Deep Branch hires former Chr Hansen executive as innovation lead
Deep Branch has appointed Anders Clausen as its new chief innovation officer.
He will oversee the company’s technical leadership team in setting and executing its R&D strategy, as well as setting up of external R&D collaborations for the business, while also looking to ensure it holds robust IP for its technology platform and products.
Founded in 2018, Deep Branch currently has around 30 staff based in the UK and the Netherlands. The biotech creates food and feed ingredients to support a more sustainable food system. Its proprietary technology uses CO2 and hydrogen as clean and renewable carbon and energy sources to deliver next-generation bio-based products.
Deep Branch works with feed producers in industries such as aquaculture and partners with upstream companies such as CO2 suppliers to deploy its technology.
Clausen has vast experience in bioprocess technology development and application development for microbes in food. He joins the UK firm after founding Productus, a business dedicated to providing guidance on research and development strategy and production process development within bioscience.
Prior to this, Clausen spent over a decade with cultures and probiotics producer, Chr. Hansen, primarily focusing on developing new products and production platform technologies for stabilizing lactic acid bacteria as starter cultures and probiotics.
He has extensive knowledge in developing and implementing fermentation and downstream processes for microorganisms through rapid up and downscaling, said Deep Branch. He is also experienced in managing innovation and technology development through collaboration between the private sector and academia.
Commenting on the new role, Clausen said:
“The microbial protein sector is still in its infancy. However, it’s clear that Deep Branch will play a crucial role in shaping its maturity. We’re ideally placed to define the opportunities for single-cell protein globally and unlock the potential of gas fermentation by solving the remaining technical and engineering challenges. Joining Deep Branch on this journey is incredibly exciting given the scientific and commercial opportunities it represents.”
Deep Branch’s CEO Pete Rowe added:
“Commercializing any technology is about more than good ideas - it requires strong execution. This is crucial in biotechnology because our development cycles are so long compared to other industries. Anders brings a wealth of experience in managing the commercialization of new bioprocesses through their full innovation lifecycle. Coming from Chr. Hansen, he knows that innovation must consider all key stakeholders, and it's clear that he works hard to ensure commitment from all parties to get to a win-win situation. Anders will be integral in bringing our (R)evolve gas fermentation platform to full maturity, ensuring we can commercialize products quickly, efficiently and with the ability to meet genuine market demand.”
