By merging traditional microbial science with AI and machine learning, the company aims to scale sustainable food systems with precision.
In this interview with FutureMedia, the team – Vasilis Joseph and Greta Skemaite – share their journey, technology, and vision for a smarter, more circular food economy.
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Freyia Labs focuses on probiotic-rich, plant-based foods. What was the inspiration behind combining sustainability with cutting-edge fermentation techniques?
Freyia Labs was founded on the belief that fermentation is key to sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. While we began by crafting probiotic-rich, plant-based foods, our focus has expanded beyond food production.
As a DeepTech startup, we are building F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X., an AI/ML-driven fermentation platform designed to scale precision fermentation across industries. The goal is to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and enable circular food systems.
Fermentation has long been valuable, but modern challenges require precision and scalability. F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X. offers small-scale producers and industrial users AI-powered insights to improve consistency and cut inefficiencies. By merging deep technology with fermentation science, we aim to make fermentation more accessible, precise, and impactful across food, agriculture, and biotech.
Our mission is to build a net-zero food system using AI and machine learning to drive climate-positive innovation.
Your team integrates advanced data analytics and machine learning. How do these technologies enhance your production processes?
We use data analytics and machine learning to make fermentation more efficient, consistent, and sustainable. These tools power F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X., which helps small and large producers optimize their processes.
The system monitors fermentation in real time, automatically adjusting conditions to meet quality standards. It also predicts and prevents issues through data insights, cutting waste, and improving efficiency.
This allows for scalable production without losing quality. At the same time, we reduce resource use and energy consumption. Our goal is to make smarter, more accessible fermentation for everyone.
Can you share how Freyia Labs’ unique fermentation techniques are a competitive advantage in the probiotic industry?
We combine traditional fermentation knowledge with technology to create more consistent, efficient, and sustainable processes.
Unlike conventional methods that rely on trial and error, we use data to optimise every step. This results in products with better taste, stability, and nutritional value.
Our AI-powered F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X. platform fine-tunes fermentation in real time. It ensures high standards across all batches, leading to reliable, high-quality probiotic products. We also cut waste and improve resource use, making fermentation scalable and environmentally responsible.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced scaling a food tech startup, and how have you overcome them?
The main challenges have been:
- Bridging traditional fermentation with AI/ML.
- Educating the market about the benefits of precision fermentation.
- Securing funding and infrastructure.
We addressed skepticism by showing real-world results: higher consistency, less waste, and better efficiency. Early adopters and case studies were key.
Finding aligned investors was another hurdle. We used accelerator programs, strategic partnerships, and grants to build momentum while staying focused on our mission.
Finally, we designed our technology to scale ethically, optimising resources, reducing waste, and supporting circular food systems.
You’ve achieved recognition in competitions. What key milestones have shaped your journey so far?
Some key milestones include the 2nd place in the European Re-Start Circular Economy Competition, 2nd place in CyEC 2024, and placement in Startups4Peace.
We also joined the IDEA Innovation Centre by the Bank of Cyprus, gaining mentorship, funding, and network support. Programs like Future Startup Founders and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs helped amplify our vision and support diverse leadership.
The EUC Startup Programme, powered by Microsoft, gave us resources to develop F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X. and integrate AI into fermentation. Winning the UNDP Innovation Challenge further validated our sustainability focus.
These milestones shaped our path from idea to DeepTech scale-up.
How does Freyia Labs balance its pledge to sustainability with the demand for scalable food solutions?
We balance both by developing machine-learning-powered fermentation that optimises resources and cuts waste.
F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X. enables producers to scale while staying climate-conscious. By using AI and data insights, we support a circular food system that is both scalable and sustainable.
Your leadership team combines expertise in technology, agriculture, and molecular research. How does this interdisciplinary approach fuel your innovation?
Our team blends skills from tech, agriculture, and molecular biology. This lets us approach fermentation from multiple perspectives.
We combine scientific precision with practical applications. Technology helps us scale. Agricultural know-how ensures resource efficiency. Molecular expertise improves microbial processes.
Together, this creates smarter, scalable, and sustainable fermentation solutions.
Freyia Labs aims to revolutionize the food system. What does the future of sustainable food look like through your eyes?
We see a future where food systems are efficient, data-driven, and circular.
With AI, ML, and precision fermentation, producers can reduce waste, optimise production, and maintain quality. F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X. is central to that vision while making fermentation accessible and scalable for all.
The future is about using tech to support nature, not replace it.
What makes your probiotic-rich and handcrafted products, like Fire Alchemy, stand out in a crowded market?
We focus on quality, innovation, and listening to our customers.
Our products are not mass-market. They are handcrafted, sustainable, and rooted in both science and tradition. We prioritise taste, function, and nutrition.
Transparency, authenticity, and a refusal to compromise on quality help us stand out. Fire Alchemy reflects that commitment.
What role do collaborations with programs like the IDEA Innovation Centre and EUC Startup Programme play in your success?
These collaborations have been crucial.
IDEA gave us guidance, funding, and access to key networks. The EUC Startup Programme, powered by Microsoft, helped us build and refine F.O.R.S.E.T.I.X. with technical support and cloud infrastructure.
These partnerships helped us scale faster while staying aligned with our mission. They turn ambition into real, actionable progress.
