Biokraft Foods Is Using 3D Bioprinting to Create the Meat of the Future
Biotechnology and 3D printing team up to make ethical and sustainable meat
Imagine a world where meat is crafted, not raised. A world where biotechnology and 3D printing team up to create not just sustainable, but ethical and identical alternatives to meat. This is the vision that drives Biokraft Foods.
The Mumbai-based biotech startup is focusing on developing cultivated chicken using in-vitro cell culture and 3D bioprinting, on a mission to feed the growing population without compromising the planet's well-being.
Addressing the challenges of traditional animal agriculture
Biokraft Foods was born from a vision to confront the complex issues associated with traditional animal agriculture. With the global population projected to reach ~10 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable food production methods has never been more pressing.
Despite all the negative consequences of traditional agriculture, the world continues to eat more meat. But traditional agriculture cannot keep up with the world's insatiable appetite for meat.
India is one of the leading producers of poultry meat in the world. The increase in both the average income levels and urbanization rates has resulted in a substantial increase in poultry demand over the years. Biokraft Foods recognizes that the current trajectory is neither sustainable nor ethical.
3D bioprinting to craft cultivated meat
By using its 3D bioprinting technology, the company can precisely replicate the textures and flavours of traditional meat, aiming to make it easier for consumers to switch to cultivated alternatives. The company strategically aligns its focus on the Indian and Singaporean markets, recognizing their significant demand for meat products.
Biokraft Foods stands at the intersection of two rapidly growing industries:
Valued at $246.9 million in 2022.
Compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 51.6% from 2023 to 2030.
Valued at $201 million in 2022.
CAGR: 57.3% from 2022 to 2027.
Meet the team
The founder of Biokraft Foods, Kamalnayan Tibrewal, holds an M.Tech in Green Technology from the Institute Of Chemical Technology (ICT). His research experience in cultivated meat and 3D bioprinting is at the core of the company's mission.
Kamalnayan’s contribution to building a better bioeconomy goes beyond Biokraft Foods. As the President of the GFI's Mumbai Smart Protein Project chapter, he is actively involved in promoting alternative proteins among budding researchers. Together with GFI, Kamalnayan is nurturing a community of changemakers, exploring innovative solutions to feed the world sustainably.
Dr. Ratnesh Jain, a distinguished advisor and mentor at Biokraft Foods, brings extensive knowledge in biopharmaceuticals and bioprocess technology. As an Associate Professor at ICT Mumbai, Dr. Jain combines academic excellence with industry experience, making him a valuable asset to Biokraft Foods.
The path forward
Biokraft Foods recently secured incubation at ICT-NICE, one of India's esteemed incubators, providing the necessary infrastructure and collaborative support. The company has set its sights on establishing an independent R&D and manufacturing facility by the end of 2025.
Biokraft Foods has already developed the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and anticipates having a viable prototype and MVP by mid-2024. Looking ahead to early 2025, the company’s focus will shift to initiating regulatory filings, pre-commercialization efforts, and conducting trials, all with the ultimate goal of commercializing its product and technology by 2026.
Furthermore, Biokraft is in the process of filing an intellectual property (IP) application related to its 3D Bioprinting technology, which is instrumental in the development of its cultivated meat product.
Biokraft Foods is currently focused on obtaining non-dilutive funding, such as research grants, to secure the necessary seed capital. The capital will help the company accelerate its R&D efforts and team expansion.
Want to learn more about Biokraft? Reach out to the founder Kamalnayan Tibrewal or check out the website.
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