Pitch: a Finnish startup using a gas-fermentation technology to turn CO₂ and hydrogen into protein-rich ingredients (Solein)
Source: Solar Foods
ID card
- HQ: Finland
- Founded: 2017
- Funding: $76.7M
- Last Funding: €8M Series B (04/2024)
- Corporate investors: Fazer Group
- Partnerships: Sensapure Flavors, Ajinomoto, Fazer Group
- Innovations: Gas fermentation to produce Solein (78% protein, 6% fat, and 10% dietary fibre)
- Competitors: Air Protein (US)
- Regulation: self-affirmed GRAS (09/2024) + FDA-notified GRAS submission filed (09/2025) to obtain a “no questions” letter
More insights
- Solar Foods is operating in a niche sub-segment of the broader “biomass fermentation” ecosystem. It converts captured dioxyde carbon into a source of raw protein.
- The process uses high amounts of water and energy, but is becoming economically sustainable at scale. The startup has a demo-scale facility and is planning a larger facility.
- Solar Foods’ planned 2028 facility targets 12,800 tonnes/year at €4.30–5.20/kg, while the current demo plant produces 160 t/year, expected to ramp to 230 t/year by 2026.
- Solar Foods partnered with US flavour house Sensapure Flavors (July 2025) to co-develop flavour concepts for ready-to-mix shakes and RTD protein drinks (chocolate, cinnamon roll, chai, velvet lemon).
- Several Solein-based products were co-developed and launched in 2025:
- It is scaling US commercial traction in health and sports nutrition, in 2025 with its Protein Bites concept, and in Q1 2026 with planned launches of Solein-powered ready-to-mix protein powders (Pothos and Ambrosia Collective) and protein bars (Fermenta).
- It targets regulatory novel food approval in the EU in 2026.
For Symrise
Why did we select the startup?
Solar Foods is the most advanced gas fermentation player, now multiple food and beverage products in different markets through partnerships. Beyond applications (why using Solein?), taste and colour challenges remain (orange colour, neutral taste).
Why now?
The startup is shifting from early-stage exploration to commercialisation, with multiple US launches planned for Q1 2026 and a growing base of supply agreements.
Source: Solar Foods