NEW TECH FOODS

Brevel, a climate food-tech company specialising in microalgae protein, has successfully expanded its seed funding round to a total of $25 million. This increase includes more than $5 million raised through the exercise of investor warrants from the initial closing of the round in June 2023. The funding will support Brevel's efforts to enhance its go-to-market strategy and further develop its innovative microalgae proteins for diverse food and beverage applications. Key investors in this round include NevaTeam Partners, Siddhi Capital, the European Union’s EIC Fund, Good Protein Fund, The Food Tech Lab and PVS Investments. The successful warrant exercises reflect investor confidence in Brevel’s progress and potential within the burgeoning alternative protein market. “Our investors chose to reinvest based on Brevel's impressive advancements since our last funding round,” stated Yonatan Golan, co-founder and CEO of Brevel. Golan highlighted the company's commitment to providing nutritious, affordable protein alternatives that can effectively replace animal protein in various formulations. Brevel’s mission is to minimise its carbon footprint while delivering flavour-neutral and functional microalgae protein on a global scale. Brevel has achieved several significant milestones recently, including the completion of its first commercial factory, which has successfully scaled production to 5,000 litres. The company also secured a commercial and joint-development agreement with The Central Bottling Company (CBC Group) and made notable advancements in its protein and polar lipid ingredient developments. The recent funding will enable Brevel to accelerate its commercial activities and establish partnerships for future production lines, as well as to finalise additional offtake agreements in preparation for large-scale production. Shai Levy, partner at NevaTeam Partners and a board member at Brevel, commented on the investment: “Brevel exemplifies bold innovation in the food industry. The decision by shareholders to exercise their warrants demonstrates strong confidence in Brevel’s mission and execution. We believe their technology will significantly influence the future of alternative proteins.” Brevel’s proprietary technology uniquely combines light and sugar-based fermentation within indoor bioreactors, allowing for the efficient production of nutrient-rich microalgae without genetic modification. This approach enhances the commercial viability of microalgae by producing high-quality, nutrient-dense products at competitive costs. The company’s advanced downstream processing yields a neutral-flavoured microalgae protein isolate powder, which can be integrated into a wide range of meat and dairy alternatives. This protein boasts a complete amino acid profile, excellent emulsifying and gelling properties, and is non-allergenic and non-GMO. Brevel’s business model mirrors that of soy protein, focusing on the co-products derived from microalgae biomass. Golan explained: “Our combined light and fermentation platform allows us to capitalise on all components of the microalgae, not just the protein. This enables us to achieve price parity for our superior protein and each co-product.” As Brevel prepares for its next product roll-out this summer, Golan is set to present at the Investor Day on Climate event on April 2, part of the European Innovation Council Summit. This event will showcase 20 leading climate tech start-ups, highlighting Brevel’s innovative approach to addressing climate change and food security through advanced technologies.

Upside Foods has initiated another round of layoffs as part of a strategic restructuring aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. This decision comes in the wake of previous workforce reductions in February and July 2024, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the company and the broader industry. A spokesperson for Upside Foods confirmed the layoffs but refrained from disclosing specific numbers or detailed plans regarding the reorganisation. The restructuring is intended to streamline operations and focus on the commercialisation and scaling of its cultivated meat products. "We’ve reorganised our team and operations to stay agile and efficient to meet any challenges ahead," the spokesperson stated. This shift is particularly notable as Upside has decided to pause its plans for a large-scale production facility in Glenview, Illinois, opting instead to expand its smaller 'EPIC' site in Emeryville, California. The EPIC facility, which opened in late 2021, is viewed as a more cost-effective option for scaling up production, with the company indicating that this approach will require substantially less"investment compared to the proposed Glenview plant. Despite raising $608 million since its inception in 2015, Upside Foods has acknowledged that its whole cut technology, which has received regulatory approval in the US, is not yet ready for widespread market introduction. However, the company is optimistic about its hybrid production method, which combines animal cells grown in 2,000-litre bioreactors with plant-based components to create products like nuggets and patties. This hybrid approach has not yet secured regulatory approval, adding another layer of complexity to Upside's commercialisation efforts. As part of its expansion at the EPIC facility, Upside plans to incorporate larger cultivators, demonstrating its capability to scale operations while maintaining the quality and safety standards achieved at the smaller scale.

