The Future of Protein: PoLoPo's Innovative Solution to the Global Egg Shortage

The world is facing a significant egg shortage, and one innovative company is looking to solve the problem with a unique, sustainable approach. PoLoPo, a foodtech startup, has set out to revolutionize the production of egg proteins by leveraging plant biotechnology. Founded by Dr. Maya Sapir-Mir and Dr. Raya Liberman-Aloni, PoLoPo aims to meet the growing demand for eggs while creating a more resilient and diversified food supply chain.

PoLoPo’s Groundbreaking Approach to Protein Production

Dr. Maya Sapir-Mir, co-founder and CEO of PoLoPo, shared how the company was born from years of academic research and how it is now on the cusp of transforming the global food industry. At Mind The Tech NY, she highlighted the company’s mission to help fill the worldwide egg shortage by producing egg proteins inside genetically engineered potatoes.

Founded in early 2022, PoLoPo grew out of a long-standing collaboration between Sapir-Mir and Liberman-Aloni. The two experts, who spent years working together at the Volcani Institute, specialize in plant metabolic engineering, which involves understanding how to produce proteins in plants and how to control their expression.

PoLoPo’s innovative process involves modifying potatoes to produce egg proteins, with the potential to create nearly any protein inside the plant. The company’s first focus is on egg protein, which Sapir-Mir describes as “an egg inside a potato.” This groundbreaking approach not only addresses the current egg shortage but also opens the door to a more sustainable and scalable solution.

Key Achievements and Progress

PoLoPo has made significant strides since its inception. The company has completed its first field trial, producing five tons of protein-rich potatoes, a major milestone in its development. The ability to generate hundreds of grams of protein samples monthly has allowed PoLoPo to begin collaborations with food companies, signaling its transition toward large-scale production.

The timing of PoLoPo’s innovation couldn’t be more critical. The global egg shortage has had a severe impact, particularly in the U.S., where grocery shelves are often empty, and egg prices have skyrocketed. In fact, the price of a dozen eggs exceeded $7 at the start of 2025, and bird flu outbreaks have led to the culling of entire chicken farms, causing billions in losses each year.

A Vision for the Future

Despite these challenges, PoLoPo is not seeking to replace traditional egg production entirely. Instead, the company envisions creating an alternative supply chain that provides stability to the food industry. Sapir-Mir emphasized that the goal is diversification—not elimination—of egg production. By offering an additional source of protein, PoLoPo aims to strengthen the food supply chain and ensure more reliable protein availability.

Looking ahead, PoLoPo plans to expand its operations to the U.S., where it will conduct its first field trial in 2026. With plans to scale production each year, the company is working toward commercial production. Currently, PoLoPo is raising capital, having secured $2.3 million in late 2022, with hopes of securing a lead investor in its ongoing Seed round.

What Undercode Says:

PoLoPo’s approach is an example of how biotechnology and sustainability are intersecting to solve some of the world’s most pressing food challenges. The idea of using potatoes, a staple crop, to produce high-demand proteins like egg protein offers a promising alternative to traditional livestock-based production methods. This innovative solution could help mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by disease outbreaks, climate change, and other global factors that impact traditional farming.

The technology behind PoLoPo is particularly exciting because it represents a scalable solution that can be implemented globally. Potatoes are relatively easy to grow and could be cultivated in diverse climates, making this technology adaptable to regions that may not traditionally be egg producers. Furthermore, the ability to produce multiple proteins from a single crop adds a layer of flexibility that is essential for building a resilient food system.

From an investor’s perspective, PoLoPo’s potential to disrupt the protein market is significant. The company’s focus on sustainable production methods and its ability to offer a viable alternative to traditional egg production could position it as a leader in the growing foodtech sector. With the global food industry facing increasing pressure to diversify protein sources and adopt more sustainable practices, PoLoPo is tapping into a critical niche.

However, scaling this technology will come with its own set of challenges. While the company has made notable progress with field trials and producing protein samples, bringing its product to the market at scale requires substantial investment in infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and partnerships with food companies. Moreover, consumer acceptance of plant-based or genetically engineered proteins might pose hurdles that the company will need to navigate carefully.

As PoLoPo prepares to expand into new markets, the company’s commitment to research and development will be crucial in addressing any challenges that arise. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, PoLoPo is well-positioned to become a key player in the future of food production.

Fact Checker Results:

PoLoPo’s approach of producing egg proteins inside potatoes is scientifically feasible, leveraging established plant metabolic engineering techniques.
The global egg shortage and the impact of bird flu outbreaks are well-documented, making PoLoPo’s solution highly relevant to current food security concerns.
PoLoPo’s claim of producing five tons of protein-rich potatoes aligns with typical outcomes for early-stage field trials in the foodtech industry.