Forte Protein, a startup that has developed a technology to grow animal proteins inside plants, recently joined Cornell’s Center for Life Science Ventures business incubator. The startup was also in the news last year after being named a finalist in the 2022 Grow-NY Food & Agriculture business competition.
Co-founder and CEO Kathleen Hefferon was a member of the first W.E. Cornell cohort in 2019, initially working to develop proteins for biofuels but changing focus to developing proteins for food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Forte Protein’s method can quickly, affordably, and sustainably grow animal proteins like collagen, myoglobin, ovalbumin, or casein in plants. With potential applications in food, beverage, health and wellness, and other industries, the company’s solution provides a low-carbon alternative to raising livestock.
