Axfoundation
Axfoundation is a Swedish non-profit 'do-tank' foundation that develops practical sustainability solutions in food and materials, working with 300+ partners and 30+ projects anchored by its Torsåker gård test farm.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersStockholm, Sweden
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Axfoundation does
Axfoundation is an independent, non-profit Swedish foundation (legally Antonia Ax:son Johnsons Stiftelse för Miljö och Utveckling) founded in 1993 and headquartered in Stockholm. It operates as a 'do-tank' rather than a traditional grant-giving foundation, having pivoted to that model in 2006 under Board Chair Alexandra Mörner. The organization develops and accelerates practical sustainability solutions across two program areas, Framtidens mat (Future Food) and Framtidens material (Future Materials), collaborating with 300+ partners across 30+ ongoing projects as of 2025. Its work is anchored by Torsåker gård, a 35 km north of Stockholm test farm featuring test kitchens, bakeries, and laboratories, which functions as a real-world innovation environment for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.
Core technical assets include mycoprotein-based circular animal feed (Framtidens foder) developed with Seaqure Labs and Svenska Foder that converts food industry side streams into protein for fish, poultry, and egg production; world-leading perennial wheat (Kernza) breeding trials with SLU; the Swedish Wool Standard classification system; and hydrothermal whole grain processing (Mineralskiftet) that increases iron and mineral bioavailability. Axfoundation does not sell products commercially; it operates a non-profit funding model financed through grants (notably Vinnova, Sweden's Innovation Agency, and Region Dalarna), corporate partnerships, and founder/family capital. Innovations are commercialized through downstream partner companies such as Älvdalslax, Hemköp, Urban Deli, Fiskhallen Sorunda, and Axfood. Founder Antonia Ax:son Johnson and her daughter Board Chair Alexandra Mörner anchor the organization, with day-to-day operations led by Secretary-General Maria Smith.
Axfoundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Axfoundation
- Legal name
- Antonia Ax:son Johnsons Stiftelse för Miljö och Utveckling
- Website
- https://axfoundation.se
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Axfoundation is a Swedish non-profit 'do-tank' foundation that develops practical sustainability solutions in food and materials, working with 300+ partners and 30+ projects anchored by its Torsåker gård test farm.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Axfoundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainability Research & Innovation Services
- NAICS
- Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products (1132), Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products (11321)
- SIC
- Forestry (800), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bark, Fibers & Thatching Materials Collection (Cork, Bamboo, Rattan, Palm) (AFAMAFAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Nuts, Seeds & Cones (Pine Nuts, Acorns, Chestnuts) Harvesting (AFAMAFAH)
Keywords
Where Axfoundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Stockholm
- HQ country
- Sweden
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Axfoundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Non-profit funding and grants: Axfoundation operates as an independent, non-profit organization funded through grants, partnerships, and collaborations with companies and institutions. They do not generate revenue through product sales but through project funding and institutional support.
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Axfoundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Axfoundation is an independent, non-profit "do-tank" that develops and accelerates practical sustainability solutions in food systems and materials. It runs two programs—Framtidens mat (Future Food) and Framtidens material (Future Materials)—through projects such as Svensk Baljväxtfärs (Swedish legume mince), Framtidens foder (mycoprotein-based circular animal feed), The Swedish Wool Initiative, and perennial wheat trials. Practical experimentation happens at its Torsåker gård test farm in collaboration with 300+ partners.
Product overview
Axfoundation is a non-profit 'do-tank' (not a traditional product company) that develops and accelerates practical solutions for a sustainable world through collaborative projects. The organization operates two program areas: Framtidens mat (Future Food) and Framtidens material (Future Materials). Key products and initiatives include Svensk Baljväxtfärs (Swedish Legume Mince) - a plant-based meat alternative; Framtidens foder (Feed of the Future) - mycoprotein-based circular feed for fish and poultry; The Swedish Wool Initiative - transforming underused wool into industrial material; and Torsåker gård - a test farm offering practical innovation support. The portfolio spans protein alternatives, sustainable animal feed, grain processing technologies, and material innovations, all developed through cross-sector collaboration with over 300 partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Svensk Baljväxtfärs (Swedish Legume Mince) Plant-based meat alternative made from Swedish legumes and rapeseed residues, developed to support protein transition and increase domestic legume cultivation. Marketed through retail and foodservice partners.