Cult Food Science has announced a significant development in its product pipeline. The company's subsidiary, Further Foods, has secured an R&D supply agreement with a cultivated meat producer. This partnership aims to facilitate the creation of the Noochies! line of cultivated meat pet treats, underscoring Cult's commitment to innovative, sustainable food solutions. The R&D supply agreement is a pivotal step towards the commercialisation of cultivated meat-based pet products. By partnering with a supplier already engaged in the FDA regulatory process, Further Foods can bypass the necessity of conducting separate feeding trials. This strategic move not only streamlines development but also reduces associated costs, potentially accelerating the timeline for market entry. Recognising the increasing demand for sustainable pet food in Asia, Further Foods is actively expanding its distribution network across key markets in the region. The company has already secured orders from a Southeast Asian distributor and is in discussions with additional partners. This expansion reflects Cult’s strategic approach to making cultivated meat pet treats more accessible, aligning with a global shift towards ethical and alternative pet nutrition. Further Foods will showcase the Noochies! line at the upcoming Global Pet Show in Orlando, Florida, from March 26-28, 2025. The regulatory landscape for cultivated meat in pet food is evolving. One of Further Foods' suppliers is currently navigating the FDA approval process for their cultivated meat ingredients. If successful, this would allow Noochies! to market its products in the US without the need for independent feeding trials, thereby expediting commercialisation efforts. The decision to pause internal trials demonstrates a calculated approach to resource allocation and regulatory compliance. Mitchell Scott, CEO of Cult Food Science, said: "Finding reliable partners to supply cultivated meat at a feasible price point has been a significant challenge. However, we are confident that our strategic partnerships will enable us to redefine the pet food industry with sustainable, ethical solutions." He highlighted the importance of the Global Pet Show and the Asian market expansion as critical milestones in the company’s growth trajectory. In addition to product development news, Cult Food Science has completed debt settlement agreements totaling $26,346 with two arm’s-length creditors. The company issued 573,984 shares at a deemed price of $0.0459 per share as part of this settlement. This move is intended to preserve cash for operational needs while maintaining a focus on growth and innovation.

Umami Bioworks, a Singapore-based start-up known for its innovations in cultivated seafood, has unveiled an advanced version of its AI tool, Alkemyst. Originally developed to optimise the production of cultivated seafood, the latest iteration now extends its capabilities across the entire seafood value chain, including aquaculture. The Alkemyst AI model has been meticulously trained on a diverse dataset that encompasses both public and proprietary information related to marine genomics, metabolomics and seafood sensory attributes. This extensive data foundation, alongside a growing proprietary dataset that includes production parameters, allows Alkemyst to facilitate a comprehensive approach to cultivated seafood innovation. Umami Bioworks is known for developing cell-cultivated seafood, but the Singapore-based start-up has also embraced the use of AI. Key applications of Alkemyst Umami Bioworks has identified several critical applications for the revamped Alkemyst platform, which include: Feed optimisation: The AI enables precision formulation of aquaculture feeds, aimed at reducing environmental impacts while enhancing growth rates and nutritional profiles. Increased protein content: Alkemyst identifies feed strategies and cellular mechanisms that can enhance protein yield in both cultivated and conventional seafood. Climate-resilient species development: The tool employs biomarker-based modeling to accelerate breeding programmes for species that can better withstand changing ocean conditions. Land-based aquaculture enhancement: Specialised algorithms are utilised for biomarker-based breeding and optimising growing conditions for species transitioning to controlled-environment aquaculture. Precision optimisation of cell culture media: Alkemyst fine-tunes formulations for various cultivated seafood species, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Product nutrition and sensory enhancement: The model employs metabolic modeling to optimise feed and growth conditions, improving flavour, texture and nutritional value for an authentic seafood experience. New product development: Alkemyst accelerates the innovation of next-generation seafood products that align with evolving consumer preferences. “This next-generation version of Alkemyst is a huge step forward in AI-driven seafood innovation,” said Mihir Pershad, CEO and co-founder of Umami Bioworks. He added: “We’ve expanded Alkemyst beyond cultivated seafood, enabling businesses across the entire seafood value chain to make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, sustainability and resilience. This is more than just an AI model – it is a transformative tool for the future of global seafood.” The launch of this next-generation tool is backed by notable global investors, including Aqua-Spark, Maruha Nichiro and Build Collective. These partnerships underscore Umami Bioworks' commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI and biotechnology to foster a more sustainable seafood ecosystem.

