2024 Global Climate Challenge
UMAMI BIOWORKS CULTIVATED SEAFOOD PRODUCTION
What is the name of your solution?
UMAMI BIOWORKS CULTIVATED SEAFOOD PRODUCTION
Provide a one-line summary of your solution.
Powering cultivated seafood adoption by providing the tech platform for seafood producers to make cultivated fish.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
SingaporeIn what country is your solution team headquartered?
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
Only 7% of global fisheries are sustainable but seafood demand will grow 50% by 2050. Aquaculture can't keep up with demand and there are more than 2 dozen species we cannot farm that we are driving extinct due to overfishing for human consumption. Our seafood supply is also increasingly contaminated with heavy metals, microplastics, parasites, and antibiotics and global fishing contributes more GHG emissions than the entire aviation sector. We need novel, more sustainable methods to produce the additional 100 million tons of seafood needed by 2050 if we are to feed humanity while preserving and restoring our planet. Our goal is to be the "Intel inside" the seafood industry to allow the world's largest seafood businesses (suppliers, value-added producers) to help us produce millions of tons of cultivated seafood that help them overcome dwindling traditional supply, meet latent demand, and achieve their climate and sustainability goals. For our partners, we enable full supply chain traceability, localized production, and access to stable, year-round supply without the volatility of traditional fisheries. Our cell cultivators will also be more profitable for partners than operating a fishing fleet, providing a clear financial incentive for partners to co-invest in joint ventures or to license our technology and a path to achieving the scale required to make our food system more stable, secure, and sustainable.
What is your solution?
Umami Bioworks is a B2B company pioneering CultivateOS, a modular, standardized, automated production platform for cultivating 'not caught' seafood. We are bringing novel stem cell biology, machine learning, and automation together to create the "Intel Inside" cultivated seafood production, empowering traditional seafood suppliers to produce a stable, resilient, local supply of seafood products free from mercury, antibiotics, microplastics, and ocean pollutants. We license our production platform (inputs plus process architecture and automated control system) to seafood producers in exchange for a royalty on their revenue.
Our competitive advantage lies within the core of our operational processes:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): At Umami, we proudly hold the distinction of being the pioneers in establishing Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from fish. This groundbreaking achievement empowers us to expedite the creation of muscle and fat tissues with unmatched efficiency and affordability. Unlike any other, our singular production line enables this revolutionary feat.
Continuous Production Innovation: We are leading the way in revolutionizing the manufacturing of fish cells through our continuous production process. This innovative approach elevates productivity to unprecedented levels, boasting a tenfold increase over traditional batch methods. Moreover, it significantly reduces factory Capital Expenditure (CapEx) by approximately sevenfold, thus optimizing operational costs.
Machine Learning Integration in Biomanufacturing: Our commitment to innovation extends to biomanufacturing through the development of ALKEMYST. This pioneering machine learning toolkit is instrumental in expediting process development and enabling the automation of process control. ALKEMYST is poised to redefine the landscape of biomanufacturing.
Algae-Based Serum Replacement: Umami takes pride in introducing a game-changing advancement by replacing animal serum with novel, algae-derived extracts. This sustainable and cost-effective alternative serves as the 'secret sauce' underpinning our production processes. Not only does this solution align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances our overall production efficiency.
In essence, our distinct processes are the driving force behind Umami's competitive edge, propelling us to new frontiers of excellence and sustainability in the biotech industry.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Cultivated seafood has a range of benefits that we believe will appeal to a range of consumers. We can produce fish that is free from heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotics yet still has excellent nutrition and flavor. We can locally produce endangered species that are typically expensive and difficult to find, reducing emissions from shipping these fish around the world, preserving biodiversity in our oceans, and creating a stable supply and market price for these species. And we can avoid ecosystem damage and bycatch from industrial fishing practices, enabling consumers to access the fish they want while restoring and rewilding our oceans.
We have developed an impact model to assess our impact on key sustainability metrics that cover biodiversity, GHG emissions, and human health. For biodiversity, we track the offset/reduction of catch of ETP (endangered, threatened, and protected) marine species for our target species and the bycatch species. Our GHG metrics consider the production process and transportation and we also intend to track transportation distance to market to evaluate whether we are achieving our goal of distributed, local production. For human health, we evaluate reduction of pollutants consumed, including heavy metals, PCBs (dioxins), and microplastics from our production compared to the wild caught fish.
How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
Mihir Pershad brings a unique combination of technical depth and commercial acumen to building deep tech businesses that has helped him to build with a view toward modernizing and improving critical industries where transforming industries, rather than trying to supplant them, is the best path forward. He has successfully attracted top talent to Umami Bioworks and built a diverse team of scientists, bioengineers, and food industry experts, each with decades of expertise in their fields. He has effectively navigated the challenges of an emerging deeply technical industry, securing strategic partnerships with market leading industry stakeholders (Ajinomoto, Maruha Nichiro, Nestle, Asahi Kasei, Sumitomo, etc.) that will help to scale the business and position Umami Meats as a frontrunner in the cultivated space for years to come.
