Immobazyme
Immobazyme is a South African biotechnology spin-out company of Stellenbosch University that utilizes precision fermentation to produce high-value active protein ingredients. .
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | $1.3m | Seed | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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Immobazyme operates as a biotechnology spin-out from South Africa's Stellenbosch University, specializing in the production of high-value active protein ingredients through precision fermentation. The company was founded in 2019 by Dominic Nicholas (CEO), Ethan Hunter (COO), and Nick Enslin (CTO), who met during their Honours year at the university. Their journey began with a shared interest in biotechnology and a discussion in a pub about creating a more cost-effective and sustainable method for immobilizing enzymes, which led to the formation of the company.
The business model is centered on B2B sales of its specialized biological products, targeting recurring revenue through technology development and product commercialization. Immobazyme addresses challenges in industries that traditionally rely on chemical processes. The company utilizes microorganisms, such as the yeast Pichia pastoris, as bio-factories to produce recombinant proteins. Its core technology includes a novel, internationally patented enzyme immobilization platform called PepTrap™, a synthetic cellulose-based matrix that enhances the efficiency and stability of enzymes. This technology allows for the creation of environmentally friendly, non-GMO final products.
Immobazyme serves a diverse client base across several markets, including the food and beverage, cellular agriculture, cosmetics, and recycled paper and pulp industries. Products include a range of growth factors like FGF2, IGF, TGF, and EGF, which are crucial components for the cell-cultured meat industry. Another key product is the enzyme dextranase, marketed as DexTrap, which breaks down contaminants in sugar manufacturing, thereby improving efficiency and product quality. The company has also developed other immobilized enzymes such as GlucTrap (B-glucosidase) and LacTrap (laccase). Having started in Stellenbosch University's LaunchLab incubator, the company established its own independent laboratory in 2023. A 2024 funding round brought its total investment to R24.5 million, enabling plans to double its facility size and scale for global market entry.
Keywords: precision fermentation, enzyme immobilization, recombinant proteins, biotechnology, B2B ingredients, cellular agriculture, growth factors, dextranase, food technology, sustainable manufacturing, Stellenbosch University spin-out, cultured meat media, biocatalysts, non-GMO, PepTrap, microbial fermentation, industrial enzymes, biomaterials, biomanufacturing, protein engineering