LISTEN: Fermenting a clean future through products from meat alternatives to skin creams and baby formula

September 13, 2025  |  Austin Barnes

On this episode of Startland News’ Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we chat with Francesca Gallucci of Natáur, a Baltimore-based biotech company that’s reimagining how essential nutrients are made. Combining synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and eco-friendly fermentation, they’re producing bio-based taurine (and other naturally occurring sulfur compounds) without relying on petroleum.

Gallucci takes us behind the scenes: where Natáur’s science comes from, how its platform works, and how the company plans to scale up safely and sustainably.

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.

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