- Framtidens foder (Feed of the Future) Mycoprotein-based circular animal feed produced from food industry side streams. Tested and commercialized for fish, poultry, pig, and egg production to reduce dependence on imported soy and wild-caught fishmeal.
- The Swedish Wool Initiative Cross-sector initiative to transform Swedish wool from an underused by-product into a valuable circular material through the Swedish Wool Standard classification system and improved Nordic wool infrastructure.
- Torsåker gård (Torsåker Farm) Test farm and practical development center in Upplands Väsby offering entrepreneurs and researchers access to test kitchens, test bakeries, and laboratory facilities for developing sustainable food innovations.
- Mineralskiftet (The Mineral Shift) Hydrothermally treated whole grain products that increase mineral bioavailability from plant-based foods, enabling the body to absorb nearly as much iron from whole grains as from meat.
- Innovationsstöd (Innovation Support) Practical non-financial support offered at Torsåker gård, providing entrepreneurs and researchers with access to test kitchens, laboratories, and advisory services for sustainable food system innovations.
- Perennt vete/Kernza (Perennial Wheat) World-leading cultivation and plant breeding trials of perennial wheat (Kernza) conducted at Torsåker gård in partnership with SLU for climate-smart agriculture.
Quantifiable outcome
- Created the world's first commercially available fish product raised on mycoprotein-based feed
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Axfoundation
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Axfoundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Axfoundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)coreCollaborative research partnership for developing soy-free hen feed using mycoprotein. SLU provides scientific expertise and research capabilities for testing feed alternatives and evaluating environmental impact of circular feed solutions.
- Svenska FodercoreSwedish feed company that developed and produced the soy-free hen feed using mycoprotein from food industry side streams. Key partner in the circular feed development chain.
- Seaqure LabscoreBiotechnology company that produces the mycoprotein used in sustainable feed formulations. Their technology enables conversion of food industry side streams into nutritious protein for animal feed.
- Norion ConsultcoreResearch partner that co-authored the analysis on wool waste in the Nordics, estimating 2,400 tons of wool discarded annually with EUR 120 million in unrealized economic value.
- ÄlvdalslaxcoreSwedish aquaculture company producing rainbow trout raised on mycoprotein-based circular feed. First producer of commercially available fish fed on this innovative sustainable feed.
- Dalarna Science ParkcoreLead partner in The Swedish Wool Initiative, coordinating the development of Nordic wool infrastructure and the Swedish Wool Standard. Leading the establishment of an industrial hub in Sörforsa, Sweden.
- EAT-Lancet CommissioncoreInternational scientific commission that invited Axfoundation to develop a two-day planetary health menu for Sweden, adapting the Planetary Health Diet to Swedish food culture.
- Arena Svensk UllcoreIndustry organization that now stewards the Swedish Wool Standard. Board member Roger Bush leads efforts to scale the classification system across Europe.
- Wålstedts ullspinneriminorSwedish wool spinning mill and member of Arena Svensk Ull, contributing to the development of Swedish wool processing infrastructure.
- Filippa KminorFashion brand partner in The Swedish Wool Initiative, working on circular design and wool product development.
- Houdini SportswearminorOutdoor apparel company partner in sustainable wool initiatives, developing products from Swedish wool.
- Tiger of SwedenminorFashion brand participating in wool sustainability projects and circular textile initiatives.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)coreLong-standing research partner for perennial wheat cultivation experiments at Torsåker Farm, testing Kernza and other perennial grain varieties.
- Axel Johnson GroupcoreParent company of founder Antonia Ax:son Johnson, historically connected to Axfoundation's founding and provides access to large corporate network for testing and scaling innovations.
- AxfoodcoreMajor Swedish grocery retailer partner in various sustainability projects including sustainable rice production in Pakistan and supply chain initiatives.
