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Johan Thevelein
Managing Director (and owner and founder)
Ex Seed
I'm working on
6 months ago
R&D for yeast-based industrial processes
I'm looking for
8 months ago
Co-development and licensing of yeast-based industrial processes.
About
NovelYeast is a spin-off company from the research group of Em. Prof. Johan Thevelein at VIB/KU Leuven, Belgium. It is focused on innovative R&D for a variety of applications with yeast. It aims to exploit its extensive knowledge and technical know-how with yeast research for development and commercial implementation of superior industrial yeast strains and associated processes. Major applications include the production of healthy sugar sweeteners, biofuels, bio-based chemicals, flavor compounds and cosmetics, plastic recycling, and alcoholic beverages. NovelYeast has a dedicated team of 12 researchers and 305 m2 lab facilities, located in the Bio-incubator in Leuven-Heverlee.
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Ex Seed

Lactic acid producing yeast for controlled acidification

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Engineered yeast strains for improved bioethanol production stability and efficiency

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Recyclable yeast with surface-displayed decarboxylase for direct alpha olefin conversion

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Johan Thevelein
Managing Director (and owner and founder)
Ex Seed
Work experience
Ex Seed
Managing Director (and owner and founder)
VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)
Department Director (Department of Microbiology)
2002 - 2020
Postdoctoral Scientist
1981 - 1983
Top industry applications
Agricultural biotechnologyBiofuel developmentFermentation technology
Expertise
Biochemical EngineeringBioenergyBiomolecular ProcessesBiotechnologyFood MicrobiologySynthetic Biology
Last updated Mar 2026
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