SMEY's NOY: A Leap into the Future of Sustainable Oils

June 27, 2025, 7:19 pm
A Techbio Company
A Techbio Company
BioTechCosmeticDevelopmentFoodTechHealthTechIndustryManufacturingMedtechProductSupply
In a world grappling with climate change and resource depletion, innovation is the lifeline. Enter SMEY, a biotech company that has just unveiled its groundbreaking platform, the Neobank of Yeasts (NOY). This digital databank is not just a tool; it’s a revolution in the creation of sustainable cultivated oils.

SMEY, rooted in France and Germany, has taken a bold step forward. The company aims to transform how we produce oils for food, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Traditionally, creating a new oil through genetic engineering could take years. With NOY, that timeline shrinks to a mere 30 days. Imagine cutting a marathon into a sprint. This is the essence of SMEY’s innovation.

At the heart of NOY lies a treasure trove of over 1,000 curated yeast strains. Instead of modifying these organisms, NOY identifies those that already produce the desired oils. It’s like finding a hidden gem rather than chiseling one from stone. This approach not only accelerates development but also aligns with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Companies must ensure their supply chains are deforestation-free or face hefty fines. SMEY’s cultivated oils offer a lifeline, providing sustainable alternatives to traditional tropical oils.

The platform’s development was no small feat. It took over two years and a team of more than 30 experts in microbial fermentation, lipid chemistry, and bioinformatics. They merged biology with computation, creating a system that maps genomic and metabolic data. This integration allows for rapid identification of yeast strains tailored to specific product characteristics, such as texture and stability.

SMEY’s flagship products, Cultivated High Oleic Butter (cHOB) and Cultivated Cocoa Butter (cCB), are already making waves. These oils not only match the performance of their traditional counterparts but also offer traceability and sustainability. The cultivated cocoa butter, for instance, boasts a stearic acid composition of 35%, mirroring the qualities of conventional cocoa butter. This is a game-changer for the food industry, especially as climate change threatens cocoa bean yields.

The implications extend beyond food. In cosmetics, the demand for sustainable ingredients is surging. SMEY’s semi-solid high-oleic butter provides a smooth, non-greasy texture, enhancing skin stability. It’s a product that meets the needs of both consumers and manufacturers, allowing for high-performance formulations without compromising on ethics.

But how does SMEY achieve this? The process begins with high-throughput screenings to identify yeast strains with desirable traits. From there, fermentation conditions are optimized, fine-tuning the oil’s composition. This meticulous approach ensures that the final product is not only effective but also economically viable. It’s a delicate dance between science and nature, where every step counts.

The urgency of this innovation cannot be overstated. With the EUDR in effect, companies must prove their supply chains are deforestation-free. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 4% of global turnover. SMEY’s cultivated oils provide a pathway for businesses to navigate these regulations, reducing risk and ensuring compliance. It’s a proactive approach in a landscape where sustainability is no longer optional.

SMEY’s vision extends beyond immediate solutions. The company is strategically targeting high-impact verticals, starting with food and cosmetics. The potential for cultivated oils is vast. As demand for climate-smart ingredients grows, SMEY is poised to become a leader in this space. The company is exploring new categories, including cultivated high palmitic oil and custom oil blends. These innovations promise to deliver tailored solutions for specific applications, from skincare to baking.

The future looks bright for SMEY. As they continue to refine their bioprocessing platform, the possibilities are endless. The potential to create oils with unique properties—high oxidative stability, rapid absorption, and enhanced nutritional value—could redefine industry standards.

In a world where sustainability is paramount, SMEY’s NOY is a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that solutions often lie within nature, waiting to be discovered. By harnessing the power of yeast, SMEY is not just creating oils; they are crafting a sustainable future.

As the company expands its reach, it will undoubtedly face challenges. The market is competitive, and the need for innovation is relentless. However, with a solid foundation and a clear vision, SMEY is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the biotech landscape.

In conclusion, SMEY’s Neobank of Yeasts is more than a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift. It embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and sustainability. As we move forward, the lessons learned from NOY will resonate across industries, inspiring a new generation of solutions that prioritize both performance and the planet. The future of oils is here, and it’s cultivated.