Wageningen University & Research startup Novya Biotech develops DNA modification technology for yeast cells; technology accelerates production of valuable substances through CRISPR-Cas stacking method

Microbiologist Carina Nieuwenweg was first exposed to yeast research during her PhD. ‘I worked on altering the DNA of yeast, which worked rather well and got me thinking: it might be a good idea to patent this.’

Once her PhD was completed in 2024, Nieuwenweg decided to delve deeper into her DNA research. With support from Wageningen University & Research (WUR), she founded the deep-tech startup Novya Biotech. ‘Initially, I focused mainly on the scientific part, but soon, business development was an issue to consider. That was too much for me alone, so I looked for someone with a similar energy as I have.’

She met Angeline Horsting at just the right moment. Horsting was seeking an additional challenge outside of her work for WUR as a social scientist. The two had met previously during the Life Sciences bachelor's, where they both contributed to student projects.

Beer, bread and insulin

Novya focuses on developing applications for yeast. This useful fungus is essential in the production of, for example, beer, bread and wine. However, yeasts are capable of producing other substances as well. Yeast has been used for the production of insulin since the 1950s. To make new products, the yeast cell’s DNA requires adjustments. 'Modifying the DNA was always a bottleneck', Nieuwenweg says. ‘Modifications were a step-by-step process that could take many years or even decades. Our technology enables us to accelerate that process, making it exponential rather than linear.’

Novya’s technology makes reusing successful genetic modifications possible. Yeast cells can be tailored rapidly and successfully through “stacking” with CRISPR-Cas. Using this method, scientists are able to modify DNA meticulously. Nieuwenweg conducted her PhD research under John van der Oost and Raymond Staals, pioneers of CRISPR-Cas. Nieuwenweg and Horsting currently fall within the Systems & Synthetic Biology Group, which has ample experience with yeasts.

Making medication?

Using their yeast technology, the Novya founders can make aromatic substances. These substances can be applied in various ways, Hosting says. ‘We are analysing the different markets, such as the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. They each have their own rules and characteristics, and we must consider which parties may be interested.’

However, before Novya takes their discovery to the market, there are steps to be taken. ‘We are currently working on general improvements for yeast cells, ’ Nieuwenweg says. ‘Yeast may be considered a “micro factory” that produces substances based on its DNA. We are currently optimising the production line.’

In the future, Nieuwenweg and Horsting hope to make a considerable impact with their startup. Horsting: ‘It would be great if we were able to produce ingredients for food and nutrition that are currently produced outside of Europe. That would make us more independent and less vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.’ Yeast could be used to produce, for example, food colouring and aromas, or molecules such as Taxol which is used in chemotherapy. Taxol is extracted from the taxus plant and is difficult to synthesise. ‘A plant makes low concentrations of substances, yeast would be a more effective and sustainable option’, Nieuwenweg states.

Help from experts and students

Novya has received a lot of help from WUR, Carina Nieuwenweg says. ‘For example, in applying for funds. Additionally, we are supported by assistant professor Stefan Hoffmann, who is a yeast expert at the Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, as well as by business developers. They ensure we don’t make any big mistakes!’ Students can also contribute to Novya’s growth, Nieuwenweg says. We would welcome students who are writing their thesis or want to help us in the lab or on business development.’