Simple Planet, a food-tech start-up based in Seoul, has announced its strategic initiative to pursue Halal certification for its cell-based food products. This move aims to tap into the burgeoning global Halal market, which is increasingly seeking innovative food solutions. The recent endorsement from the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), which issued a Fatwa recognising cell-based food products and ingredients as Halal, significantly bolsters Simple Planet's efforts. This Fatwa marks the second of its kind globally, following a similar ruling from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). Such endorsements are crucial as they provide a framework for the acceptance of these products within the Muslim community. In a related development, Simple Planet has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. This partnership is focused on facilitating the Halal certification process for cell-based food products, which is vital for meeting the stringent requirements of the Halal market. The collaboration underscores the importance of scientific validation in the certification process, ensuring that products not only meet Halal standards but also adhere to high safety and quality benchmarks. Simple Planet has also made strides in its production capabilities by developing an edible, serum-free culture medium derived from probiotics . This innovation is a significant step toward achieving Halal certification, as it aligns with the requirements for using Halal-compliant ingredients in cell-based food production. The company’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from Halal-certified sources further supports its goal of producing compliant and safe food options for Muslim consumers. The KMF's Fatwa stipulates that cell-based ingredients can be classified as Halal if they originate from Halal sources and are produced in accordance with established Halal standards. This recognition is pivotal for Simple Planet as it seeks to penetrate the Halal market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable food options. While the Fatwa serves as a guiding principle, it is important to note that final Halal certification will require comprehensive inspections of production facilities and processes. This step is essential to ensure compliance with both Halal and food safety regulations, providing confidence to consumers regarding the integrity of the products. Dominic Jeong, CEO of Simple Planet, commented: “The global food crisis caused by climate change is a critical issue that the world is paying close attention to. By developing cell-based ingredients that can be safely supplied without being affected by environmental factors, we aim to enhance accessibility to cell-based foods, contribute to food security and help alleviate hunger worldwide.”

As the need for sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture emerges as a promising solution. Ethan Soloviev (left), chief innovation officer at HowGood, explores the financial challenges and long-term economic benefits of transitioning to regenerative practices,. Here, he highlights how businesses, governments and farmers can collaborate to close the funding gap and build a resilient, eco-friendly food future. Agrifood systems contribute over a third of global emissions, driving an urgent need to shift the agricultural status quo and find methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers and investors alike are increasingly drawn to regenerative agriculture for its potential to deliver environmental and economic benefits. The shift from conventional farming to regen ag offers a promising path toward more sustainable – and indeed regenerative – food systems: while conventional farming is yield-focused and reliant on chemical inputs, regen ag takes a holistic approach, focusing on restoring natural processes to create more resilient farming systems. However, out of 900 million arable acres in the US, only a tiny fraction is currently being farmed regeneratively. And out of the $300 billion to $350 billion that is needed to support a global transition at scale, only $3.6 billion has been invested. Despite its benefits, transitioning farms from conventional to regenerative poses a significant financial challenge. While the thought of farms becoming more sustainable is ideal, the transition comes with a price tag that burdens farmers and potentially trickles down to consumers, raising questions about how best to support this transformative shift. Long-term economic benefits of regenerative practices Regenerative practices can have long-term economic benefits, such as reducing chemical input costs and enhancing farm resilience. While the per-hectare cost of regen-ag may initially be higher than traditional farming, estimated at $355.05 per hectare, transitioning to regenerative farming increases the estimated net profit to $530.39 per hectare per year. This reduction in external inputs, including the decline in the reliance on costly synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, leads to lower operational costs and ultimately boosts profitability over time. Not only does this mean supporting healthier soils and ecosystems, but also building a more resilient and profitable supply chain for the future. Established companies like McCain and Danone invest heavily in regenerative methods, demonstrating a growing corporate commitment to sustainable agriculture. According to Project Drawdown, regenerative practices could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability. When adopted, farmers gain an economic advantage by reducing climate-related risks and ensuring stable yields, which is vital for maintaining food security and strengthening agricultural economies globally. Improved soil health, increased biodiversity and enhanced resilience to extreme weather all contribute to the economic stability of farms. Healthier soils, for instance, increase water infiltration and retention, reducing the risk of crop loss during droughts or heavy rains. Unpacking upfront costs and financial burdens of regen-ag For farmers, initial transitioning investments can strain already tight margins, especially when the benefits might take six to ten years to materialise. Regenerative