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
Events Preview: Happy Holidays!
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 With the Holidays right around the corner, there are few events this week and next. Grab some egg nog and enjoy time…
Six Kansas City startups hop in the Digital Sandbox
Kansas City-based business incubator Digital Sandbox KC will offer financial support to six area firms working on a variety of tech projects. Digital Sandbox, which invests up to $25,000 in area businesses for specific projects that help the firms secure additional funding, has now supported 20 proof-of-concept projects in 2015. “We continue to be amazed…
Startland’s way-too-late Kansas City startup gift guide
Journalist and author Don Marquis once said that “procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” So in the spirit of completing what we should have done before the final weekend for holiday shopping, here’s a gift guide to 10 gadgets made by Kansas City startups. Special thanks to KCUR for hosting a discussion…
KC Startup Foundation aims to unify early-stage biz community
Leaders of the Kansas City Startup Village are maximizing their volunteer efforts with the establishment of a foundation that hopes to unite startups and entrepreneurs in the area. Formalized in October as an official 501(c)3 public charity, the Kansas City Startup Foundation grew out of the village’s need for more external support and resources. Founded…