Calysta

Calysta is a biotechnology company based in San Mateo, California that produces sustainable protein ingredients using a patented fermentation platform. The company's flagship product, FeedKind, is a single-cell protein made by fermenting methane using microorganisms, without requiring any plant or animal inputs. This process uses minimal water and land compared to conventional protein production. FeedKind is primarily targeted for use in aquaculture, pet food, and livestock feed applications. In 2022, Calysta and its joint venture partner Adisseo opened a 20,000-tonne capacity commercial production facility in Chongqing, China through their Calysseo partnership. This marked the world's first industrial-scale plant producing proteins that do not rely on plant or animal ingredients. Calysta has also developed a human food ingredient called Positive Protein, which is described as highly nutritious and comparable to high-quality animal proteins.

The company's fermentation technology allows for year-round production without using arable land. FeedKind has been validated through trials for use in feeds for various aquaculture species including seabass, bream, salmon, and shrimp. In February 2023, FeedKind received US FDA approval for use in salmonid feeds at up to 18% inclusion. Calysta positions its products as helping to meet growing global protein demand more sustainably while preserving biodiversity. The company aims to expand production capacity significantly, with plans announced in 2022 to build a 100,000-tonne facility in Saudi Arabia through the Calysseo joint venture.

Key customers and partnerships

Calysta has formed strategic partnerships to commercialize and scale up production of its protein ingredients. Its key joint venture is Calysseo, formed with global animal nutrition company Adisseo. Through this partnership, Calysta opened its first commercial-scale FeedKind facility in China in 2022, targeting the Asian aquaculture market. Calysseo is also planning a much larger facility in Saudi Arabia. Calysta's products are aimed at aquaculture companies, as well as pet food and livestock feed producers. The company has received regulatory approvals for use of FeedKind in animal feeds in markets including the US, EU, and UK. Calysta has also partnered with Food Caravan, a business development company, to support its planned expansion into Saudi Arabia.