SOYFT BIOME raises funding to expand upcycled soy protein ingredients into food, cosmetics, and medical nutrition

South Korean foodtech startup SOYFT BIOME has secured an undisclosed investment from MYSC through its ExtraMile Lycon Fund, as the company accelerated plans to commercialize protein ingredients made from soy fermentation byproducts across foodservice and high-value nutrition markets.

• SOYFT BIOME secured an undisclosed investment from MYSC to expand its plant-based cream and sauce business.
• The company developed AquaProtein, a proprietary ingredient made from soy fermentation byproducts designed to replicate dairy texture and functionality.
• SOYFT BIOME planned expansion into cosmetics and medical nutrition alongside broader B2B distribution in cafés and bakery chains.

The Seoul-based startup focused on converting waste streams generated during soy fermentation into functional protein ingredients for plant-based foods. Its technology centered on AquaProtein, a proprietary protein ingredient paired with an emulsification system designed to recreate the taste and texture of dairy products while remaining fully plant-based and low in sugar.

The latest investment marked another example of growing interest in upcycling technologies within alternative proteins, particularly in Asia, where food manufacturers increasingly sought ways to reduce waste while developing higher-value functional ingredients.

SOYFT BIOME confirmed that the new capital would be used to strengthen its plant-based cream and sauce portfolio, improve production capabilities, and expand commercial distribution. The company said near-term priorities included scaling B2B supply relationships with café and bakery franchises while deepening its position in the low-sugar plant-based food category.

The company also outlined longer-term ambitions extending beyond food, with future plans targeting cosmetics and medical nutrition markets.

“This investment will allow us to strengthen both our product competitiveness and production infrastructure, and to bring healthy plant-based alternatives to more consumers and business customers,” said Seoyeon Yoon, CEO of SOYFT BIOME. “We’re building toward becoming a technology platform company that goes beyond food – expanding into diverse industries on the foundation of a sustainable food system.”

SOYFT BIOME built its business around the reuse of soy fermentation byproducts, a side stream traditionally underutilized despite containing valuable protein and functional compounds. By processing those materials into new ingredients, the company aimed to combine sustainability goals with growing consumer demand for plant-based and reduced-sugar products.

Its product portfolio already included KETOYOU, a high-protein plant-based food brand featuring tempeh-based products and related formulations. In 2025, the company also launched JA:YU, a low-sugar, plant-based condensed milk alternative designed for both retail and foodservice applications.

According to the company, JA:YU had already secured retail distribution through several major South Korean channels including Coupang Rocket Fresh, Olive Young, Baemin B-mart, and department stores, providing an early indication of commercial traction.

The investment arrived as food manufacturers and ingredient developers continued exploring ways to improve the functionality and nutritional profile of plant-based dairy alternatives. Texture, emulsification, and sugar reduction remained persistent technical challenges across categories including cream substitutes, sauces, and condensed milk products.

By focusing on functional proteins derived from fermentation side streams, SOYFT BIOME aimed to differentiate itself within a crowded plant-based sector increasingly shaped by ingredient innovation rather than simple meat or dairy replacement.

The company also confirmed that it had been selected for the 2026 EMA AGRIFOOD program, formally known as the Agricultural and Food Technology Startup Accelerator Support Program. The initiative is organized by MYSC and overseen by the Korea Institute of Agriculture Technology Promotion under South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Participation in the accelerator program will provide support for business model development and international market validation as SOYFT BIOME explores overseas growth opportunities.

The broader alternative protein industry has seen increasing interest in upcycled ingredients and fermentation-derived materials as companies seek more sustainable raw material sources and improved production economics. Fermentation byproducts, once treated largely as waste, are increasingly being reevaluated for their potential as functional proteins, fibers, and bioactive ingredients.

For SOYFT BIOME, the ability to move beyond retail food products into adjacent sectors such as cosmetics and medical nutrition could significantly broaden the commercial potential of its platform technology. Functional proteins with emulsification properties are increasingly being explored for applications ranging from specialized nutrition products to skincare formulations.

The company’s expansion strategy also reflected wider trends within the plant-based sector, where many startups increasingly pursued hybrid business models combining consumer products with ingredient supply and B2B partnerships.

While financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, the backing from MYSC provided additional momentum as SOYFT BIOME scaled production and expanded its commercial footprint in South Korea’s rapidly evolving alternative protein market.