Merck and mantro establish EdiMembre spin-out in Massachusetts to scale edible membrane tech for alternative proteins

Merck and mantro establish EdiMembre spin-out in Massachusetts to scale edible membrane tech for alternative proteins

(IN BRIEF) Merck and mantro GmbH have established EdiMembre, Inc., a Massachusetts-based Deep Tech spin-out dedicated to advancing the alternative protein sector through Merck’s edible membrane technology. Designed to enable scalable production of structured cultivated meat and plant-based products, the platform addresses critical sustainability and food security challenges. The new company is led by former Merck experts Timothy Ryan Olsen (CEO) and Ryan Sylvia (CTO), ensuring continuity in technical expertise and strategic direction. Merck will continue supporting the spin-out with IP, cell culture media, and collaboration, while mantro brings venture-building expertise to accelerate commercialization. With its strong scientific foundation and leadership, EdiMembre aims to become a key player in sustainable food innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) DARMSTADT, 20-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Merck, a global science and technology leader, has joined forces with Munich-based venture builder mantro GmbH to create EdiMembre, Inc., a Massachusetts-based Deep Tech spin-out set to drive breakthroughs in the alternative protein industry. The new company will commercialize Merck’s proprietary edible membrane technology, which enables scalable production of structured cultured meat and innovative plant-based protein products.

With cultivated meat increasingly recognized as a critical solution for global food security and sustainability, EdiMembre’s mission is to provide enabling technologies that allow producers to replicate the texture and complexity of conventional meat at scale. “Cultivated meat has the potential to transform food systems,” said Laura Matz, Group Science & Technology Officer at Merck. “By spinning out EdiMembre, we are unlocking this pioneering technology for the market, empowering clients and investors to accelerate progress in sustainable food.”

EdiMembre combines Merck’s patented edible membrane platform with mantro’s proven expertise in building and scaling deep tech ventures. “This is a milestone for the alternative protein space,” said Manfred Tropper, CEO of mantro and non-executive board member at EdiMembre. “Together, we are creating a company that can deliver real impact in sustainable food production.”

The edible membrane platform provides the structural basis for complex tissue engineering required in cultured meat production. Early applications have already included high-protein plant-based pasta and edible hollow fiber devices to create structured whole-cut meat alternatives. Beyond intellectual property, Merck continues to support the spin-out by supplying cell culture media and fostering co-development opportunities in structured protein manufacturing.

EdiMembre will be led by Chief Executive Officer Timothy Ryan Olsen and Chief Technology Officer Ryan Sylvia, both of whom previously spearheaded Merck’s cultured meat and scaffold technology programs. Their transition to EdiMembre reflects both continuity of expertise and Merck’s commitment to enabling innovation beyond its own corporate boundaries.

Headquartered in Massachusetts, the company is positioned to accelerate commercialization with a skilled founding team, strong patent protection, and access to strategic partnerships. With a vision of building safe, nutritious, and widely available protein alternatives, EdiMembre aims to play a defining role in the future of sustainable food systems.

About EdiMembre

EdiMembre, Inc. is a food technology company that develops enabling manufacturing capabilities for future food production. Fueled by technology developed at the Life Science business sector of Merck, our core proprietary edible membrane starting material has yielded early product versions of high protein plant-based pasta and devices with edible hollow fibers to produce structured whole cut pieces of cultivated meat. EdiMembre is driven by the success of the partners we enable and creating a world where safe and delicious new food products are rapidly developed and widely available on a global scale. For more information, please visit www.edimembre.co or contact tim@edimembre.co.

About mantro

mantro is a leading venture builder based in Munich, Germany, specializing in the ideation, development, and scaling of deep tech ventures. Since its founding in 2005, mantro has successfully built and launched numerous startups that leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex challenges in industries such as energy, mobility, logistics, and manufacturing.

With a unique approach that combines entrepreneurial agility and corporate partnerships, mantro transforms disruptive ideas into scalable, technology-driven businesses. Its interdisciplinary team of engineers, product experts, and venture developers brings extensive experience in AI, IoT, robotics, and software platforms, enabling mantro to build future-ready ventures at the intersection of technology and impact.

mantro’s proven venture building framework ensures that each new company is grounded in real-world demand, rapidly tested, and designed to scale—with deep tech at its core.For more information, visit www.mantro.net.

About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

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Media Contact:

Gangolf Schrimpf
gangolf.schrimpf@merckgroup.com
Phone: +49 151 1454-9591

SOURCE: Merck