With our dedicated team led by Mihir, Umami has made considerable progress in Japan, the critical market for global seafood thought leadership and acceptance. We have established commercial agreements with industry leaders like Ajinomoto, Asahi Kasei, and world-leading trading firms.
Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
Enable a low-carbon and nutritious global food system, across large and small-scale producers plus supply chains that reduce food loss.Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?
What is your solution’s stage of development?
PilotWhy are you applying to Solve?
Aside from connecting with potential investors, UMAMI Bioworks hopes to be able to network with potential strategic suppliers that can be a part of our end-to-end modular cultivated production platform as well as large food companies/subsidiaries that are looking to produce cultivated products under their own brand.
In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?
Who is the Team Lead for your solution?
Mihir Pershad
What makes your solution innovative?
Our competitive advantage lies within the core of our operational processes:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): At Umami, we proudly hold the distinction of being the pioneers in establishing Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from fish. This groundbreaking achievement empowers us to expedite the creation of muscle and fat tissues with unmatched efficiency and affordability. Unlike any other, our singular production line enables this revolutionary feat.
Continuous Production Innovation: We are leading the way in revolutionizing the manufacturing of fish cells through our continuous production process. This innovative approach elevates productivity to unprecedented levels, boasting a tenfold increase over traditional batch methods. Moreover, it significantly reduces factory Capital Expenditure (CapEx) by approximately sevenfold, thus optimizing operational costs.
Machine Learning Integration in Biomanufacturing: Our commitment to innovation extends to biomanufacturing through the development of ALKEMYST. This pioneering machine learning toolkit is instrumental in expediting process development and enabling the automation of process control. ALKEMYST is poised to redefine the landscape of biomanufacturing.
Algae-Based Serum Replacement: Umami takes pride in introducing a game-changing advancement by replacing animal serum with novel, algae-derived extracts. This sustainable and cost-effective alternative serves as the 'secret sauce' underpinning our production processes. Not only does this solution align with our commitment to sustainability, but it also enhances our overall production efficiency.
In essence, our distinct processes are the driving force behind Umami's competitive edge, propelling us to new frontiers of excellence and sustainability in the biotech industry.
Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.
This visionary approach envisions a future where cultivated fish products are synonymous with ethical and sustainable consumption. We champion collaboration, innovation, and responsible practices, ultimately redefining industry norms and paving the way for a more harmonious and progressive food system. Our platform empowers large seafood companies to leverage our end-to-end solution and cultivate high-quality products under their own brands. This translates into a range of benefits. Companies can adopt a system that supplements traditional fishing, ensuring a year-round supply of premium seafood. This, in turn, lessens the pressure on ocean ecosystems by reducing the need for overfishing. As we strive for price parity with traditional methods, this shift not only promotes responsible consumption but also creates the opportunity for ocean rewilding. By fostering a collaborative spirit and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we're paving the way for a future where delicious, sustainable seafood is readily available for all.
What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?
Here is a summary of how Umami Bioworks' cultivated seafood technology addresses various UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 2 Zero Hunger - Provides a sustainable protein source to help nourish growing populations while preserving endangered species in the ocean.
- SDG 12 Responsible Consumption - Enables responsible seafood consumption without depleting oceans and while protecting endangered species from extinction.
- SDG 13 Climate Action - Reduces seafood carbon emissions by enabling localized production using a cultivated process that is run on 100% renewable energy.
- SDG 14 Life Below Water - Alleviates overfishing pressures, especially on ETP species, by providing a profitable, sustainable alternative production solution and enabling adoption by traditional seafood companies.
- SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals - Our tech platform model leads with engaging local partners to enable regional production of cultivated fish, localized product branding and messaging, and 'spec-in' of large, established suppliers who can support scaling our process to deliver sustainable seafood for 2+ billion people.
Describe the core technology that powers your solution.
Here is a summary of how Umami Bioworks' cultivated seafood technology addresses various UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 2 Zero Hunger - Provides a sustainable protein source to help nourish growing populations while preserving endangered species in the ocean.
- SDG 12 Responsible Consumption - Enables responsible seafood consumption without depleting oceans and while protecting endangered species from extinction.
- SDG 13 Climate Action - Reduces seafood carbon emissions by enabling localized production using a cultivated process that is run on 100% renewable energy.
- SDG 14 Life Below Water - Alleviates overfishing pressures, especially on ETP species, by providing a profitable, sustainable alternative production solution and enabling adoption by traditional seafood companies.
- SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals - Our tech platform model leads with engaging local partners to enable regional production of cultivated fish, localized product branding and messaging, and 'spec-in' of large, established suppliers who can support scaling our process to deliver sustainable seafood for 2+ billion people.
Which of the following categories best describes your solution?
A new technology
How do you know that this technology works?
