FLORIDA, USA – July 8, 2024 – Eternal Bioworks Corp. (“ETERNAL” or the “Company”), a leading biotech company dedicated to advancing the intersection of technology and biology to address some of the most critical challenges facing our planet, is pleased to announce its advancement to Phase III of the Deep Space Food Challenge (DSFC), hosted by NASA. As one of only four finalist teams, ETERNAL is showcasing its cutting-edge Food Production System at the Food Technology Pilot Plant at Ohio State University, addressing the critical challenges of space food systems for long-term missions.
Phase III: The Final Frontier
Phase III of the DSFC is the ultimate and most critical stage of the competition, where equipment-based solutions undergo rigorous evaluation for practicality and efficiency in producing nutritious and safe food for space crews. During this phase, specially trained operators, known as simunauts, will operate the systems designed by participating teams. The goal is to assess the ease of operation by non-experts, ensuring seamless integration into astronauts’ daily routines.
ETERNAL’s Breakthrough Solution
ETERNAL’s innovative Food Production System leverages advanced bioprocessing techniques to convert limited resources into a diverse array of food ingredients. This system enables the generation of high-protein foods and essential nutrients, following recipes curated by the Company. This phase of testing is crucial to demonstrate the system’s ability to sustain astronauts with a balanced and varied diet.
Key Features of ETERNAL’s System:
- Versatility: The system produces Mycofood™, a base ingredient for a wide range of dishes.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for effortless operation by individuals without specialized training.
- Sustainability: Efficient resource utilization ensures minimal waste and maximum output.
Milestone Achievements
In a virtual walkthrough last May, ETERNAL’s technical team demonstrated the technology readiness of the Food Production System, securing approval to advance to the final stage of Phase III. This milestone resulted in an awarded prize of USD 50,000 and a definitive place in the final evaluations conducted in Ohio.
A Vision for Space and Beyond
The Company has worked tirelessly to develop this production system that has the potential to revolutionize food production in extreme environments and support long-term space missions. ETERNAL is eager to see its solution in action and contribute to the future of space exploration.
Collaboration with NASA
ETERNAL’s participation in the DSFC aligns with NASA’s goal of advancing space food technologies to support long-duration missions. By ensuring that food production systems are reliable, efficient, and easy to operate, NASA aims to enhance the sustainability of human space exploration. The Company has adapted its industrial production technology to work with minimal resources in spaceships, creating an efficient closed-loop semi-automated system.
About Eternal Bioworks Corp.
Eternal Bioworks Corp. is at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, dedicated to advancing the intersection of technology and biology to address some of the most critical challenges facing our planet. Founded with the vision to revolutionize food systems and material production, Eternal leverages cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and bioprocessing to create sustainable solutions that are not only viable but vital for the future.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected]