ÄIO, an Estonian startup, has pioneered a method to convert agricultural waste, such as sawdust, into fats for the food and cosmetic sectors. This initiative seeks to mitigate the global reliance on palm oil, a product associated with significant environmental harm due to deforestation. Founded by biotechnology experts Nemailla Bonturi and Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, the company emerged from Bonturi's doctoral research, which involved developing a unique yeast strain that converts sugar into fat molecules. With approximately $7 million raised and over 100 companies expressing interest in collaboration, ÄIO plans to establish a production facility by 2027. The startup aims to obtain necessary licenses for food sales, starting with Singapore, and hopes to demonstrate the potential of innovative food production methods.