Germany has emerged as a thriving hub for foodtech startups, covering a wide range of sectors such as delivery services, supply chain optimization, agtech, food science, foodservice, and consumer tech. Notable success stories in this ecosystem include HelloFresh and Delivery Hero, which disrupted the industry with their innovative approaches to meal kits and food delivery. However, Germany’s food industry is now witnessing the rise of promising startups in various other sectors, including the insect protein industry for human consumption, which aims to provide sustainable and nutritious protein sources while minimizing environmental impact.
These startups leverage technological advancements and innovative farming practices to challenge traditional notions of protein production. By developing new food sources, they are reshaping the food industry, disrupting traditional models, and transforming the way food is produced, distributed, sold, and consumed.
Here are 10 exceptionally promising German foodtech startups founded after 2017 that are making strides in their respective fields:
1. BIOWEG: This Quakenbrück-based startup matches bio-innovation with business problems. By combining biotechnology, material science, and molecular simulation learning, BIOWEG creates sustainable and globally scalable bio-based high-performance ingredients. Their partnership with companies and consumer brands in sectors like cosmetics, personal care, nutraceuticals, and food/beverage allows them to offer highly differentiated and sustainable science-based ingredient technologies.
2. Protein Distillery: ProteinDistillery, based in Ostfildern, produces clean and sustainable proteins for food companies using microorganisms. They extract proteins from residual yeast in beer brewing, providing versatile applications without artificial additives. Their approach prioritizes health and sustainability, delivering a nutrient-rich profile comparable to egg protein while requiring fewer resources.
3. Kynda: Kynda, headquartered in Jelmstorf, leads the way in affordable and accessible bioreactor technology, starter cultures, and operational support for biomass fermentation. Their focus is on enabling sustainable and tasty food alternatives by providing customers with a comprehensive plug & play biotechnology system for in-house mycelium fermentation. By decentralizing food production, Kynda empowers businesses to reduce reliance on large-scale centralized systems, creating a more resilient and sustainable food supply chain.
4. Mushlabs: Hamburg-based Mushlabs specializes in the production of food derived from edible mushroom mycelium. By utilizing their fermentation platform, Mushlabs taps into the untapped potential of fungi as a viable food source. They prioritize the overall sensory experience, well-being, and environmental impact of the food they produce, aiming to revolutionize food consumption practices with their sustainable solutions.
5. Perfeggt: Perfeggt, based in Berlin, aims to create chicken-free eggs and promote a food system that benefits people, animals, and the planet. Their flagship product, Perfeggt Original, is a liquid egg alternative made from pea proteins that can be used in various dishes. Popular among chefs, Perfeggt offers a great taste and fluffy texture, making it an appealing choice for restaurants and hotels.
6. Project Eaden: Berlin-based Project Eaden merges cutting-edge technology with a deep appreciation for life and food. Their mission is to develop sustainable and delectable meat alternatives to address the environmental impact of meat production. By utilizing innovative platform technology, they strive to create scalable and cost-effective options that cater to evolving consumer preferences.
7. MicroHarvest: Hamburg’s MicroHarvest aims to produce superior, healthier, and more flavorful protein sustainably using microorganisms. Their scalable technology allows the creation of nutritional biomass from fast-growing bacteria, offering applications throughout the protein value chain. They envision a fair and resilient food system that provides nutritious food for all.
8. XbyX – Women in Balance: XbyX, based in Berlin, is an innovative digital platform dedicated to midlife female health, particularly offering solutions for menopause-related symptoms. Their plant-based products, formulated for women over 40, utilize natural ingredients to alleviate hormonal imbalances. By combining science, education, and community, XbyX aims to destigmatize menopause and promote healthy aging.
9. Heatle: Berlin-based Heatle has developed a revolutionary device that uses induction technology to heat liquids directly in their containers, providing a clean and sustainable approach to heating. This energy-saving method simplifies the process while offering a reliable solution for achieving the desired temperature. Heatle is ideal for heating water, baby milk, or even mulled wine.
10. FarmInsect: FarmInsect, based in Bergkirchen, provides farmers with a sustainable solution to produce insect larvae from local organic residues. These larvae serve as a protein feed for farm animals, reducing the need for imported soy or fishmeal. With their machine and IoT system, FarmInsect enables automated insect production and a continuous supply of young larvae, helping farmers cut costs, improve animal health, and reduce CO2 emissions.
These startups exemplify the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in Germany’s foodtech ecosystem. Their disruptive approaches and technological advancements contribute to the growth and transformation of the food industry, reimagining how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. As they continue to make waves in their respective fields, these startups hold enormous potential to shape the future of food and meet the evolving demands of consumers while minimizing environmental impact.
