This dairy protein can now be grown without cows

Lactoferrin supports immunity, boosts gut health and improves digestion - but right now, 90% of the global supply goes into expensive baby formula, primarily in one market. Producing lactoferrin requires vast quantities of milk - a problem where Fengru Lin, CEO of Turtle Tree, has spotted an opportunity. TurtleTree uses precision fermentation to create pure lactoferrin in a cow-free process - by getting microbes to do the growing instead. In time, as Fengru explains here, the same process could be used to generate marketable quantities of other critical micronutrients that boost health, from sleep to bone growth. TurtleTree is a World Economic Forum 2025 Technology Pioneer, part of a community of start-ups from around the world involved in the development of technologies for social good.