ÄIO produces first tonne

Estonian biotech ÄIO has produced its first tonne of oil from agricultural and wood industry waste streams after scaling up a lab-scale precision fermentation process 300-fold. The company said that its yeast-derived ingredient can replace oils and fats widely used in food, cosmetics and oleochemicals, such as palm oil, coconut oil and petroleum-based mineral oils, and can even replace eggs and cocoa powder in food applications.

ÄIO is preparing for its next major goal of a commercial facility capable of producing 2,000 tonnes/year. It has already supplied samples to food and cosmetics manufacturers and secured €1 million in government-backed funding. The company plans a fundraising round by late 2026.