Germany-Based Kenyan Man's Consortium Wins KSh 830m to Convert Mushrooms to Healthy Proteins

Habil Seronei Chelulei Cheison, a Kenyan residing in Germany, has embarked on a remarkable journey with his company, Sinonin Biotech ug (haftungsbeschrankt) Langwedel.

His firm is one of twelve selected to receive a substantial grant of Sh 830 million (approximately €6 million) to explore the conversion of mushrooms into nutritious proteins. Seronei's expertise in this field stems from his extensive academic background and professional experience. He pursued academic research in dairy protein chemistry at the prestigious Jiangnan University in China, followed by postdoctoral work at the renowned Technical University of Munich in Germany. Additionally, his tenure in the pet food industry with MARS Petcare allowed him to spearhead projects focused on alternative protein innovation and palatant development.

Combining his diverse expertise, Seronei's business aims to provide exceptional guidance in the development, testing, and validation of alternative proteins and palatants. The company's unique approach merges these two worlds to deliver innovative solutions in the alternative proteins and palatant market. Seronei's endeavour has garnered international collaboration, forming a consortium comprising companies from Germany, Spain, Denmark, and Latvia. The project, named ZEST, brings together experts from various disciplines to develop a sustainable method for producing proteins from mushrooms, as stated by Habil.

The process involves growing fungi in a bioreactor and subsequently transforming them into proteins. The consortium has two primary areas of application: one focuses on incorporating the proteins into mayonnaise, vegan sausages, pasta, and spaghetti, while the other, led by Habil, aims to create a dog food product. The goal is to replace the proteins commonly used in these products, such as those derived from soy, wheat, poultry, pork, or beef, with a more sustainable alternative.

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), a partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), has provided substantial funding of approximately Sh 276 billion (€2 billion) for this ambitious project. Habil's consortium has been awarded a grant of Sh 825 million (approximately €6 million) to pursue their objectives. Seronei's responsibilities within the consortium include leading the work on product development to demonstrate the feasibility of using proteins derived from mushroom fermentation, as well as spearheading a demonstration to create specific pet food prototypes.

In a separate story, a Kenyan doctor was elected to the Neckargemünd Municipal Council, representing his country with pride in Germany. After a closely contested electoral race, the 47-year-old father of two expressed gratitude to his constituents for their trust in his ability to provide them with quality services. The newly elected official appreciates the support and confidence placed in him by the people he now represents.