practices often entail considerable upfront costs, including expenses for soil amendments, new equipment, latest technology and planning for diversified crop rotations. These initial expenses can affect the entire food system by pushing up operational costs, which may trickle down to consumers. While government funding and private investments can help offset these costs, a substantial funding gap persists, emphasising the need for robust financial support systems. Nevertheless, action is imperative, as the need to transition the global food system towards sustainability is urgent. To meet climate goals, particularly in the food and beverage industry, investments must be scaled to around $300 billion to $350 billion annually by 2030. The financial burdens could be mitigated by a blended finance stack that includes a mix of grants, debt and equity, designed specifically for each landscape. Instead of placing the financial burden solely on farmers or consumers, there is a call for shared investment across the supply system. That means companies with higher profit margins, such as those in consumer packaged goods (CPGs), contribute more substantially to the costs of the transition. Sharing the financial load among all stakeholders will drive a sustainable shift to regenerative practices, ensuring a more resilient food system overall. Successfully implementing this approach while meeting corporate sustainability goals requires companies to innovate not only in products, but in financing – examining breakthrough financial models and the role transparency plays in consumer trust and brand loyalty. Closing the funding gap and encouraging investment in regen-ag Government investments, such as the most recent USDA funding allocation of $5.7 billion for climate-smart practices including regenerative farming, are a step forward, but only scratch the surface. It is estimated that closing the funding gap to transition global food systems to regenerative practices would require an annual investment of $250 billion-$430 billion over the next decade. This gap poses a challenge for individual farmers who often lack the resources for initial investments, underscoring the need for scalable and diverse funding sources. Addressing this funding gap requires greater involvement from the private sector and philanthropic organisations. One possible solution is to incentivise investments through mechanisms such as tax credits, carbon market incentives and insurance benefits – all of which could make regenerative transitions more accessible by sharing the cost burden among various stakeholders. While transitioning to regenerative agriculture requires substantial upfront investment, the long-term economic, environmental and social benefits make it a worthwhile challenge. Sustainable practices not only reduce reliance on costly chemical inputs, but also build resilience against climate impacts, protect food security and strengthen farming communities. Achieving an environmentally responsible, resilient agricultural system will require collaboration across sectors – public, private and philanthropic. Engaging private investors (including family offices, asset managers, institutional investors and food corporations) will mobilise ten times the amount of current private capital invested in regenerative agriculture, increasing from $11 billion to $110 billion annually. Supporting farmers through shared investment mechanisms and financial innovations can ease the transition and distribute the burden more equitably. By working together to close the funding gap, stakeholders can foster a regenerative food system that benefits farmers, consumers and the planet.

In this instalment of The Cell Base's ‘Start-up Spotlight,’ we speak with Mohammad Khalil El Hajj (pictured below), CEO of UK-based Bright Biotech, a company pioneering the use of chloroplasts to express high amounts of proteins in plants. This innovative technology has the potential to transform plant-based protein production and offers a sustainable solution for the future of food. Can you tell us about Bright Biotech’s mission and how it aligns with your vision for the future of sustainable food production? Bright Biotech’s mission is to help cultivated meat producers and life sciences innovators create safer, more sustainable, and affordable products by providing the highest quality, eco-friendly and scalable growth factors. This aligns with our broader vision of revolutionising protein production through our Bright chloroplast technology, empowering innovation and driving a sustainable, brighter future. By enabling cost-effective and scalable production of essential proteins, we are contributing to a food system that reduces reliance on traditional animal agriculture and fermentation-based biomanufacturing. What makes your plant-based protein technology unique in the cellular agriculture space? For cellular agriculture to achieve price parity with conventional meat, growth factors must be produced at low cost and large scale. Our chloroplast-based expression system meets these needs by offering a sustainable, scalable alternative to traditional fermentation-based growth factor production. With high yields and a low resource footprint, our platform ensures that cultivated meat producers can scale efficiently, overcoming one of the biggest cost barriers in the industry. How does the process of transforming chloroplasts into bioreactors work, and what advantages does this offer over other biotechnological methods? Our chloroplast transformation process is a precisely controlled method that leverages the unique properties of plant chloroplasts to achieve high-yield, scalable and biosafe protein production. Compared to other biotechnological approaches, such as microbial fermentation (bacteria/yeast), mammalian cell culture and nuclear plant transformation, our platform offers distinct advantages in efficiency, stability and cost-effectiveness. How chloroplast transformation works Precise gene targeting with homologous recombination. The DNA we introduce includes guiding sequences (called homologous arms) that match specific locations in the chloroplast genome. When the plant’s natural repair system detects this new DNA, it precisely integrates it