Clever and tasty, what’s not to like?

Together with LIOF 

Investment manager Remon Plummen at LIOF: “We’ve made several adjustments to refine this interesting case. We’ve added more focus and provided a clearer description of what NoA specifically does and why this is so innovative. Aniek Sarneel, investment manager and Juanita Valdivieso Camacho, business developer at LIOF also worked hard to establish a stronger presence in Limburg, aiming to enhance the impact on the region. This made it more plausible for us to consider this investment.”

Making sustainable alt-protein food from woody biomass

Take some sawdust and wood chips, mush it, and use it as a bed to grow mushrooms on. This is a short and simple explanation of NoA BIOSCIENCES’ very clever concept. A concept with great potential to grow and succeed in the future.  

‘Mushrooms?’ you might wonder, but this is not the end product. Gilles Amsallem, founder and CSO, and Koen Wentink, co-founder and CEO, of NoA BIOSCIENCES explain: “We process these mushrooms into healthy, affordable, and delicious alternative protein food in just a few simple steps, resulting in high quality alternative protein food.”

This innovative food-tech company is located at the Brightlands Greenport campus in Venlo. They recently received financial support from the Limburg Early Phase Fund from LIOF. Gilles: “This will help us achieve our mission of making alternative protein food more accessible to everyone.”



No need to cut down trees

The innovators of NoA BIOSCIENCES believe in being eco-friendly and sustainable. Gilles: “We make sure to use materials that already exist, which means we don't have to grow new ones or need to cut down trees. Our food is designed to replace meat, so we can use the land for other things. Like growing plant-based foods, planting more trees, and creating natural habitats.” 

We make sure to use materials that already exist

Zero waste

“Plus,” Koen adds, “we have a plan to reuse the leftover materials as food for insects and worms, so nothing goes to waste. Our focus on circularity is central to our company's mission and values, and our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.” NoA BIOSCIENCES was founded to address the major problems with how we get our food today. “We know that the way we currently get our food isn't sustainable, not for the planet, and not for us. We’re committed to circularity and sustainability, to make a change and create a better future.” 

Tasty wood

The entrepreneurs are focused on making tasty and healthy alternative protein food using woody biomass. “What makes us different is that we don't need to rely on products like soybeans, pea-protein, or animal cell culture like other companies do. We're doing things in an innovative and sustainable way to make sure we can all have good food without damaging the planet further.”

No solo artist

NoA BIOSCIENCES is no solo artist. Koen: “We strongly believe in working together to make our mission a success. We work closely with a lab that helps us developing the best processes to make our products. We're also teaming up with other labs to improve and expand our processes.” 

The innovators are not just working in the lab though. “We also work with the food community: chefs, culinary advisors, and restaurants to create tasty recipes using our alternative meat and seafood. And to make sure we have all the materials we need, we're partnering with companies in the wood and forestry industry. By collaborating with all these different groups, we're making sure we have a strong and efficient supply chain - to bring our products to you.”

Right in the heart 

“We picked the perfect location for our company - the Brightlands Campus Venlo. It's right in the heart of the mushroom industry in the Netherlands and Europe. That means we have everything we need close by: service providers, potential customers, suppliers, and experts who can teach us more. Our focus on a sustainable and affordable food production and commitment to collaboration and innovation will help us achieve a more sustainable future for all.” 

Help us grow 

The campus itself is perfect for a new company like NoA BIOSCIENCES, who wants to grow and develop. “It's a lively place that cares about the environment. With services like a cooking lab, testing and tasting services, and places where we can make our products on a bigger scale. Being here is going to help us grow and become successful.”

NoA has the potential to shake things up - just like Uber and Airbnb did

Shake things up

“What does the future hold for us in five years? We’ll be an alternative food and beverages company that has the potential to shake things up just like Uber and Airbnb did with transportation and accommodations. We’ll be offering innovate ideas to make alternative food better and more available to everyone. Noa can potentially completely change how we make, deliver, and eat our food. If we succeed, it could make our food system more sustainable, affordable, and give us access to healthier options. This would not only have a positive effect on public health but also on the environment.” Clever, we would say! 

Alternative protein food, or alt-protein food, refers to food products that serve as substitutes for traditional animal-based proteins like meat, dairy, and eggs. Alt-protein foods are typically made using plant-based ingredients or innovative technologies that (may or may not) replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of animal-based proteins. These products aim to offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional animal products. They tackle environmental concerns, animal welfare, and potential health benefits.

This testimonial is from June 2023

Photography: Ron Wiersma, Maastricht and NoA BIOSCIENCES