

Decarbonising dairy through sustainable protein production
Our scalable, proprietary technology can drive tangible change, creating a healthier, more productive world with zero ‘foodprint’.
Mara Bio is a pioneering food biotech company transforming dairy industry by-products into high-value ingredients. Using a novel fungal fermentation process, we upcycle Deproteinised Whey Permeate (DWP) into sustainable proteins and bioactive ingredients.
Our process reduces waste, cuts emissions, and generates new revenue streams for dairy producers. By co-locating and integrating with existing facilities, we enable partners to decarbonise and lead in climate action. Mara Bio is driving the future of sustainable food innovation through circular economy solutions.




Our technology
We are a deep tech (Biotechnology) business. We are able to propagate mushroom mycelia (mycoprotein) and prevent it forming ‘mushrooms’ by using a liquid fermentation process using food industry waste streams as the carbon source.
While we are producing a mycoprotein as an end product, we are also addressing significant waste and ESG challenges for food industry manufacturers on the up-stream side. Many of these ‘suppliers’ may also be customers on the downstream side also.
Our mycoprotein can be manufactured in several different forms (eg. dry powder, paste or extract), with different protein profiles depending on the end application.




The difference
+ High-yield fermentation process
+ Minimum inputs, lower ‘foodprint’
+ Not reliant on seasons, more resilient process
+ Clean label, minimal processing
+ High bioavailability, improved digestibility
+ Less water, less land used, less emissions
Founding team

Mark Balchin
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Mark has over 25 years’ experience in the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Natural Products Industries in roles spanning Manufacturing, Quality and Senior Management.

Dr. Mehrnoush (Maya) Tangestani
Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
Maya’s background is in microbiology and microbial biotechnology, with a commercial approach. She is an expert in microbial systems for the production of bioactive compounds.

Steve Boggs
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Steve has held Design Director roles within Aotearoa’s leading creative agencies and has overseen large identity and communication projects.
Come see us at evokeAG 2025!
Mara Bio is one of just ten international businesses to participate in the Agventure Downunder programme as well as Startup Alley at the upcoming AgriFutures event in Brisbane on 18-19 February.
Contact
If you’re a large food producer, ingredients company, investor or would like to know more about Mara Bio’s technology and products, please get in touch.
Thank you, we will be in contact shortly

Phone: 0064 (0)27 414 4171
Toitū whanake, ngā kai hauora.
Sustainable development, healthy foods.
Sustainable development, healthy foods.
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