Key Takeaways
- MOA Foodtech introduces Albatros, an AI-based microbiology platform to support fermentation of food industry byproducts into functional ingredients.
- The platform is designed to reduce development timelines from six months to two weeks, and lower associated R&D costs.
- Albatros matches over 200 food byproducts with suitable microbial fermentation strategies using predictive modelling.
- MOA offers the platform through a Microbiology-as-a-Service (MAAS) model, providing end-to-end technical support.
- A newly launched online calculator allows companies to assess the potential value of their byproducts.
Albatros Platform Aims to Improve Fermentation Efficiency
AI Used to Accelerate Ingredient Development from Byproducts
MOA Foodtech, a biotech company based in Europe, has announced the launch of Albatros, a platform that applies artificial intelligence to microbiological research for food and feed applications. The platform is designed to assist manufacturers in identifying suitable fermentation strategies for converting food industry side-streams into functional ingredients.
During internal testing, MOA reported that Albatros reduced the time required to develop a new ingredient by up to 75% compared to traditional R&D approaches, and at a significantly lower cost. The platform integrates AI modelling with a microbiology dataset to predict microbial strains and fermentation conditions aligned with specific development goals.
MOA Foodtech’s Platform Overview: Matching Inputs with Fermentation Strategies
Focus on Alternative Feedstocks and Data-Driven Selection
Albatros works by analyzing the characteristics of food industry byproducts and selecting the most suitable microorganisms and fermentation conditions based on desired outcomes such as yield, nutritional profile, or process efficiency. The platform draws from a proprietary database that includes:
- Over 200 categorized food byproducts
- Microbial DNA and metabolism data
- Enzyme performance
- Historical fermentation results
Albatros is designed to optimize the use of low-cost inputs such as starches and plant-based residues instead of refined sugars. According to MOA, this approach may reduce raw material costs and increase the usability of existing side-streams.
Microbiology-as-a-Service Model Offers Broader Access
Full Support from Material Selection to Experimental Validation
MOA Foodtech is offering Albatros under a Microbiology-as-a-Service (MAAS) framework. This includes:
- Feedstock selection and analysis
- Process recommendations using Albatros
- Laboratory testing based on system output
In addition, MOA has introduced a byproduct calculator on its website, allowing companies to submit data and receive feedback on the potential commercial and nutritional value of their materials when processed through MOA’s directed fermentation process.
Albatros Part of MOA Foodtech’s Focus on Upcycling
Platform Targets Efficiency Gains in Ingredient Development
MOA Foodtech states that it has already used Albatros to develop ingredients from upcycled byproducts that achieved higher value compared to conventional applications. The company aims to support food and feed producers seeking to develop fermentation-based products more efficiently by combining data analysis, microbial modelling, and laboratory capabilities.
According to Bosco Emparanza García, CEO of MOA Foodtech: “Using proprietary protocols, Albatros can analyse a microorganism’s DNA and, in just 10 minutes, predict its nutritional needs and how to reprogramme its metabolism. This allows us to guide fermentation processes more effectively.”