- IKEAminorCollaborating on innovative food waste solutions, including projects to utilize broccoli leaves that are typically left in the field.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Axfoundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Forum for the Future: International non-profit sustainability organization that works with businesses on systemic change in food, materials, and climate. Closely comparable to Axfoundation's role as a non-profit do-tank partnering with corporates to develop and pilot practical sustainable solutions.
- Mistra (Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research): Swedish research-funding foundation supporting strategic environmental research programs. Comparable as a Swedish non-profit funding applied sustainability R&D, though Mistra primarily funds research programs rather than operating its own farm and product development facilities like Axfoundation.
- SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences): Sweden's primary agricultural and life sciences university, which is a core research partner for Axfoundation's perennial wheat, mycoprotein feed, and circular feed projects. Comparable as a Sweden-based food and sustainability R&D organization, though operating as a public university rather than a non-profit foundation.
Broad incumbents
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation: International non-profit focused on accelerating the circular economy across fashion, food, and plastics. Comparable as a non-profit do-tank convening industry around circular materials and food systems, with much larger global brand recognition than Axfoundation.
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden: Sweden's state-owned research institute with deep capabilities in food, materials, and sustainability testing. Comparable as a Sweden-based applied sustainability R&D organization, though substantially larger and broader in scope than Axfoundation's focused do-tank model.
- WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme): UK-based non-profit working with businesses and governments on circular economy, sustainable food, and textile waste reduction. Closely comparable mission profile to Axfoundation's materials and food sustainability work, with a similarly practical, partnership-driven approach.
- Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR): US non-profit foundation funding agricultural research and innovation through public-private partnerships. Comparable as a foundation-driven funder of applied food and agriculture research, with similar collaborative R&D model though much larger scale.
Emerging players
- EAT-Lancet Commission: International scientific commission on food systems and planetary health that has partnered with Axfoundation to develop planetary health menus. Comparable as a multi-stakeholder sustainability-food convener, though operating at global scientific-policy level rather than as an implementation do-tank.
- Stockholm Resilience Centre: Stockholm University research centre on sustainability and resilience that operates in the same Swedish ecosystem as Axfoundation. Comparable focus on food systems and sustainability, though academic rather than implementation-driven.
Others
- Vinnova (Sweden's Innovation Agency): Sweden's government innovation agency that provides partial financing for Axfoundation's wool initiative and other projects. Comparable as an enabler of Swedish sustainable innovation, though operating as a funder rather than an implementation organization.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Axfoundation social profiles
Digital presenceAxfoundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Axfoundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Axfoundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Axfoundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Axfoundation
What does Axfoundation do?
Axfoundation is an independent, non-profit "do-tank" that develops and accelerates practical sustainability solutions in food systems and materials. It runs two programs—Framtidens mat (Future Food) and Framtidens material (Future Materials)—through projects such as Svensk Baljväxtfärs (Swedish legume mince), Framtidens foder (mycoprotein-based circular animal feed), The Swedish Wool Initiative, and perennial wheat trials. Practical experimentation happens at its Torsåker gård test farm in collaboration with 300+ partners.
Is Axfoundation a public or private company?
Axfoundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Axfoundation founded?
Axfoundation was founded in 1993. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Axfoundation based?
Axfoundation is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, in the Europe region.
How does Axfoundation make money?
One revenue line is on record: non-profit funding and grants.
Who are Axfoundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Forum for the Future, Mistra (Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research) and SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). Broad incumbents are Ellen MacArthur Foundation, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). Emerging players are EAT-Lancet Commission and Stockholm Resilience Centre. Vinnova (Sweden's Innovation Agency) is listed as an others.
Does Axfoundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Axfoundation.
What industry is Axfoundation in?
Axfoundation's product category is Sustainability Research & Innovation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAMAFAI, Bark, Fibers & Thatching Materials Collection (Cork, Bamboo, Rattan, Palm), with a secondary code of AFAMAFAH, Nuts, Seeds & Cones (Pine Nuts, Acorns, Chestnuts) Harvesting. Its NAICS code is 1132 and its SIC code is 800.