Fermeate develops an optogenetics platform that uses light-sensitive proteins and AI-driven light patterns to control gene expression in microbial fermentation processes. The technology can be retrofitted into existing stainless-steel fermenters by recirculating culture through an external light-delivery device, enabling higher and more sustained productivity. Founded in 2024 by Kevin Xu, PhD, and Saurabh Malani, PhD, the company has partnerships with four global food and ingredient companies and reports up to a 200% increase in protein production in under six months, with potential for up to 10x gains. Fermeate has validated its approach on multiple industrial host strains, including conventional and non-conventional yeasts and bacteria. The company is generating revenue through several paid projects while exploring business models and aims to scale its tech to improve capital efficiency across biomanufacturing operations.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Apr 2026