at the intended spot, ensuring reliable expression. Using biolistics for DNA delivery. We coat microscopic gold particles with the target DNA and delivered into plant cells using a biolistic system. Once inside, the DNA naturally finds its way to the chloroplasts and integrates through the plant’s own mechanisms (homologous recombination). Selecting successfully modified plants. Only plant cells that have successfully incorporated the new gene continue to grow, using a marker system that allows us to easily identify them. These transformed cells develop into full plants in a controlled environment. Ensuring safety and containment. Unlike traditional GMOs, chloroplast DNA is inherited only through the mother plant, meaning it does not spread through pollen. This ensures tight genetic containment, eliminating concerns about cross-pollination with other crops. Nicotiana is a genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the family Solanaceae What are the distinct advantages of chloroplast transformation? 1. Superior yield and genetic stability Chloroplast bioreactors: Achieve up to 5g of recombinant protein per kg of leaf biomass, one of the highest yields among plant-based expression systems. Microbial fermentation (bacteria/yeast): Often produces lower yields, requiring expensive fermentation tanks and media. Mammalian cell culture: High-cost production with stringent growth conditions, slow scalability and contamination risks. Nuclear plant transformation: Prone to gene silencing and unpredictable expression due to random gene insertion. 2. Cost-effective and scalable production Chloroplast bioreactors: Seed-based expansion enables rapid, large-scale production at a low cost. Microbial fermentation and mammalian cell culture: Require controlled bioreactors, expensive growth media, and complex purification steps. Nuclear plant transformation: Low expression levels make it inefficient for commercial-scale production. 3. High containment and regulatory advantage Chloroplast bioreactors: Chloroplast DNA is inherited only through the mother plant, meaning it does not spread through pollen. This ensures genetic containment, addressing GMO-related regulatory concerns. Microbial fermentation and mammalian cell culture: Risk of contamination with endotoxins, prions or viral particles. Nuclear plant transformation: Gene escape via pollen can cause regulatory and environmental concerns. By combining high yield, genetic stability, cost efficiency and biosafety, our chloroplast-based platform stands out as a transformative approach for producing recombinant proteins at scale. Can you share any insights into your debut products and how they contribute to the growing trend of plant-based food innovation? Our debut products are TGF-β3 and FGF2, These essential proteins play a crucial role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue development, forming the foundation of cellular agriculture. Growth factors represent one of the most significant cost bottlenecks in cultivated meat production, often accounting for a large percentage of the final product price due to their expensive manufacturing processes. Traditionally, these proteins are produced using microbial fermentation (eg. E. coli , yeast), which involves complex purification to remove endotoxins or mammalian cell culture, which is costly and dependent on expensive growth media. Our molecular farming platform offers a revolutionary alternative that enables: Affordable production – Our method significantly reduces production costs, making cultivated meat more economically viable. Animal-free production – Unlike conventional production, which may involve fetal bovine serum (FBS), our proteins are ethically produced with no animal components. Scalable and sustainable production – Using plant chloroplasts as bioreactors allows for large-scale protein production without the need for costly bioreactors or fermentation tanks. How does Bright Biotech see its technology contributing to both cellular agriculture and regenerative medicine? At Bright Biotech, we see molecular farming as a game-changer, redefining how we produce essential biomolecules across food, medicine, and beyond. Our chloroplast-based expression system isn’t just an alternative to conventional protein production—it’s a foundational platform for the future bioeconomy, enabling scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for industries that depend on high-value proteins. Cultivated meat Cultivated meat has the potential to transform our food system – delivering real meat without industrial farming. However, one major hurdle remains: the high cost and limited supply of growth factors, which are essential for cell growth but currently one of the most expensive components of cell culture media. At Bright Biotech, we eliminate this bottleneck with our high-yield, seed-amplified approach, enabling the production of these proteins at scale and at a lower cost of traditional methods. By making growth factors affordable, accessible and scalable, we help drive the commercial viability of cultivated meat, bringing it closer to mass-market adoption. Regenerative medicine The promise of regenerative medicine is extraordinary, using the body’s own biology to heal wounds, regenerate tissues and restore function. But one critical issue is stalling progress: the prohibitive cost of growth factors. Right now, many labs can’t afford the proteins they need to test their hypotheses, validate their research and push medical innovation forward. Scientists working on groundbreaking therapies are blocked before they even begin because the essential ingredients for their work are simply too expensive. This stifles innovation and delays life-changing treatments from ever reaching patients. Bright Biotech’s plant-based production system removes this bottleneck, creating a scalable and cost-effective supply of growth factors that makes experimentation, discovery and progress possible again. By reducing costs, we empower researchers to explore new frontiers in medicine, accelerating breakthroughs in cell therapies, wound healing and tissue engineering. What challenges have you faced as a start-up in this innovative space, and how have you overcome them? The cultivated meat