,

LISTEN: Biotech founder breaks down how she turns microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours

September 5, 2025  |  Austin Barnes

Katelijne "Kate" Bekers, MicroHarvest; photo by Austin Barnes, Startland News

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.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      Austin Barnes

      2025 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        KU to host area startups for career day

        By Tommy Felts | February 3, 2016

        The University of Kansas on Wednesday announced its largest-ever multi-disciplinary career fair for startups in the Midwest. The Startup Job and Internship Fair — set for March 1 — will connect students studying everything from engineering to design with startups from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The fair is open to any and all area small…

        Flyover Capital continues its deal streak with Illinois startup

        By Tommy Felts | February 2, 2016

        Kansas City-area venture capital firm Flyover Capital is continuing its first quarter investment tear. Leawood-based Flyover recently added the fifth company to its portfolio, joining other investors in a $4.1 million Series A round to fund Agrible, an Illinois-based ag tech startup. Flyover has extensive agriculture experience and shares Agrible’s belief in growing the Midwest…

        RiskGenius Chris Cheatham

        Kansas City’s “Dr. Dre of Insurance” aims to remix industry

        By Tommy Felts | January 29, 2016

        Overland Park-based ClaimKit is planning to drop the beat on the insurance industry thanks to a new round of financing. The self-proclaimed “Dr. Dre of insurance policies,” ClaimKit CEO Chris Cheatham says the company’s $1.8 million round of financing will boost development of its second software product, RiskGenius. ClaimKit was able to lean heavily on…

        Events Preview: Athena League, ReversED

        By Tommy Felts | January 28, 2016

        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 Think Big’s Anniversary Happy Hour When: January 28 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Where: Think Big Coworking Come mix and mingle…