Maija Itkonen

Maija Itkonen is the CEO and Co-founder of Onego Bio, a US-Finnish food-biotech company that specializes in producing animal-free egg proteins using precision fermentation technology.12 Here are some key details about Maija Itkonen:

Professional Background

Maija is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator in the alternative protein industry. She is a third-time founder, having built and exited two tech companies before co-founding Onego Bio.24 Her experience spans across various fields:

• Industrial designer
• Innovator
• Pioneer in the alternative protein field

Current Role

As the CEO of Onego Bio, Maija leads the company in its mission to revolutionize the food system by producing Bioalbumen®, a bioidentical egg white protein manufactured without using chickens.13 Under her leadership, Onego Bio has achieved significant milestones:

• Secured €50.5M / $55M in funding in 2024 alone
• Won Fast Company's 2023 World Changing Ideas award
• Co-founded two industry associations: Precision Fermentation Alliance and Food Fermentation Europe

Entrepreneurial Approach

Maija is known for her:

• Innovative thinking
• Drive and determination
• Passion for creating sustainable food solutions
• Science-driven approach to innovation6

Recognition

Maija is considered one of the most promising female entrepreneurs in Finland.5 Her vision and leadership have positioned Onego Bio as a game-changer in the field of sustainable protein production.

Maija Itkonen's LinkedIn profile can be found at: linkedin.com/in/maija-itkonen-25166a4.5