A significant investment has been made in Leeds University’s foodtech spinout, MicroLub, marking an essential development in food technology.
- Northern Gritstone, along with co-investors, has provided a £3.5m seed fund to bolster MicroLub’s innovative solutions.
- MicroLub addresses global health challenges by offering low-calorie alternatives without compromising taste or texture.
- The technology aims to contribute to sustainability in the food industry, specifically in plant-based foods.
- Strong market interest and existing traction highlight the commercial potential of MicroLub’s groundbreaking innovations.
A significant stride in the landscape of food technology has been made with Northern Gritstone’s announcement of a £3.5 million seed investment into MicroLub, a spinout from the University of Leeds. This funding round also saw contributions from LIFTT and NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, showcasing a collaborative effort to propel technological advancements in the North of England.
MicroLub is dedicated to addressing the alarming rise in global obesity rates by offering food companies innovative ways to create less calorific products without sacrificing mouthfeel. By utilising their unique technology, which incorporates scaffolds made of protein and water coated by polysaccharides, MicroLub minimises the need for added fats and oils while maintaining food quality.
The company’s commitment extends beyond health improvements as it seeks to support sustainability in the food industry. MicroLub is positioned to enhance the alternative protein sector by improving the palatability of plant-based foods, thus contributing to environmental goals.
With the market for reduced-fat dairy and plant-based foods reaching over $120 billion across Europe, the US, and the UK, the potential for MicroLub is significant. The investment will help the company foster more commercial partnerships and grow its team to meet increasing demands.
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, founder of MicroLub, remarked on the technology’s potential, expressing excitement to explore applications with backing from Northern Gritstone. David Peters, CEO of MicroLub, mirrored this enthusiasm, highlighting the readiness of industry giants to adopt more nutritious and sustainable practices.
Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, emphasised the importance of supporting world-class innovations emerging from academic circles, praising MicroLub’s solutions to global health challenges. Professor Nick Plant of the University of Leeds echoed this sentiment, underscoring the UK’s leadership in transforming research into commercial success.
The investment reinforces the potential of academic innovations in tackling global health and sustainability challenges.
