A new biotechnology startup, Eclipse Ingredients, has been launched out of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, aiming to tap into a growing global demand for high-value health ingredients using precision fermentation technology.
The company will employ an advanced fermentation-based process that uses yeast instead of animal sources to produce ingredients that are otherwise difficult or impossible to obtain through conventional means.
Its initial focus is on manufacturing human lactoferrin, a protein known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and iron-binding properties, CSIRO said in a news release.
Siobhan Coster, CEO and co-founder of Eclipse Ingredients, said the startup was harnessing new frontiers in fermentation science to unlock previously inaccessible compounds.
“We’re harnessing advances in the age-old fermentation process to create ingredients that simply weren’t previously accessible,” Coster said.
“Precision fermentation works by engineering microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce proteins and other compounds that mirror those found in humans or animals with similar nutritional and functional profile.”
Coster noted that while Eclipse will initially target the cosmetics market, the applications of human lactoferrin extend to other sectors.
“There are health benefits that human lactoferrin can deliver across other areas, including food and supplements, opening up a range of opportunities to support health and wellbeing,” she said.
CSIRO Research Lead Dr Crispin Howitt highlighted the broader impact of the venture, noting it aligns with Australia’s strengths in science-led innovation.
“We’re delivering trusted science, as well as helping to demonstrate new potential technology-led industries for Australia,” Dr Howitt said.
“Australia is a leading producer in trusted, sustainable and high-quality ingredients, and can build on this reputation to open new high-value market opportunities using advances in precision fermentation.”
The formation of Eclipse Ingredients was a collaboration between CSIRO and Coster to commercialise the precision fermentation technology.
The company is now working with CSIRO, global agrifood tech investor AgFunder, and the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) to scale up production.