industry was expected to grow quickly, but its progress has been slower than anticipated due to regulatory challenges, high costs and scaling difficulties. While cellular agriculture is still a promising solution for sustainable protein production, it is developing gradually. To adapt, we stay closely connected with industry players, refining our approach for long-term success. Instead of waiting for cultivated meat to take off, we are expanding into other markets where our plant-made growth factors can make an immediate impact. Our chloroplast-based technology has the potential to benefit multiple industries, and we are focusing on areas like life sciences and personal care, where we can create value right now. How do you ensure sustainability is embedded into your processes, from technology development to product production? Sustainability is core to Bright Biotech’s platform: Low resource consumption: Our plants use light, water, CO₂ and minimal nutrients compared to energy-intensive microbial fermentation. Reduced emissions: We eliminate the need for sterile bioreactors, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Scalability without continuous modification: Our seed-based system allows for continuous expansion without reintroducing genetic material in each cycle. Regulatory and biosafety measures: Our plants do not spread transgenes through pollen, ensuring environmental safety. What excites you most about the future of cultivated meat and their potential impact on the food industry? A game-changer for the environment: Traditional livestock farming is one of the biggest contributors to deforestation, water depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. Cultivated meat offers a way to produce high-quality protein with a fraction of the environmental footprint, helping to combat climate change while preserving biodiversity. Safer, more secure food supply: By moving meat production from farms to controlled environments, we can eliminate many risks associated with conventional agriculture, including zoonotic disease outbreaks and antibiotic resistance. This not only makes our food safer but also strengthens global food security. Scalability and innovation: Advances in cellular agriculture are constantly improving efficiency, lowering costs, and expanding product possibilities. As the technology matures, cultivated meat could become widely accessible, offering consumers an ethical and sustainable alternative without compromising on taste or nutrition. As a start-up, what advice would you give to others entering the cultivated food space, particularly those focusing on sustainability and scalability? Understand market needs: It’s not enough to develop a novel platform; aligning with industry needs ensures commercial success. Design for scalability from the start: Prioritise processes that reduce costs and allow seamless expansion. Engage with regulatory bodies early: Ensuring compliance is key to accelerating market entry. Build strategic partnerships: Collaboration with industry can drive adoption and accelerate commercialisation. Educate the public: Consumer and industry awareness of cellular agriculture benefits is essential for adoption.

Solar Foods is back in the news this week, as the Finnish food-tech company reveals an ambitious investment plan that could establish the largest emission reduction project in Europe. The initiative includes the development of Factory 02 , with potential expansion to two additional facilities, Factories 03 and 04, on the same site. Solar Foods specialises in producing Solein, a protein-rich food ingredient synthesised from carbon dioxide and electricity. The company’s first demonstration facility, Factory 01, has successfully validated its production capabilities at scale, making way for future expansions. Recently, Solar Foods signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two international customers, aiming to commercialise a total of 6,000 tonnes of Solein annually. This volume represents approximately 50% of the expected output from Factory 02, which has an annual capacity of 12,800 tonnes. The company is currently evaluating sites for the new facilities, with a potential location identified in Lappeenranta, Eastern Finland, which meets the project’s logistical and operational requirements. The investment decision is anticipated in 2026, and if realised, the three factories could collectively produce 50,000 tonnes of Solein per year. This production would utilise an estimated 120,000 tonnes of CO2 and 270MW of electricity annually, underscoring Solar Foods' commitment to sustainable practices. According to a lifecycle analysis conducted by the company, the environmental footprint of Solein is approximately 1% of that associated with traditional beef production. If Solein were to replace beef in the food system, the three factories could facilitate a greenhouse gas emission reduction of around 10 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. This figure represents nearly 25% of Finland's total annual emissions in 2023 and is comparable to the country’s annual road transport emissions. The establishment of Factories 02-04 is set to reinforce Finland's position as a leader in cellular agriculture. Solein production is particularly advantageous as it is not reliant on traditional agricultural inputs, such as land and favorable weather conditions. This independence enhances strategic food security and price stability, while also allowing for a high domestic production ratio of over 80%. Economically, the projected annual value of production from the three facilities is estimated at EUR 800 million, assuming Solein's market price aligns with that of whey protein isolate. This revenue could account for 50% of Finland's food, beverage and tobacco sector exports in 2025, thereby creating a significant new sector within the Finnish economy. Pasi Vainikka, CEO of Solar Foods, noted the transformative potential of this investment plan, stating: “This is to date Europe’s single largest emission reduction project. The economic value and contribution to Finnish exports of this plan are significant, considering the factories would create a whole new sector in the Finnish economy, as well as a high-tech industry.”

