In an effort to tackle global obesity challenges, Northern Gritstone has invested £3.5m in Leeds University spinout MicroLub.
- With a global health bill forecasted at $4.3 trillion due to obesity, innovative solutions are crucial.
- MicroLub introduces technology that enhances food without added fats, maintaining taste and texture.
- The spinout aims to partner with major food companies, fueling a growing market for health-conscious products.
- MicroLub’s success story exemplifies transformative academic research driving commercial success.
Northern Gritstone has strategically invested £3.5 million in MicroLub, a promising spinout from Leeds University, to address pressing obesity issues worldwide. This investment signifies a collaborative effort alongside co-investors LIFTT and NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, all united to revolutionize food production through innovative technology spearheaded by MicroLub.
Currently, obesity contributes significantly to global healthcare expenses, with figures potentially reaching an astronomical $4.3 trillion annually. By mid-century, over half of the global population is expected to be overweight or obese, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions. MicroLub offers a pioneering solution with its unique technology that adds lubrication to foods, maintaining flavor and texture while reducing the dependency on fats and oils.
MicroLub’s technology is centered around creating ‘scaffolds’ crafted from proteins and water, enveloped in polysaccharides. This innovation not only retains the mouthfeel of foods but significantly lowers calorie content. Such advancements support not just overall health enhancement but also sustainability, collaborating with the alternative protein industry to refine plant-based food products.
The market traction of MicroLub is notable, having garnered significant attention from leading food and ingredients companies. The market for reduced-fat and plant-based foods in Europe, the US, and the UK alone is valued at over $120 billion, presenting substantial commercial opportunities for MicroLub’s groundbreaking technology. With this funding, MicroLub plans to forge strategic partnerships and expand its expert team.
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, MicroLub’s founder, expressed enthusiasm about the potential applications of the technology facilitated by this funding round. CEO David Peters affirmed the market’s readiness for healthier and more sustainable options, highlighting strong interactions with industry leaders.
Duncan Johnson, Northern Gritstone’s CEO, emphasized the firm’s commitment to innovative solutions emerging from UK research institutions, highlighting MicroLub’s potential to mitigate global obesity and enhance quality of life. Professor Nick Plant of Leeds University accentuated the UK’s leading role in addressing health disparities through such groundbreaking research.
MicroLub’s innovative approach is poised to make significant strides in global health and sustainability.
