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
Startland News hits the road to SXSW
Load up the clown car — Startland is going down south. Kansas City’s source for entrepreneurial and tech news is venturing to arguably the nation’s top conference for innovative ideas: South-by-Southwest Interactive. The Startland team has a jam-packed schedule while at SXSW, mingling with techies, early-adopters and thousands of Austonians. Make sure you follow along on…
The WTF Series: Triple constraint
One of the hardest parts of software development is managing stakeholder expectations. Of course, everyone wants as much as they can get, as fast as possible, for the lowest price. Why wouldn’t you? The problem is that most programmers get frustrated when a stakeholder asks for too much too fast, and don’t know how…
Events Preview: Innovate with Lean Lab
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 The Lean Lab’s Innovation Workshop When: March 11 – 12 Where: Think Big Coworking Build the Future of KC Schools. Let The Lean…
Titans of Kansas City tech combine forces for talent creation
Kansas City isn’t unique in its high demand for talented techies. But perhaps what is setting the area apart is its collaborative approach to creating, recruiting and retaining tech talent in the Kansas City metro. Dozens of area tech companies engaged in a panel discussion Wednesday on practical steps that companies can take to win…