De Novo Foodlabs
Advancing what’s next in nutrition
about
Elevated nutrition. Inspired by nature. Powered by science.
At De Novo Foodlabs we are creating the next generation of nutritional solutions to elevate human health. Our proprietary precision fermentation technology and powerful tech platform allow us to create valuable compounds and nutrients that are scarce and difficult to source through traditional means.
In short, we give Food & Beverage and nutrition companies a competitive edge with innovative products that are healthier for humans and the planet.
Our approach is as novel as our products. We apply a proven biopharma discovery model, machine learning and precision fermentation to optimize the development and production of one-of-a-kind, protein-based ingredients. It is a complex process that benefits many – and is offered by few.
The miracle of Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a protein found in cow’s colostrum (or first milk) that delivers powerful health benefits. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit gut health. It also boosts the immune system and delivers cognitive and anti-aging benefits. All of which makes lactoferrin a truly remarkable, and crucial, nutrient for those looking to live a long and healthy life.
Better for you
Better for the planet
Introducing NanoFerrin™
Through the scientific rigor of De Novo Foodlabs technology, we have developed a revolutionary, nature-identical protein that delivers all of the extraordinary health and longevity benefits of lactoferrin. But unlike lactoferrin, NanoFerrin production is consistent, scalable and cost-effective – making it good for business and the environment.
Precision fermentation – the sustainable and smart solution to better nutrition
Reduces 90% of greenhouse gas
emissions and 95% of land and water use
Uses host organisms to produce
nature-identical functional proteins
Allows for more economical,
scalable production of protein-based ingredients
Team
Our team of scientists,
engineers, and big thinkers
Jean Louwrens
Co-founder and CEO, M.B.C Masters in Business
"De Novo represents a powerful force for positive change that has the potential to significantly impact how humans care for both their health and the health of the planet. By revolutionising how we view, consume, and produce nutrients, we can create a more sustainable future."
Leah Bessa
Co-founder and CSO, PhD Food Science
"De Novo offers an opportunity to be a part of an innovative and dynamic team that is building the path towards a new, sustainable and ethical food system. I’m excited to combine biotechnology and food science to revolutionise nutrition as we know it."
Richard Grieves
Co-founder and COO - BSc Mechanical Engineering
"Technology sometimes requires a final push into the mainstream to make a difference, and that is what we are doing here at De Novo. We have had the technology to overhaul the food and nutrition industry for decades; De Novo is taking action to use it to improve lives today."
Joni Symon
Co-founder and Lead Protein R&D - MSc Biochemistry
"Following a sustainable diet shouldn't come at the cost of foregoing optimal (or even just adequate) nutrition. Innovation around the idea of whole, unique, functional macromolecules to promote overall health, is very exciting in moving towards the future of nutrition."
Marian Temesvary
Chief Revenue Officer - BS Marketing & Econ, MBA
"De Novo answers the rapidly increasing market demand for nature-identical functional ingredients that address health issues. Our outstanding team is focused on nutrients that can improve longevity through better gut health, brain health, immunity, bone health and more. And I'm excited to bring these next-gen products to both customers and consumers."
Dean Sherry
Senior Scientist – Bioinformatics, PhD Biochemistry and Cell Biology
“The excitement I feel from working at De Novo stems from our unwavering commitment to harnessing state-of-the-art tools that enable our entire team to relentlessly push the boundaries of food tech. It's the fusion of innovation and a passion for making an impact that makes De Novo a truly remarkable place.”
Carmen de Villiers
Research Scientist, MSc Biochemistry
De Novo Foodlabs’ dedication lies in revolutionising food quality, flavour, and nutrition through cutting-edge science. Being part of this team presents a unique opportunity to shape the intersection of science and food technology, making a tangible impact on global nutrition and health, all while staying at the forefront of biotech.
Megan Marinus
Junior Research Scientist - BSc Hons Biochemistry
"De Novo is the perfect description of where passion meets innovation, allowing us to contribute to global nutrition with cutting-edge science. By creating this space for forward-thinking in the biotech field, we are encouraging people to be more aware of their impact on the environment."
