SOLVEAT has announced an investment-based joint development and commercial agreement with The Central Bottling Company, Ltd. (CBC Group) to develop functional beverages incorporating the startup’s patented botanical formulations. The long-term collaboration will focus on creating soft drinks targeting health categories including metabolic support and blood sugar control.

Milan-based Maia Ventures has announced the launch of its first fund totalling €55 million, targeting 20 to 25 early-stage companies developing technology and science-based solutions for the agrifood sector. The fund, which has already completed six investments, plans initial investments ranging from €0.5 to 1.5 million per company.

Researchers have used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to engineer Fusarium venenatum that produces myco-protein with superior nutritional properties and dramatically improved sustainability metrics. The break-through demonstrates how precise metabolic modifications can simul-taneously enhance protein quality and reduce resource consumption in alternative protein production, validated at industrial fermentation scale.