,

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.

Tagged , , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder
      [adinserter block="4"]
      1738947381552

      Austin Barnes

      2025 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        St. Louis tech group expanding to KC

        By Tommy Felts | July 2, 2015

        A St. Louis tech organization is using its recent funding award to expand its operations into Kansas City. LaunchCode, a nonprofit organization that helps with job placement in technology, received a $250,000 award Wednesday from the Missouri Technology Corporation that will help it expand to cities across Missouri, including Kansas City. “MTC’s support will be…

        Events Preview: ECJC, America Hack night

        By Tommy Felts | July 2, 2015

        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 ECJC Summer Venture Lounge When: Wednesday, July 8 @ 4:30 PM-6:30 PM Where: Enterprise Center of Johnson County Investors, entrepreneurs and…

        Local investor Keith Harringtonearns prestigious VC fellowship

        By Tommy Felts | July 1, 2015

        A Kansas City-area investor that was recently accepted into an esteemed venture capital fellowship in Silicon Valley hopes to leverage the program to better his hometown. Keith Harrington, managing director at the Kansas Bioscience Authority, was accepted into the Kauffman Fellows program for venture capitalists. The program aims to enhance venture capitalists’ capabilities and grow…

        1 Million Cups presenters have shot at $10K

        By Tommy Felts | July 1, 2015

        One of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s most popular programs, 1 Million Cups, will soon be offering entrepreneurs more than its typical morning refreshments. Program leaders announced Wednesday that it’s launching the “One in a Million” competition, in which former presenters in the program could snag $10,000. Now in more than 70 cities worldwide, 1…