Daisy Lab acquired by UK biotech firm Mycofeast

What happened

Daisy Lab, an Auckland biotechnology company founded in 2021, produces high-value proteins like lactoferrin by cultivating genetically modified yeast through precision fermentation at its Parnell facility. The company has been acquired by Mycofeast, an industrial biotechnology firm with facilities in Poland and the United States. Co-founder Irina Miller said the small team would continue research and development work in Auckland while sharing its technology and intellectual property with its new owners. Large-scale production will move to Mycofeast's European site, as Miller explained that scaling beyond laboratory work becomes challenging in New Zealand. The acquisition gives Daisy Lab access to Mycofeast's research team at Evolutia Bio in the US and global manufacturing and commercial capabilities. In mid-2024, New Zealand's Environmental Protection Authority approved Daisy Lab to scale production to 5,000 litres of fermentation volume in a contained facility. Mycofeast chief executive Witek Hruzewicz said Daisy Lab added specialist protein capability and strategic Australasian presence to the group.

Key facts

• Daisy Lab founded in 2021 in Auckland, produces lactoferrin protein
• Mid-2024: Environmental Protection Authority approved scale-up to 5,000 litres fermentation volume
• Mycofeast founded 2023, has facilities in Poland and United States
• Lactoferrin used in infant formula and functional foods for anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties

Covered byRNZNZ HeraldNot covered byStuff1NewsNewstalk ZBOtago Daily TimesNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz

Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

What outlets are saying