Sunnyvale, California, U.S.A.-based NovoNutrients has been selected as one of the 11 FEED-X programs – a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) program included in several Project X programs.
Project X Global is a set of programs funded by the WWF that’s focused on accelerating projects that advance sustainability, with FEED-X representing a smaller sub-sector focused on feed. Aquaculture has been highlighted by the project as a value chain that is responsible for biodiversity decline, the main motivator behind WWF creating the innovation program.
"NovoNutrients is very proud to be a FEED-X innovator," NovoNutrients CTO and Founder Brian Sefton said.
NovoNutrients is researching methods to create protein ingredients directly from CO2 captured from the atmosphere or other sources. That protein can then be used to create high-quality aquafeed that has drastically reduced carbon emissions, and that doesn’t rely on wild-caught ingredients, according to the company.
"Aquaculture relies on feeding wild fish to farmed fish. Less costly additives and proteins are needed to make feed with wild fish ingredients in it and more of everything else,” Sefton said. “Our gas fermentation process is anchored by low blended-cost, massive-scale feedstocks: waste CO2, as well as hydrogen. The gases grow up our fast-doubling bacterial strains, which can be natural, have 70 percent-plus protein, and, optionally, integrated additives."
FEED-X projects were chosen by a panel of 13 subject-matter experts in the fields of “nutrition, feed, environment, alternative protein, aquaculture innovation, finance, and assurance.” The panel included judges from Skretting, IKEA, WWF, Cambridge University, the World Bank, and more.
"We are thrilled to be moving forward with such a talented roster of innovators with incredible potential for sustainability performance and inspiring commitments to make a positive difference to the planet,” CEO of Project X Global Marcela Navarro said.
NovoNutrients joins companies like Veramaris on the list of FEED-X program members, competing against 100 other ingredient suppliers.
Photo courtesy of NovoNutrients
