredient lists and functionalities. We were particularly impressed by their knowledgeable and motivated Team”.

Various significant investors have joined the cap table, such as Beyond Impact1, Gentian Investments2, Newtree Impact3, and Angel House4. Additionally, Yeastup is supported by several renowned family offices from Switzerland and abroad. “We invested into Yeastup because their upscaling process results in significantly better products and economics compared to others in this space,” said Benoît de Bruyn, Managing Director of Newtree Impact and designated new Board Member of Yeastup.

Differentiation through innovation

In addition to winning the prestigious SEIF Award5 and the TechTour6 in 2023, Yeastup has secured a total of CHF 2.45 million in grants, combining economic support from Innosuisse and regional development funding from the canton of Bern. “Yeastup outperformed the competition at the SEIF Award because the management team is highly experienced and has demonstrated the ability to create a profitable business model while contributing to sustainability,” says Mariana Christen Jakob, former Managing Director of the SEIF organisation.

“As a former food technologist in brewing and startup entrepreneur in the functional food space, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our groundbreaking innovation has convinced consumers, partners, and investors. There are so many compelling reasons why this makes sense for all stakeholders. This support motivates me and the entire team to go the extra mile for Yeastup,” says Daniel Gnos, CEO of Yeastup.