Unlocking innovation: How Biofect Innovation is transforming sweeteners — and the start-up ecosystem

When Christian Delos Santos, co-founder and CEO of Biofect Innovations, set out to develop the business’s flagship ingredient, Brazzein, the challenge was clear. How do you sustainably produce a protein that’s 2,000 times sweeter than sugar but accounts for just 0.05 percent of the fruit it’s derived from?

Biofect’s solution was cutting edge and sustainable — microbial fermentation. This approach allows them to create Brazzein without relying on agricultural production, addressing efficiency and long-term viability challenges in one stroke. The protein’s unique properties — its sweetness, natural metabolism, and gut microbiome neutrality — position it as a potential disruptor in the sweetener market.

However, turning this breakthrough into a market-ready product required more than just scientific expertise. It demanded business acumen, market validation, and the ability to adapt quickly. The route from concept to market involves hurdles that test every entrepreneurial endeavour’s tenacity and versatility.

Pivots, priorities, and the role of accelerators

Chapter two: Growth

Biofect’s relationship with Altitude Accelerator became pivotal during an essential phase in the business’s development. As Delos Santos recounts, “They asked us the critical questions about our company’s business model, market verticals, and challenges ahead. During that time, we were faced with the challenge of only having one vertical for our original product, without any other verticals to integrate the product into.”

In mid-2023, Biofect decided to change direction to focus on their current priority — Brazzein. With the guidance of an Altitude mentor, they were able to refocus and choose this more advantageous ingredient with higher potential.

This realignment was no small feat. It required Biofect to shift its concentration from single-product vertical to a broader, more promising market opportunity. By collaborating with Altitude Accelerator, Delos Santos and his team gained clarity on their strategic direction, ultimately setting Biofect on its current trajectory.

A lesson for other entrepreneurs is clear: early-stage mentorship can accelerate decision-making and provide the clarity needed to navigate complex challenges.

The bigger picture: Supporting entrepreneurs through community engagement

Biofect’s journey also underscores the importance of collaboration and the power of community-based initiatives in helping entrepreneurs thrive. Organizations like Altitude Accelerator provide vital mentorship, resources, and networks that enable start-ups to navigate obstacles and make informed decisions.

MNPs involvement with Altitude Accelerator reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs at every step. By sponsoring initiatives like Altitude and offering consultations to start-ups, MNP helps create opportunities for business owners to access the expertise they need to grow and succeed.

For entrepreneurs like Delos Santos, this network of support helps level the playing field, empowering them to focus on their vision while navigating the complexities of building a business. It’s a reminder that no start-up succeeds in isolation. Community and collaboration are key drivers of progress.

Overcoming barriers: Time, focus and funding

Chapter three: Overcoming challenges

Every start-up faces barriers, but for Biofect, the biggest challenge was learning how to prioritize effectively. “As we mature into a more professionalized group of founders, we realized something quite obvious, that time is your greatest asset.” Delos Santos explains.

“In the early days, it was easy to get caught up in staying busy for the sake of productivity. Over time, the team learned the value of focusing on tasks that truly progress ahead.” Things that get done need to move the needle forward, always,” Delos Santos says.

This insight led the team to embrace a leaner, more agile strategy. By prioritizing high-impact activities and collaborating with external expertise, when necessary, they accelerated their progress without wasting valuable resources.

Funding also presented significant challenges. Delos Santos emphasizes the importance of persistence. “The biggest thing is putting yourself out there. Pitch competitions, grant fundings — apply to them all. You’ll likely fail in the beginning especially if it’s early stage but take the feedback and improve for the next pitch. You’ll win some and lose some but hopefully as you learn and improve, you start winning more than losing.”

This persistent approach helped Biofect gain the traction needed to secure larger investments and ultimately move toward their goals.

Advice for entrepreneurs: Get to the truth, fast

Chapter four: Advice for entrepreneurs

As Biofect looks ahead, their focus remains clear. They aim to bring Brazzein to market, scale production, and create a healthier alternative for consumers.

But Delos Santos offers one final piece of advice for fellow entrepreneurs,” Get to the truth, fast. You need to validate very quickly what’s working and what’s not working. My philosophy with Brazzein is that I’m actively seeking for someone and something to prove that it will not work so that I can go back, recalibrate and not waste the opportunity that can be placed in other meaningful and impactful things.” 

This mindset — viewing challenges as opportunities to refine and improve — has been key to Biofect’s growth. It’s a philosophy that can serve any entrepreneur well, no matter the industry.