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Meet Our Team

A passionate group of PhD-level scientists and business experts based in Copenhagen, Denmark, dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture through innovative biotechnology.

AllCore TeamBoardAdvisors
Kenneth Veland Halberg portrait

Kenneth Veland Halberg

Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Ph.D.

Associate Professor in Neuroendocrinology and Physiology at University of Copenhagen. Kenneth is a leading expert in insect systems biology and molecular physiology, with extensive research published in top-tier journals including PNAS. His groundbreaking work on protein machines forms the scientific foundation of Yngvi Bio's technology platform.

Core TeamBoard
Eva Maria Rebrova portrait

Eva Maria Rebrova

Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer, Ph.D.

Researcher at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research with deep expertise in protein structure and drug delivery systems. Eva specializes in translating laboratory discoveries into practical applications, focusing on protein stability and formulation science essential for field-deployable solutions.

Core TeamBoard
Claudia Herrmann portrait

Claudia Herrmann

Board Advisor & Regulatory Strategy, Ph.D.

Co-Founder of Green Alchemy and Member of the Board of Advisors with extensive expertise in regulatory affairs for biosolutions and biotechnology. Claudia brings deep knowledge of global registration strategies, environmental studies, and regulatory compliance essential for bringing innovative agricultural biotechnology to market.

Advisor
Icíar de la Fuente portrait

Icíar de la Fuente

Business Developer, M.Sc.

Deep Tech Business Developer with specialized expertise in biotechnology commercialization and startup operations. Icíar bridges the gap between scientific innovation and market reality, developing strategic partnerships and business models that bring cutting-edge research to agricultural markets.

Core Team
Muhammad Tayyib Naseem portrait

Muhammad Tayyib Naseem

Insect Specialist, Ph.D.

Molecular Biologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Copenhagen specializing in insect physiology and entomology. Muhammad's research focuses on understanding pest behavior and biology, providing crucial insights for developing targeted protein-based control strategies.

Core Team
Jedrzej Pankowski portrait

Jedrzej Pankowski

Prototype Design

Core Team
Malene Castenschiold Kappelhøj portrait

Malene Castenschiold Kappelhøj

Prototype Design

Malene is a biotechnologist with a strong foundation in stem cell biology, bioreactor operations, and process optimization. She brings hands-on experience from both academic and industry settings, including Novo Nordisk and Hannover Medical School, where she worked on the cultivation of iPSC-derived immune cells and organoids. At Yngvi Bio, Malene supports our transition from lab-scale protocols to scalable production, contributing essential skills in upscaling, quality control, and bioprocess development. 

Core Team
Jarne Elleholm portrait

Jarne Elleholm

Steering Venture and Leadership

Jarne Elleholm is a seasoned venture capital investor and managing partner with over 20 years of experience, having led three Danish-based funds managing more than €110 million across 24 startups. He brings strong operational leadership to the table - previously serving as CEO of Stonehaven Incubate and holding senior roles such as Vice President—alongside a proven exit track record in biotech and animal health, including Aresa’s IPO and successful acquisitions by Abbott, Thermo Fisher, and Zoetis. He is currently Chair of the Board at Yngvi Bio, and also serves as co-founder and Chair of EvodiaBio, a pioneering bio-solutions company in the food and beverage sector, where he continues to drive strategic growth and fundraising efforts.

Board
Shubhecha Tewari portrait

Shubhecha Tewari

Business Developer

Shubhecha leads business development and strategic growth at Yngvi Bio, with a particular passion for forging strong industry-startup partnerships. She brings experience in commercialization, venture strategy, and innovation ecosystems, and plays a key role in aligning scientific potential with market needs. Her focus lies in building collaborative bridges that accelerate impact, scale, and sustainability.

Core Team
Benedicte Flambard portrait

Benedicte Flambard

Steering Venture and Leadership

Benedicte Flambard brings extensive experience in leading global plant-health and biologicals businesses as Vice President at FMC Corporation - where she spearheaded the expansion of FMCs biologicals portfolio (e.g. acquisition of BioPhero) and launched new sustainable crop protection tools. She has a strong track record in commercial strategy and R&D across biotech and microbial sectors, with leadership roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, Merial, and Chr. Hansen, and serves as Chairperson at Anizome, focused on microbiome therapeutics. As a board member at Yngvi Bio, she contributes her broad AgTech expertise - from scale-up to regulatory and global rollout - to guide our protein-based pest-control innovation at an industrial scale.

