South Dakota Patent of the Month – March 2025
PRAIRIE AQUATECH has unveiled a patented method to convert plant-based cellulose into high-quality protein concentrate, offering a sustainable alternative to fishmeal in aquaculture feeds. The innovation, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12,256,758, titled “Microbial-based process for high quality protein concentrate,” utilizes microbial fermentation to enhance soy protein content.
Turning Plant Waste into Protein Power
The patented process involves treating soybean feedstock with specific microbes, including Aureobasidium pullulans, to break down cellulose and increase protein concentration. The result is a soy protein concentrate with at least 70% protein by weight, suitable for animal feed and human food products. This method not only improves protein yield but also repurposes agricultural byproducts, reducing waste.
Real-World Impact on Aquaculture and Beyond
By replacing traditional fishmeal with this soy-based protein, aquaculture operations can reduce reliance on marine resources, promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, the process supports the development of plant-based protein options for human consumption, aligning with growing dietary trends. PRAIRIE AQUATECH’s innovation exemplifies how biotechnology can address global food security challenges.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
Are you eligible?
Why choose us?
Pass an Audit?
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
Never miss a deadline again
Stay up to date on IRS processes
Discover R&D in your industry
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
Choose your state
