MicroBioGen, an Australian industrial biotechnology and yeast innovation technology solutions company, has appointed experienced yeast biotechnology and genetics researcher Dr Heinrich Kroukamp as deputy head of research.
Baker’s yeast, also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is the most used industrial organism underpinning industries worth over $3 trillion, including biofuels such as ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), baking, brewing, wine, and animal feed.
Yeast has significant potential in transforming global industries, and with MicroBioGen’s elite yeast strains, it can create a more sustainable future and approach to food and fuels.
Heinrich has nearly a decades’ experience in working with and researching yeast – spanning sustainable foods such as animal-free dairy and oils to aroma compound production, fermentation, yeast breeding, synthetic yeast genomics, biofuels and bioinformatics – across academic and industry settings.
“My passion and background in yeast research, molecular biology and biotechnology uniquely positions me to contribute significantly to the ongoing R&D and growth of company. I’m looking forward to leading their innovative research initiatives and continuing their extensive work in elite yeast strain development, alongside a highly experienced team,” said Heinrich.
In his newly appointed role, Heinrich will work closely with MicroBioGen Head of Research and co-founder Dr Philip Bell in providing leadership and direction to team leaders across biofuels, baking, animal feeds, human nutrition, and biochemicals using MicroBioGen’s proprietary platform technology.
He will also have a hands-on role in researching and developing new yeast strains, drawing on evolutionary genetics, cell biology, and microbial physiology.
MicroBioGen chief executive officer and co founded, Geoff Bell said, “As we continue to create superior yeast strains with meaningful impact in the transition towards renewables and sustainable food production, attracting the best talent and having the strongest team around us is vital. Heinrich’s extensive yeast background enables us to keep advancing and moving forward in our goal.”
Prior to his appointment at MicroBioGen, Heinrich was the team lead of yeast metabolic engineering at All G Foods, an Australian precision fermented dairy company. He also held the role of technology lead for synthetic biology at Nourish Ingredients, a food technology company creating animal-free fats.