LISTEN: Biotech founder breaks down how she turns microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours
September 5, 2025 | Austin Barnes
On this episode of Startland News’ Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we explore a ground-breaking food innovation with Katelijne “Kate” Bekers, co-founder and CEO of MicroHarvest.
This biotech startup is pioneering the world’s fastest protein production — turning microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours, using sustainable fermentation and agricultural side-streams, while slashing water, land use, and CO₂ emissions by more than 95 percent.
Bekers walks us through MicroHarvest’s rapid ascent — from lab experiments to commercial scale production — now delivering 10 tons per day and targeting a full-scale facility of 15,000 tons annually by 2026. We also delve into how its MPX single-cell protein and HILIX nucleotide extract offer more than just nutrition — they bring functionality for sectors ranging from aquafeed to pet and human nutrition.
Recorded live at the Plug and Play Animal Health & AgTech Expo in Topeka, this episode continues Startland News’ 12-part series on the founders transforming the future of animal health and agtech — and putting Topeka on the map as a national innovation hub.
Listen to a teaser below or click here for the full podcast episode.
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Weston Bergmann explains BetaBlox and its successful 2016 class
Since launching it in 2012, BetaBlox founder Weston Bergmann has always been impressed by the caliber of firms entering his incubator. But this year, Bergmann said he was blown away by the firms presenting at BetaBlox Demo Day celebration Monday. “It’s kind of cliche to say this class is better than the last, but it’s true,”…
Meet the BetaBlox startups ahead of Demo Day
Kansas City-based accelerator BetaBlox is gearing up for its annual culminating event to highlight startups in its current class. Set for Monday, BetaBlox’s Demo Day offers a stage for its 10 startup firms to pitch their businesses to investors, area residents and fellow entrepreneurs. While also a showcase of its startups, BetaBlox hopes the Demo Day will engage…
Regional Roundup: Chicago aims to be space travel hub
In this week’s roundup of watercooler talk from the region’s startup hubs, we have the dish on one Chicagoan’s plan to make the city a hub for space travel, St. Louis’ booming innovation district and the update on Uber and Lyft’s Texas battle. Check out more in this series here. ChicagoInno: Chicago … a hub…
Events Preview: BetaBlox Demo Day
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW KCedu and Lean Lab Meetup When: June 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Where: EduHub Join us as KCedu and…