EntoCellular is taking significant strides in its mission to provide sustainable and ethical protein for the pet food industry. Co-founders Sophie Letcher and Michael Saad, both recent PhD graduates from the Kaplan Lab, are leveraging over a decade of research into insect cell culture to create “entoprotein.” This real animal protein is produced without the environmental or ethical drawbacks of traditional factory farming. In recent talks at the Tufts Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day and IdeaCon, Sophie shared her entrepreneurial journey and highlighted how insect cells offer a more resilient and cost-effective pathway to scaling cultivated meat.
The team has already achieved impressive milestones, including the production of one kilogram of entoprotein at the lab scale and the creation of their first pet treat prototypes. With a strategic focus on premium pet treats and specialized insectivore reptile food, EntoCellular is bridging the gap between academic innovation and commercial viability. Their approach addresses a critical need, as pets currently account for approximately twenty percent of global meat consumption.
You can now explore more about their science and mission on the new EntoCellular website. The site features information about their team and the expert advisors supporting them, including David Kaplan and Natalie Rubio. To stay informed about their progress and upcoming product launches, be sure to visit their homepage and join their monthly mailing list.
Citations:
Sophie Letcher – EntoCellular Pitch (Tufts Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day 2026)
Finding Sustainable Pet Food Solutions with Sophie Letcher | Innovate@BU