MicroBioGen, an industrial biotechnology and yeast innovation technology developer, has named experienced yeast biotechnology and genetics researcher Dr Heinrick Kroukamp as its new deputy head of research.
Kroukamp touts decades’ worth of experience in working with and researching yeast across academic and industry settings.
Prior to his MicroBioGen appointment, Kroupkamp served as the team lead of yeast metabolic engineering at All G Foods, an Australian precision fermented dairy company.
He was also a technology lead for synthetic biology at Nourish Ingredients, a food technology company creating animal-free fats.
Baker’s yeast is the most used industrial organism, underpinning industries worth over USD 2 trillion, including biofuels, such as ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel, baking, brewing, wine, and animal feed.
With MicroBioGen’s elite yeast strains, the use of the organism is expected to create a more sustainable future and approach to food and fuels, the company said in a media release.
In his new role as deputy head of research, Kroupkamp will work closely with MicroBioGen Head of Research and co-founder Dr Philip Bell to provide leadership to team leaders across biofuels, baking, animal feeds, human nutrition, and biochemicals using MicroBioGen’s proprietary platform technology.
Kroukamp will also oversee research and development initiatives for new yeast strains, drawing on evolutionary genetics, cell biology, and microbial physiology.
“I’m extremely pleased to be joining MicroBioGen at this pivotal point in time as the company embarks on its next phase. 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,” said Dr Kroukamp, Deputy Head of Research at MicroBioGen.
“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.”
The latest appointment comes amid MicroBioGen’s growth phase as the company continues to scale its portfolio of world-leading yeast products and progresses R&D efforts on yeast strains for diverse applications across industries and globally.
“It is an exciting time for Dr Heinrich to join MicroBioGen during our growth phase as we continue to expand our portfolio of world-leading yeast products and progress our research and development of yeast strains for diverse applications across industries and globally,” said Geoff Bell, CEO and co-founder of MicroBioGen.