Wilma van Rensberg
Senior Scientist - PhD Biochemistry
"At De Novo, I love that it’s not just about pushing the boundaries of innovation and research. It’s also about having the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by creating functional nutrients while being mindful of the impact it will have on the environment. Plus, being able to work with such an amazing team makes it all the more rewarding!"
Jean Louwrens
Co-founder and CEO, M.B.C Masters in Business
"De Novo represents a powerful force for positive change that has the potential to significantly impact how humans care for both their health and the health of the planet. By revolutionising how we view, consume, and produce nutrients, we can create a more sustainable future."
Leah Bessa
Co-founder and CSO, PhD Food Science
"De Novo offers an opportunity to be a part of an innovative and dynamic team that is building the path towards a new, sustainable and ethical food system. I’m excited to combine biotechnology and food science to revolutionise nutrition as we know it."
Richard Grieves
Co-founder and COO - BSc Mechanical Engineering
"Technology sometimes requires a final push into the mainstream to make a difference, and that is what we are doing here at De Novo. We have had the technology to overhaul the food and nutrition industry for decades; De Novo is taking action to use it to improve lives today."
Joni Symon
Co-founder and Lead Protein R&D - MSc Biochemistry
"Following a sustainable diet shouldn't come at the cost of foregoing optimal (or even just adequate) nutrition. Innovation around the idea of whole, unique, functional macromolecules to promote overall health, is very exciting in moving towards the future of nutrition."
Marian Temesvary
Chief Revenue Officer - BS Marketing & Econ, MBA
"De Novo answers the rapidly increasing market demand for nature-identical functional ingredients that address health issues. Our outstanding team is focused on nutrients that can improve longevity through better gut health, brain health, immunity, bone health and more. And I'm excited to bring these next-gen products to both customers and consumers."
Dean Sherry
Senior Scientist – Bioinformatics, PhD Biochemistry and Cell Biology
“The excitement I feel from working at De Novo stems from our unwavering commitment to harnessing state-of-the-art tools that enable our entire team to relentlessly push the boundaries of food tech. It's the fusion of innovation and a passion for making an impact that makes De Novo a truly remarkable place.”
Carmen de Villiers
Research Scientist, MSc Biochemistry
De Novo Foodlabs’ dedication lies in revolutionising food quality, flavour, and nutrition through cutting-edge science. Being part of this team presents a unique opportunity to shape the intersection of science and food technology, making a tangible impact on global nutrition and health, all while staying at the forefront of biotech.
Megan Marinus
Junior Research Scientist - BSc Hons Biochemistry
"De Novo is the perfect description of where passion meets innovation, allowing us to contribute to global nutrition with cutting-edge science. By creating this space for forward-thinking in the biotech field, we are encouraging people to be more aware of their impact on the environment."
Wilma van Rensberg
Senior Scientist - PhD Biochemistry
"At De Novo, I love that it’s not just about pushing the boundaries of innovation and research. It’s also about having the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by creating functional nutrients while being mindful of the impact it will have on the environment. Plus, being able to work with such an amazing team makes it all the more rewarding!"
Partners
and Investors
See who’s spreading the word
about De Novo Foodlabs
Press
The Business Insider
"The idea behind it is to recreate a non-dairy product with the same nutrition, texture, and functionality as traditional dairy – without any animals being involved."
Dairy Reporter
"De Novo Dairy, Africa’s only precision fermentation specialist, is edging closer to releasing its debut product, which will feature cultivated dairy proteins."
Green Queen
"The company was co-founded earlier this year by the same team behind insect ice-cream food tech Gourmet Grubb, who decided that brewing animal-free milk proteins would be their next focus."
Food Navigator Europe
"The South Africa-based food tech company is developing 'nature identical' proteins from scratch to help infants get the 'right' nutrition from the beginning, co-founder and CEO Jean Louwrens tells FoodNavigator"
GlobeNewswire
"UM6P Ventures Invests in De Novo Dairy, the First Alternative Dairy Precision Fermentation Startup in Africa"
ESM
“Through these investments, we are seeking to establish agreements to launch new, innovative and useful products, which improve our customers’ quality of life and also enable us to enter new markets,” said Gabriel Torres, Pascual Innoventures’ director."
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