Finnish biotech startup Enifer is making waves in the alternative protein industry with its proprietary single-cell fungus-based protein, Pekilo. Originally developed in the 1960s and ’70s by the local paper industry to address pollution caused by production waste, Pekilo is now being repurposed for human consumption.
Enifer’s CEO and co-founder, Simo Ellilä, shared the fascinating backstory of how the fungus-based protein was discovered on a lab bench and eventually developed over 15 years by paper industry engineers. Despite falling out of use in the early 1990s, Enifer’s founders rediscovered Pekilo in 2020 and decided to spin out a company to revive and extend production for food-grade protein.
With a Series B funding round recently closed, Enifer is set to operationalize its first factory in Finland, where it will produce mycoprotein from food industry sidestream raw materials. The company’s innovative approach of turning waste into high-quality protein sets it apart in the crowded alternative protein market.
Enifer’s long-term goal is to gain regulatory clearance for Pekilo as a novel food for human consumption, with plans to target markets in the European Union, Singapore, and the US. Additionally, the company is exploring partnerships for pet food and animal feed applications, showcasing the versatility and potential of Pekilo in various industries.
As Enifer prepares to ramp up production and expand its product offerings, the future looks promising for this ancient yet innovative fungus-based protein with a newfound purpose in the modern world of sustainable food alternatives.