Episode 62

60. Edible Air Fare: Solar Foods' Unique Microbe Turns CO2 into Protein

· 50:43 · Host: Karl Schmieder & Erum Azeez

Karl and Erum join forces with Shilei Zhang from Solar Foods to explore a groundbreaking venture in the realm of sustainable food technology. Zhang introduces an inventive method of producing protein powder directly from carbon dioxide, showcasing a potential game-changer in the fight against…

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Episode Description:

Karl and Erum join forces with Shilei Zhang from Solar Foods to explore a groundbreaking venture in the realm of sustainable food technology. Zhang introduces an inventive method of producing protein powder directly from carbon dioxide, showcasing a potential game-changer in the fight against climate change. They dive deep into the symbiotic relationship between advanced biotechnology and environmental conservation, underscoring Solar Foods' dedication to reshaping the food industry into a model of eco-efficiency. Shilei Zhang invites listeners to envision a future where innovative food production methods not only coexist with but actively support environmental health, offering an enlightening glimpse into the fusion of science, sustainability, and our everyday food choices.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything

Topics Covered:

  • 00:00:00 - Opening Thoughts: Diving into the world of sustainable food innovation
  • 00:00:37 - Innovation Gathering: Insights from the Biofabricate Conference
  • 00:02:33 - Innovative Workshop: Delving into 'Grow Almost Anything'
  • 00:04:29 - Growth Challenges: Exploring the complexities of biofabrication
  • 00:06:48 - Eco-Friendly Food: The need for sustainable food production
  • 00:08:02 - Meet Solar Foods: A new player in sustainable food
  • 00:09:28 - Solar Foods' Mission: Combating climate change with food technology
  • 00:13:17 - The Revolutionary Product: Solar Foods' protein powder
  • 00:19:47 - Microbial Marvel: The unique microbe behind Solar Foods' innovation
  • 00:25:06 - Overcoming Hurdles: Challenges and opportunities in sustainable food production
  • 00:27:24 - Scaling Up: Expanding production and reducing carbon footprints
  • 00:28:27 - Consumer Perception: Navigating labeling and market acceptance
  • 00:31:44 - Versatile Uses: Different applications for Solene protein
  • 00:41:16 - Biotech's Role: Addressing global challenges through biotechnology
  • 00:42:54 - Looking Ahead: The promising future of Solar Foods and biotech

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Music by: Nihilore

Production by: Amplafy Media

About Grow Everything

Grow Everything reveals the world of biology as technology. Hosts Erum Azeez Khan and Karl Schmieder talk with the founders, scientists, and executives biologizing entire industries — biomaterials from waste, precision fermentation, cultivated food — and unpack how the bioeconomy is solving health and climate challenges. Winner of SynBioBeta's 2026 Impact Award.

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