QL AG, a Switzerland-based FoodTech company, has partnered with Ginkgo Bioworks, a biotechnology firm, to develop animal-free dairy proteins using precision fermentation.

Through the partnership, QL AG will leverage Ginkgo's expertise in strain engineering and protein production to reduce costs, improve taste and texture, and produce alternative dairy products that are nutritionally equivalent to traditional dairy products. 

Founded in 2022, QL AG leverages high-throughput screening research technology to develop microorganisms capable of producing milk proteins. The company claims its development process is significantly faster than others and bases its research on goat milk proteins rather than the more widely used cow milk proteins.