Checkerspot is a materials innovation company that specializes in harnessing the power of biotechnology to create high-performance materials for a variety of industries. The company leverages synthetic biology and fermentation to produce novel materials and chemicals that are sustainable and have enhanced properties.

Checkerspot

Checkerspot is a biotechnology company designing materials and ingredients at a molecular level to enable more sustainable and high-performing products. By optimizing microalgae, Checkerspot’s vertically integrated WING™ Platform biomanufactures unique oils that replace commodity oils and petroleum-based inputs and improve performance properties in targeted hardgoods, textiles, and personal care products. 

Godfrey Capital

Viking Global Investors

KdT Ventures

Sahsen Ventures

Breakout Ventures

Builders VC

Cavallo Ventures

Cox Enterprises

ArrowMark Partners

Groundbreaking news! We are thrilled to announce the development and large-scale production of human milk fat analogue, also known as OPO (Oleic-Palmitic-Oleic or sn-2 palmitate), by fermentation of microalgae.

This incredible accomplishment was published in Frontiers in Nutrition, "Development and Large-Scale Production of Human Milk Fat Analogue by Fermentation of Microalgae."

The full paper: https://lnkd.in/gKQ3UkuX

A huge congratulations to the scientists behind the revolutionary discovery in OPO development - Xinhua Zhao, Xiaoying Zhou, Leon Parker, Paul Derkach, Mona Correa, Veronica Benites, Roberta Miller, Dino Athanasiadis, Bryce Doherty, Gawharah Alnozaili, Jon Wittenberg, Dan Gates, Frédéric Destaillats, Walter G. Rakitsky & Scott Franklin.

What this means:
Our fermentation process, leveraging an innovative microalgae fermentation platform, has revolutionized baby formula by mimicking fatty acid profile of human milk. The palmitic acid content at the specific position of the glycerol backbone (sn-2 palmitate) was increased significantly compared to available ingredients, reaching a level observed in human milk.

Why this matters:
This breakthrough addresses a critical hurdle in infant nutrition by mimicking the unique structure of human milk lipid composition, characterized by a very high level of OPO. Improved fat structure can contribute to better digestion, nutrient absorption, and potential long-term health benefits for infants!

The development of this microalgae-derived OPO can help to make infant formulas more closely resemble nature's perfect nutrition. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation. 

Thank you to our partners who supported this development - we have barely scratched the surface of what's possible with this technology! Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), University of California, Davis & BioMADE.

Full press release out NOW: https://lnkd.in/gttCHkHE

#biomanufacturing #microalgae #fermentation #biotechnology #innovation #infantnutrition #nutrition 

Checkerspot is a top GreenTech Company 2024!  

These companies were ranked based on their "positive environmental impact, financial strength, and innovation."

Exciting to see Brimstone , another local Bay Area company, also commercializing more sustainable materials and specifically combatting the climate impact of cement production. 

#greentech #climatetech 

Algae oil is going mainstream!! Thank you to The Drew Barrymore Show and Ghetto Gastro for giving algae a moment in the spotlight. Congratulations, Squared Circles and Algae Cooking Club, we're proud to be your partners in getting this product out in the world! 

https://lnkd.in/gyzs2mDT

WTF!! Finalists again at SXSW!!

WNDR® Alpine is an innovation award finalist in the WTF (What the Future) category at SXSW 2024! Stop by the innovation showcase next Saturday to witness revolutionary algae based innovation - backcountry skis, snowboards, technical outdoor apparel, and more. 

Congratulations to all the other finalists and see you soon, Austin!

https://lnkd.in/eTPsbJW5

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