CleanSense

CleanSense is a food technology company that has developed a patented food processing technology utilizing a proprietary light delivery system designed to reduce microbial contamination while simultaneously moderating the sensory profile — including flavor, odor, and color — of alternative proteins. The company's core innovation, CleanSense Technology, is positioned as a breakthrough solution for food and materials industries seeking to improve the performance and sensory characteristics of ingredients, particularly those derived from alternative protein sources. By addressing one of the key barriers to broader adoption of alternative proteins — their often challenging flavor and odor profiles — CleanSense aims to expand market opportunities for ingredient manufacturers and food product developers. The company operates with a partnership-oriented business model, licensing or co-developing its patented technology with food makers and ingredient creators rather than manufacturing finished consumer products itself. Its vision encompasses collaboration across food and materials industries, leveraging light technology to unlock new sensory possibilities and real-world functional solutions. CleanSense applies science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology to design what it describes as smarter and cleaner ingredient solutions. The leadership team brings deep expertise across pharmaceuticals, veterinary vaccines, life sciences, nutraceuticals, and microbiology. The President and CEO brings over 30 years of experience in international operations spanning pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and nutraceutical sectors, with a track record of building world-class manufacturing facilities. The Director of R&D holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and has over 23 years of experience focused on human and animal health and nutrition, with a particular interest in developing sustainable ingredients that reduce the environmental impact of food production. The engineering and research team includes chemical engineers and microbiologists with backgrounds in food and agricultural production. Based in Iowa, CleanSense is an early-stage, entrepreneurial company targeting the growing alternative protein ingredient market with a technology-licensing and partnership model suited to CPG brands, ingredient suppliers, and food manufacturers looking to improve the sensory acceptability and microbial safety of plant-based or other alternative protein ingredients.