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
‘Give Black’ campaign hits nearly $100K in donations for Black-run businesses, orgs
Editor’s note: Give Black and Kansas City GIFT are non-financial partners of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit newsroom. A campaign to boost eight Black-owned businesses and organizations in Kansas City during the week of Juneteenth surpassed its goal this month, but the work is…
Ford opens door to July 29 pitch competition, $50K in prizes for women entrepreneurs
The Ford Motor Company Fund is bringing a new pitch competition — and $50,000 in prizes — to Kansas City this summer as part of its effort to boost women social entrepreneurs. Announced during the final moments of last week’s HI-HERImpact virtual entrepreneurship summit for Kansas City, the planned July 29 competition is part of a national…
First foot forward: LA dreamer returns to KC to launch shoe brand with one-of-a-kind pop-up
Sky Jackson walked through Motion House Studios in the West Bottoms wearing a shirt and pants he had sewn together himself, as well as a pair of Scoops — Jackson’s premier footwear line inspired by the light-heartedness and joy of ice cream. “I have been wanting to make a shoe brand since I was a…
Why Blue Springs, KC are so hungry for Whataburger: You have the brand; We have the people
When Whataburger arrives later this year in Kansas City, the popular Texas-based restaurant chain is expected to bring more than its spicy ketchup and an iconic burger that takes two hands to hold. Company and city officials on Thursday emphasized a local hunger for both the 70-year-old brand and the 700 jobs it plans to…