Yeastup AG Launches Industrial-Scale Production Facility for Innovative Yeast-Based Protein and Fiber Ingredients
Multi-award-winning start-up Yeastup AG has officially launched its new state-of-the-art industrial production facility in Lyss, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth journey. The plant, which opened on St. Nicholas Day, is capable of processing 40 hectolitres of spent brewer’s yeast per hour to create high-value, vegan-friendly functional ingredients. Yeastup has also confirmed preparations for its upcoming Series A financing round to support further scale-up.
Led by founder Daniel Gnos, the Yeastup team has invested 10 million Swiss francs, alongside several years of intensive R&D collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). This work enabled the development of a patented process to extract Yeastin, a functional yeast protein, and UpFiber Beta-Glucan, a dietary fiber ingredient, from spent brewer’s yeast.
During the facility opening, the first vegan protein bars produced using Yeastin were sampled by employees and guests. The yeast protein delivers similar functional performance to collagen hydrolysate, widely used in conventional recipes for texture improvement, moisture retention, and enhanced mouthfeel. According to Gnos, Yeastin enables the creation of soft, candy bar-like protein bars without any animal ingredients, highlighting both its functional versatility and technological potential.
Yeastin offers a sustainable alternative to animal and plant-based proteins thanks to its low environmental footprint and strong nutritional profile. It can also function as an emulsifier and egg-replacement solution in bakery and other food applications, supporting cleaner label and plant-based product development.
The Lyss production site spans approximately 1,700 square meters and currently employs 16 people. Following initial sample and pilot production runs earlier in the year, Yeastup has expanded its processing capacity from 1,600 liters to 4,000 liters of yeast per hour. Full industrial-scale production is scheduled to begin at the start of 2026, with plans to transition to 24-hour round-the-clock operations.
As the company remains in a growth phase, Yeastup is preparing its next Series A round to accelerate production expansion and international market development. Following the completion of Innosuisse funding and technology financing in 2025, the company will now focus on scaling operations, advancing product development, and building long-term strategic partnerships. With industrial readiness achieved and initial customer projects underway, Yeastup sees this as a strong opportunity for investors to support and participate in the company’s next stage of growth.
