Yeastup, a startup based in Brugg, near Zurich, opened its new production plant in Lyss. The facility can process 40 hectoliters of spent brewer’s yeast per hour. It is fully equipped for food production, covering approximately 1,700 m² and working with 16 employees. Following the start of production for initial samples and pilot batches this year, the capacity has been expanded from 1,600 to 4,000 liters of yeast per hour. Regular industrial-scale production will start at the beginning of 2026, with a view to becoming a round-the-clock operation.
The team, led by Yeastup founder Daniel Gnos, invested CHF 10 million in venture capital and several years of intensive research in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) to develop the patented process used by Yeastup to extract the functional yeast protein Yeastin® and dietary fiber ingredient UpFiber® Beta-Glucan from spent brewer’s yeast.
The first vegan protein bars produced with Yeastin® were sampled by staff and guests on the facility’s opening day. The yeast proteins perform similar functional tasks to collagen hydrolysate, which is used in many conventional recipes to improve texture, moisture retention and mouthfeel, the company highlights.
“Our Yeastin® NUTRA enables the development of bars with a soft, candy bar-like consistency, without any animal ingredients,” explains Gnos. “This application showcases the technological potential and versatility of our protein fractions. Samples are available on request.”
Yeastin® offers has significantly lower ecological footprint compared with animal and plant proteins, with excellent nutritional properties. It can also be used as an emulsifier and egg substitute in baked goods.
In addition, Yeastup is preparing Series A financing for further scale-up. “Following the completion of Innosuisse funding and technology financing in 2025, we are now focusing on scaling, product development and building long-term strategic partnerships,” says Gnos, adding that, “With industrial readiness achieved and initial customer projects underway, now is a very good time for investors to get involved with Yeastup and help shape the next stage of growth.”
Photo: Nik Egger