After eating an apricot, we would normally discard its seed. However, what initially appears to be something to discard contains a valuable nutritional source. In fact, inside an apricot’s pit, there is the kernel, a smaller seed with a nutritional profile similar to that of an almond. Globally, fruit kernels are a byproduct that is often burned or used to produce biogas. Kern Tec is working to valorize their nutritional profile.

Following a mechanical process to remove the seeds from the shells, the kernels are then ready for treatment. “Our precision incubation process allows us to fully leverage the potential of seeds as a food ingredient for many categories,” explains Sebastian Jeschko, co-founder of the Austrian startup. “The kernel composition allows it to use it for plant-based food products, as it makes food tastier and provides valuable healthy fat and protein content.”

One Ingredient, Several Applications

After collecting pits from industrial processors, Kern Tec’s incubation process yields various products, including a paste that can serve as a base ingredient for a drink or as a spread in its own right.

“Currently, our main focus is on dairy alternative products, given the gap we see between the need for better proteins and the required taste profile. To that extent, the kernel seeds tick all of the boxes.” ~ Sebastian Jeschko

Moreover, the seeds can provide a neutral taste, but can also be adapted to fit specific taste profiles, such as that of cheese. Furthermore, the hard shells are not wasted; they are used as ingredients for natural peeling agents in cosmetic products.

Connecting With Wageningen

Thanks to their first investor, Kern Tec got in touch with StartLife. Coming from a small foodtech ecosystem like Austria’s, making contact with the Dutch one was undoubtedly beneficial. Sebastian calls the Wageningen ecosystem dense, given the concentration of technology experts, labs, and the presence of a world-class university.

In the founder’s view, StartLife has helped explore this network and establish valuable connections, such as with Wageningen University & Research. Sebastian: “Every company benefits from broadening its network. As a startup, you need to focus on one thing, or maybe a couple of things, that you need to do better than anyone else. For the rest, it is crucial to find good partners. Here is where StartLife can help very well, starting from prototyping to finding industrial and upscaling partners.”

Partnering Up For Growth

These partnerships will be key to Kern Tec’s growth. The startup aims to establish the best collaborations in various segments where apricot kernels can have the most significant impact. “Combining their knowledge with our ingredient capability, we can find the best applications,” Sebastian says.

In addition to apricot pits, the startup has also started treating plum and cherry pits. At present, they are valorizing them to create oils that can serve as cosmetic ingredients. In the future, they might also be part of our diets.

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