Solar Foods

Solar Foods, founded in 2017 and based in Espoo, Finland, is a food technology company pioneering novel protein production. The company’s core business centers around the creation of Solein®, a protein produced from carbon dioxide, electricity, and a bioprocess involving microorganisms. This innovative approach aims to decouple food production from traditional agriculture, significantly reducing reliance on land and water resources.

A key technological capability is the proprietary bioprocess used to cultivate these microorganisms, effectively “harvesting” protein from air and electricity. This allows for a highly sustainable and scalable food production method, independent of climate or geographical limitations. Solar Foods is actively expanding production capacity, having launched its first commercial-scale facility, Factory 01, in April 2024.

Notably, Solar Foods is extending its reach beyond terrestrial applications, with plans to develop Solein® production technology for testing onboard the International Space Station, indicating a focus on space-based life support systems and food solutions. The company has also secured partnerships with major food companies, including Ajinomoto and Pothos, to integrate Solein® into consumer products such as pastries, coffee drinks, and protein bars in markets including Singapore and the United States. This demonstrates a growing commercial viability and market acceptance of their sustainable protein source.