Take a peak behind the curtain

Driven by purpose, powered by our people

The global demand for protein is growing, but the traditional ways of meeting that demand are no longer sustainable. That’s where we come in. At Onego Bio, we’re committed to transforming how the world produces and consumes protein—making it more efficiently and kinder to the environment. Together, we’re combining our expertise and shared vision to create lasting change in our food system.

Our Story

1940’s

Our story starts in an unexpected place: the jungles of the Solomon Islands during World War II, where a fast-growing fungus—Trichoderma reesei—was discovered eating through U.S. military equipment. Decades later, that same organism would help unlock a solution to one of the food system’s most persistent challenges.
2016

In 2016, our co-founder Chris Landowski moved from the U.S. to Finland to study T. reesei at VTT Technical Research Centre. Together with a team of scientists, he discovered how to program the fungus to produce egg protein— but made entirely without animals.
2022

In 2022, we spun out of VTT to turn that breakthrough into a business: Onego Bio. Chris was soon joined by Maija Itkonen, an industrial designer and three-time founder with deep experience in food tech and bringing science-driven ideas to market.
2024

In 2024, we opened our office in San Diego, California to bring our first product—Bioalbumen®—to U.S. food manufacturers, who use about one-third of all eggs produced.

Our values

The courage to shape a better future.
The rigorous ambition to design and utilize the latest technology.
Someone has to do it. It might as well be us.
Talk is cheap. We aim to show the way with tangible results.
The biggest barrier against societal improvements is lack of knowledge. It’s natural to doubt, it’s our responsibility to educate.
One can’t do miracles. By joining forces, we can change the world.

At Onego Bio, our values are more than words—they’re the guiding principles behind everything we do. From how we innovate to how we collaborate, these core beliefs drive our mission to create a more sustainable, resilient food system. They reflect our commitment to integrity, scientific excellence, and optimism as we work toward a better future, together. When asked what’s the best thing about working at Onego, many employees say ”the feeling of doing something meaningful”.

Deep expertise united in a shared vision

Behind every breakthrough is a team of passionate individuals committed to making a difference. At Onego Bio, our team brings together world-class experts in science, innovation, and sustainability, united by a shared vision to create a stronger and more sustainable food system.

Cultivating a purpose-driven organization where people  can thrive

We are powered by  

a passionate team of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared mission to make an impact on the world. Our employees are the backbone of our success, and their dedication and engagement drive everything we do.

We are committed to

fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of every team member. By nurturing an environment that inspires innovation, fuels creativity, enhances decision-making, and provides equal opportunities, we empower all employees to thrive and succeed.

Maija is a visionary alternative protein pioneer, industrial designer, innovator and a third time founder.  

Learn more about Maija