Guru sat down with Jennifer Côté, CEO & Co-Founder at BetterMilk, to talk about the need for producing alt-dairy milk, the advantages and challenges involved with producing it and much more.
Generating alt-dairy milk using mammary cells
Jennifer introduces us to BetterMilk and explains how her company creates alt-dairy milk. It starts with collecting mammary cells from inside the cow's udder. These cells are introduced in a bioreactor along with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hormones. The cells then lactate and produce alt-dairy milk. It’s a pheno-moo-nal process!
Removing the dependency on animals for the milk creation process
Jennifer stresses the importance of breaking away from our dependence on animals. Many industries are causing our planet to suffer, and the animal industry consumes many resources while generating high amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Creating the same end products we get from these animals without endangering the planet would be a positive step forward for our planet and the future generations that will inhabit it.
Advantages of producing alt-dairy milk
Jennifer tells us that the goal is to have a versatile technology so you can use the end products not only in the food industry but also in the cosmetic and pharma industries. Another significant advantage is the positive environmental impact made by preserving resources that would be needed to rear cows and other animals.
Challenges of running an alt-dairy company
Jennifer tells us some of the challenges she had to face in her company. These include contamination in cell lines and delayed delivery of reagents and consumables due to supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic.
Is having a background in biology required for starting a biological business?
Jennifer tells us that it is essential to have a biological background if you do everything yourself when starting your own business. However, if you are familiar with the business's technology, you can hire someone with complementary skills to assist you.
Advice to aspiring bioentrepreneurs
Jennifer tells us to not be scared to learn things outside of our comfort zone.
"We are not born all-knowing. If you want to learn something, go for it and don’t be afraid of being judged by others. Be proud of the fact that you’re pursuing knowledge and chasing your dreams. - Jennifer Côté, CEO & Co-Founder at BetterMilk.
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