Advancements in Cell Lines & Media:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Milestone: Our achievement in establishing world-first mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from fish is truly groundbreaking. Remarkably, we've confirmed differentiation to muscle and fat within under five days using algae-based (serum-free) media. The exponential doubling times of approximately 24 hours post 150+ cell doublings showcase our success in cell immortalization.
Research Grants and Scientific Commitment: Grants: Since February 2023, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the notification of award for three grants, amounting to US$675,000. Among these, US$175,000 is attributed to UMAMI. These grants are a testament to our strong scientific foundations and unwavering dedication to achieving the fundamental breakthroughs necessary for the long-term success of cultivated products.
Machine Learning Advancements:
Proof of Concept for ALKEMYST: Our journey into machine learning is marked by a successful proof of concept for ALKEMYST, our ML platform. Notably, our digital twin simulations have showcased their value by accelerating scale-up from 250mL to 5L and significantly reducing the experiment burden for process development by an impressive 60%. These accomplishments collectively reflect our remarkable progress, strong scientific prowess, and unwavering dedication to advancing the cultivated industry. As we continue to push boundaries, we remain committed to shaping a more sustainable future for food production.
Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:
If your solution has a website or an app, provide the links here:
www.umamibioworks.com
In which countries do you currently operate?
How many people work on your solution team?
FT: 16, including 5 PhDs
How long have you been working on your solution?
4 years, since Feb 2020
Tell us about how you ensure that your team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.
- We encourage parents to take the time to support their kids as they grow by offering unlimited childcare and sick leave. We don't explicitly track this leave and actively encourage parents to take this leave when needed.
- We also offer unlimited paid leave with a requirement to take a minimum of 15 days per year. We want to set a standard that leave should be taken as and when employees are able and that "unlimited" should not be viewed as "as little as possible."
- We also implement flexible working hours and work from home schedules to enable our team members to accommodate the various activities they need to support their kids, whether picking up from day care, taking them to activities or appointments, etc.
- Regular 1-to-1s between team leads and team to access career growth plans and concerns
- Racially diverse team
What is your business model?
Umami Bioworks is a B2B company pioneering CultivateOS, a modular, standardized, automated production platform for cultivating 'not caught' seafood. We are bringing novel stem cell biology, machine learning, and automation together to create the "Intel Inside" cultivated seafood production, empowering traditional seafood suppliers to produce a stable, resilient, local supply of seafood products free from mercury, antibiotics, microplastics, and ocean pollutants. We license our production platform (inputs plus process architecture and automated control system) to seafood producers in exchange for a royalty on their revenue.
Our Go-To-Market strategy revolves around forging strategic partnerships with prominent entities in the fisheries, fish production, and food manufacturing sectors. Notably, we aspire to collaborate with esteemed names such as Maruha Nichiro, Ajinomoto, and Clearwater Fine Foods. The foundation of these partnerships will be built upon licensing and supply agreements, facilitating the integration of our cutting-edge tech platform into their operations for the cultivation of fish products. Our approach centers on an account-based sales process that unfolds in a series of meticulously planned steps. Initially, we initiate engagement through a Letter of Intent (LOI) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting the stage for discussions that encompass our shared vision and overarching goals. Subsequently, our collaboration takes shape as we embark on joint development efforts aimed at achieving targeted milestones of commercial readiness. The culmination of our collaborative journey is the execution of a comprehensive commercial licensing agreement, cementing the commitment of both parties to a mutually beneficial partnership. This agreement serves as the bridge between our technological prowess and their production capabilities, propelling us closer to shared success.
Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, to other organizations, or to the government?
Organizations (B2B)What is your plan for becoming financially sustainable, and what evidence can you provide that this plan has been successful so far?
Till date, we have raised $3.3 Million USD, and have recently merged Shiok Meats, our main competitor in Singapore. Beyond fundraising, this year we are poised to start earning revenue from our partnerships and have also started our pilot plant building in Malaysia as outlined below
Commercial Progress: We're thrilled to announce several pivotal achievements within our commercial endeavors:
Inaugural Customer Engagement: In February 2023, we've embarked on a remarkable journey with our first customer, Cell AgriTech (Malaysia). Their resounding commitment of approximately US$2 million stands as a testament to our technology's value. This substantial sum, designated for development costs and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) over 2023-24, is a strong indicator of our potential.
Strategic LOI Engagements: Our pursuit of excellence is further exemplified by securing Letters of Intent (LOIs) from two major food industry leaders. These LOIs serve as a foundational step toward the commercialization of eel and white fish products. Even more promising is the rich pipeline of LOIs in progress with esteemed seafood and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies. This robust engagement signifies our industry relevance and potential growth.
Innovative Pet Food Partnership: Our collaboration with Marina Cat marks a significant stride as we introduce our cultivated pet food product. This strategic partnership not only widens our portfolio but also outlines a clear route to revenue generation within the upcoming 4-5 months. This accomplishment underscores our strategic foresight and ability to translate innovation into tangible outcomes.
Solution Team
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Our Organization
UMAMI BIOWORKS PTE LTD