TurtleTree and NIZO collaborate on precision fermentation for women’s health

TurtleTree uses precision fermentation to develop high-value dairy proteins that are difficult to produce at scale using conventional methods. The company is initially focusing on lactoferrin, a protein naturally found in milk and used in food products and dietary supplements.

Together with NIZO, TurtleTree is launching a multi-year research programme centred on LF+, the company's lactoferrin platform. A dedicated NIZO research team will work on clinical studies, substantiating health claims and product formulation, among other areas. The initial focus will be on women's health applications, including healthy ageing, perimenopause and menopause.

Further development from Ede

TurtleTree will operate from the Food Innovation Park in Ede, where it will have access to NIZO's research and pilot facilities. The location also places the company at the heart of a network of businesses and research institutions specialising in food, biotechnology and fermentation.

The decision to establish operations in Ede is part of TurtleTree's broader expansion into the Netherlands. The company is also relocating its global headquarters to the Netherlands and plans to build its presence in the European market from this base.

"This partnership enables us to accelerate the development and commercialisation of LF+ for women's health and gives us a genuine foothold in Europe," says Fengru Lin, founder and CEO of TurtleTree. "Rather than spending years building our own research organisation, we can draw on a dedicated NIZO team from day one: some of the best scientists in the field, working directly on our platform. The Netherlands offers us the scientific expertise, infrastructure and access to the European market we need to move at the pace this category demands."

Connecting international expertise with the regional ecosystem

Oost NL and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) supported TurtleTree in establishing its presence in the Netherlands, connecting the company with relevant facilities, organisations and networks. The partnership with NIZO is one of the connections that emerged from this process.

"TurtleTree's decision to establish operations in the Netherlands demonstrates what our region has to offer international biotechnology companies," says Hilco Beeks, Project Manager Food at Oost NL. "In Ede, TurtleTree has access to advanced research facilities, specialised expertise and companies working on similar challenges. The partnership with NIZO is a tangible result of these connections and, at the same time, strengthens the food and biotechnology ecosystem in East Netherlands."