Board
Christopher James Lüscher  portrait

Christopher James Lüscher

IP and Strategy

Christopher brings a unique combination of legal expertise and entrepreneurial insight, with a strong focus on intellectual property strategy and technology positioning. His background spans both early-stage innovation and deep IP portfolio development, helping startups translate scientific innovation into long-term value. As an external advisor, Christopher supports Yngvi in navigating the intersection of invention, protection, and commercialization.

Advisor
Field Background

Our Journey

From academic research to agricultural innovation - the story of Yngvi Bio

January 2025

Nanoguard Crop Solutions Founded

Company established in Copenhagen, marking the commercial launch of our protein-based crop protection technology.

March 2025

BII Venture Lab Selection

Accepted into BioInnovation Institute's prestigious Venture Lab program, gaining access to world-class mentorship and laboratory facilities.

April 2025

DLF Partnership

Strategic collaboration with DLF, global leader in grass seed and turf solutions, to develop sustainable turf management applications.

April 2025

SynTech ANZ Collaboration

Partnership with SynTech for field trials and market development in Australia and New Zealand agricultural markets.

May 2025

Nature Reviews Feature

Research featured in Nature Reviews Bioengineering 'Down to Business' article, highlighting our innovative protein engineering approach.

May 2025

EY Amplifier Program

Selected for EY's Amplifier accelerator program, providing strategic guidance for scaling and market expansion.

June 2025

HEY Funding Prize

Winner of HEY Funding competition powered by Antler Prize, securing early-stage funding and validation from leading VCs.

June 2025

Rebranding to Yngvi Bio

Strategic rebrand from Nanoguard to Yngvi Bio, reflecting our Nordic heritage and commitment to sustainable biotechnology.

June 2025

Board Expansion

Jarne Elleholm appointed Board Chair, with Benedicte Bechsgaard joining as board member, strengthening governance and strategic oversight.

June 2025

First Full-Time Hire

Malene joins as Production Specialist, our first full-time employee, marking a key milestone in scaling operations.

June 2025

Innobooster Grant

Awarded Innovation Fund Denmark's Innobooster grant to advance from bench to field, scaling our protein-based biopesticide for sustainable turf care.

June 2025

KU Innovation Prize

Co-founders Kenneth and Eva receive University of Copenhagen Innovation Prize for groundbreaking protein engineering research.

June 2025

Regulatory Advisor Appointed

Claudia Herrmann from Green Alchemy joins as Regulatory Advisor, strengthening our pathway to market approval.

Discover Our Technology

Inspired by nature, powered by science. Our protein-based approach targets pests with precision while leaving no toxic residue. Revolutionary biotechnology that's changing the future of agriculture.

  • Precision Targeting

    Species-specific proteins preserve beneficial insects and protect ecosystems

  • Environmental Safety

    No chemical residues or environmental persistence - safe for soil and water

  • Field Stability

    Engineered for real-world agricultural conditions without refrigeration

Innovation Stats

Protein Stability

95%+

Species Specificity

100%

Environmental Impact

Zero

Field Efficacy

90%+

Patent-pending technology based on years of research at University of Copenhagen

Built on world-class research

RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Built on world-class research

Our technology platform is built on years of fundamental research from the University of Copenhagen, one of Europe's leading institutions for biological sciences and biotechnology innovation.

  • Academic Excellence

    University of Copenhagen spin-out with published research in PNAS

  • Innovation Pipeline

    BioInnovation Institute Venture Lab participant (2025)

  • Patent-Pending Technology

    Proprietary protein engineering platform for agricultural applications

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Join Our Mission

Interested in supporting the future of sustainable agriculture? Learn more about investment opportunities and partnerships with Yngvi Bio as we scale protein-based solutions globally.

  • Growth Potential

    Large addressable market with increasing demand for sustainable solutions

  • Strong IP Portfolio

    Patent-pending technology platform with competitive advantages and barrier to entry

  • Expert Team

    World-class scientists and experienced business developers from Copenhagen

Join Our Mission