At the core of our initiative is the urgent need to tackle the rising global prevalence of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. These conditions not only diminish individuals’ quality of life but also place a heavy financial burden on society. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong connection between the gut microbiome and mental health, where specific gut bacteria play a role in regulating brain function and mood through the Gut-Brain axis.
Our innovation involves a proprietary fermentation method (patent filed) with a beneficial gut bacterium. Following the data from large cohort studies of over 1,000 people, this human derived microorganism has shown to correlate with depression and anxiety. In addition, model studies have shown that administration of this gut bacterium enhances the motivation to exercise.
By developing a tasty functional food product with these new beneficial gut microbe, we aim to enhance both mental well-being and drive to exercise in specific target groups, including but not limited to people with mild depression and (leisure) athletes.
Through the Biotech Booster program, we will focus on optimizing our fermentation process, creating functional food prototypes, conducting sensory testing, and preparing for safety assessments and clinical trials. Additionally, we will perform competitor analysis and develop a business strategy to ensure the commercial success of the Happy Bar.
