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
Gallery: Techweek Kansas City expo
Hundreds of techies, innovators and entrepreneurs converged on Union Station on Thursday for Techweek’s expo. With startups and large corporations, the expo featured dozens of company’s technologies. Attendees at the inaugural Techweek Kansas City arrived to soak up their pitches. Below is a photo gallery from the event. Enjoy!
Entrepreneurs discuss trials, triumphs with Athena League
Embracing chaos and persistence. Those were the two main themes that arose from Athena League’s Techweek event Thursday morning. Athena League worked in conjunction with Techweek to host Hailee Bland-Walsh, owner and CEO of City Gym KC, and Jill Minton, founder and CEO of t.Loft, to speak to a crowd of roughly 100 about their…
Events Preview: Techweek continues
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 Techweek Hiring Fair When: September 17 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Where: KC Live! Whether you’re in search of a…
After new regulations, Uber opens KC office
Uber is spreading deeper roots in the Kansas City metro after new regulations have allowed the ride-sharing giant to operate legally in Kansas and Missouri. The San Francisco-based company is currently renovating a new Kansas City office on McGee Street near the Power and Light District, said Andy Hung, general manager of Uber Kansas City.…