Onego Bio has announced plans to construct its flagship manufacturing facility in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. The facility, dedicated to producing Bioalbumen, a fermentation-derived egg protein powder, will occupy 25.9 acres within the county's Food and Beverage Innovation Campus. The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors approved the $777,000 purchase in December, marking a significant step forward for the local economy and the burgeoning field of cellular agriculture. Onego Bio's investment comes at a critical time for the egg market, which faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions and price volatility exacerbated by factors like Avian Influenza. By leveraging advanced fermentation technology, Onego Bio aims to produce egg protein that retains the taste, nutrition and functionality of traditional eggs while offering a 90% smaller environmental footprint. The new facility is projected to generate egg protein equivalent to that produced by 6 million laying hens, thereby enhancing supply reliability and cost stability for food manufacturers. Deb Reinbold, president of Thrive Economic Development, commented: “Onego Bio’s presence further solidifies Jefferson County as a leading destination for innovative food and beverage manufacturers.” This sentiment reflects the county’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge food technology. The establishment of Onego Bio's facility is expected to create numerous job opportunities and foster collaboration among local businesses. Michael Luckey, interim Jefferson County administrator, highlighted the investment as a testament to the county's ability to attract forward-thinking companies dedicated to economic growth and environmental stewardship. Visualisation of Onego Bio’s flagship manufacturing facility Onego Bio’s approach addresses the pressing need for diversified protein sources in the food industry, which consumes approximately one-third of all eggs produced for industrial use. By producing real egg protein outside the traditional supply chain, the company aims to mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions, ultimately contributing to long-term food security. Maija Itkonen, co-founder and CEO of Onego Bio, said: “We are committed to building a more resilient, sustainable food system – one that ensures stability for manufacturers, reduces supply chain volatility and supports long-term food security.” For Christopher Landowski, Onego Bio's co-founder and chief technology officer, this project holds personal significance. A Wisconsin native and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Landowski expressed pride in bringing the company’s first US manufacturing facility to his home state. He stated: “Wisconsin’s rich history in biotechnology and its innovative spirit make it the perfect place to scale Bioalbumen and transform the future of food production”. The development of Onego Bio's facility adds to a growing list of investments in Jefferson County, which has recently attracted major players like Kikkoman Corporation and Nestlé Purina. Kikkoman is currently constructing a 240,000 sq ft facility dedicated to soy sauce production, while Nestlé Purina has announced a $195 million expansion of its existing operations in the area.

New Wave Biotech has partnered with Multus to optimise biomanufacturing processes, achieving a remarkable 55% reduction in production costs for cultivated meat applications. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving efficiencies within the synthetic biology landscape, which is projected by McKinsey to reach a staggering $4 trillion annually over the next two decades. Despite the promising potential of synthetic biology, high R&D costs have impeded the sector's growth. Bringing new alternative protein products to market can cost millions, while biopharmaceutical developments may require billions. As such, companies like Multus are focusing on cost reduction strategies to enhance their competitive positioning in the burgeoning market for cultivated meat and biopharmaceuticals. Multus aims to make industrial biotech applications more economically viable by streamlining ingredient production processes. The company specialises in providing affordable and reliable media for cultivated meat production, which has traditionally been hindered by the high costs of bioprocess ingredients. New Wave Biotech has introduced a hybrid modeling software that combines AI with mechanistic modeling, specifically targeting downstream processing – a critical but often overlooked area of R&D costs in synthetic biology. By leveraging this technology, Multus sought to enhance its purification systems and co-develop functionalities essential for scaling operations. The collaboration commenced with New Wave designing a tailored work package for Multus, which included defining target production scales and addressing challenges like protein fouling. Utilising their Bioprocess Foresight platform, New Wave modeled Multus' existing processes, establishing a baseline for optimisation. This iterative approach involved four cycles of experimentation, where simulated data informed the development of optimised parameters for Multus to test. Cultivated meat has the potential to transform the food industry, but its path to commercialisation is hindered by one critical challenge: basal media. To unlock scalability and affordability, the industry must overcome these hurdles. Read Cai Linton, CEO of Multus Biotechnology's piece on how basal media bottlenecks are stalling progress and how innovative solutions can pave the way. The results of this partnership have been transformative. Multus reported an 8.6-fold increase in yield and a 37.4% reduction in processing time, significantly enhancing R&D efficiency. The ability of New Wave's software to adapt downstream processing parameters for specific batch outputs allowed for a more tailored approach, optimising production without requiring extensive data sets – achievements realised with just eight datasets. Further, Multus has eliminated unviable processes early in development, thus accelerating R&D timelines and improving unit economics. The collaboration has not only reduced production costs to commercially competitive levels but also doubled product concentration, establishing a robust foundation for future scalability. As Multus continues to refine its processes, there is potential for applying these advancements across different product lines. The integration of New Wave's new Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) functionality will further enhance Multus' understanding of cost structures, paving the way for more informed decision-making in product development. Cai Linton, CEO and o-founder of Multus, noted the significance of this partnership: “Combining AI and real-world data collection to produce cheaper and more scalable growth media ingredients helps us put our customers one step closer to making widely available and affordable cultivated meat a reality”. As the industry continues to mature, partnerships like that of New Wave and Multus will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, reducing costs and ultimately making sustainable food production more accessible.

In a move to enhance Portugal's agrifood landscape, Cell4Food and CoLab4Food have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research and innovation in the food sector. This collaboration seeks to develop cutting-edge, sustainable food solutions that prioritise food safety and industry impact. The partnership between Cell4Food, a leader in cellular agriculture, and CoLab4Food, an established research hub, aims to co-develop pioneering products that will redefine food production methodologies. By harnessing the potential of cell-based technologies, the initiative is set to position Portugal as a key player in the global agrifood innovation arena. Both organisations emphasise that their collaboration is not merely a formal agreement but a concerted effort to create meaningful advancements in food technology. This approach aligns with broader global trends that prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility in food production. The collaboration is expected to bolster Portugal's agrifood economy by fostering innovation that can lead to new market opportunities. Cell4food is a deep-tech biotechnology start-up with a B2B licensing model, focused on advancing cellular agriculture for seafood, including fish, molluscs and crustaceans. Colab4Food, menawhile, aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the food industry by fostering collaboration, driving innovation and advancing the circular economy. As the demand for sustainable food sources continues to rise, the development of cell-based solutions could meet consumer needs while reducing the ecological footprint of traditional food production methods. The focus on sustainability also reflects a growing awareness among consumers and businesses about the importance of environmentally friendly practices. By investing in innovative food technologies, Cell4Food and CoLab4Food aim to contribute to Portugal's economic growth while addressing pressing global food security challenges. As part of their joint efforts, Cell4Food and CoLab4Food will explore various avenues of research, including the development of new cell-based products and processes that enhance food safety and nutritional value. The collaboration is poised to draw on Portugal's rich agricultural heritage and expertise in food science to create solutions that resonate with both local and international markets.

Dutch start-up Vivici has achieved a significant milestone in the alternative protein sector by securing a ‘No Questions’ letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its precision-fermented whey protein, Vivitein BLG. This approval comes at a pivotal moment as the FDA reevaluates its Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) notification process, a move that could reshape the regulatory landscape for alternative proteins. Vivici submitted its GRAS notification to the FDA in July 2024 and received the favourable letter in February 2025. This expedited timeline reflects the thoroughness of Vivici's submission, which has been bolstered by the expertise of its team and its collaborations with established industry players like DSM-Firmenich and Fonterra. CEO Stephan van Sint Fiet noted that the approval enhances customer confidence in their product, positioning Vivici favorably within the rapidly growing active nutrition market. The active nutrition category, valued at approximately $28.4 billion globally in 2023, is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.5%. Vivici aims to capitalise on this momentum, having already secured initial customer offtake agreements for Vivitein BLG. The company is also pursuing regulatory approvals in other key markets, including the EU, UK, Canada and Singapore. The recent directive from Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to reassess the GRAS self-affirmation rule adds a layer of complexity for alternative protein start-ups. This regulatory scrutiny is seen as an effort to enhance transparency in food safety, but it also raises concerns about the potential impact on market access for precision fermentation products. Vivici’s beta-lactoglobulin, a bioidentical form of whey protein, is noted for its versatility in food applications, including meal replacements, functional beverages, and dairy alternatives. Notably, it boasts a carbon footprint 68% lower than conventional whey protein and requires 86% less water, aligning with sustainability goals in food production. In addition to its current offerings, Vivici plans to launch recombinant bovine lactoferrin later this year, an ingredient known for its iron-binding properties and high demand within the market. Van Sint Fiet indicated that achieving GRAS status for this new ingredient is critical for its successful rollout.