Singapore-based start-up Umami Bioworks has established operations in Wageningen, Netherlands, a hub known for its robust agrifood ecosystem.

This strategic expansion aims to advance sustainable food solutions and address the pressing challenges posed by traditional fishing practices, including overfishing and environmental degradation.

Founded in 2020, Umami Bioworks is focused on transforming the seafood industry by developing an automated, modular production platform for cultivated seafood. The company is dedicated to creating alternatives to conventional seafood that are not only nutritious and affordable but also environmentally sustainable.

With a product range that includes premium, endangered species such as eel, tuna and whitefish, Umami seeks to mitigate the supply limitations faced by these species in traditional aquaculture.

Umami’s innovative approach combines stem cell biology, machine learning and automation to produce seafood free from harmful contaminants such as mercury, antibiotics and microplastics.

This technology aims to deliver customised products that meet consumer expectations for taste, texture and overall experience, positioning Umami as a key player in the burgeoning field of cellular agriculture.

The decision to locate in the Netherlands was influenced by Umami's participation in the StartLife Accelerate program, which supports agrifood start-ups.

Founder Mihir Pershad noted the strategic advantage of the Netherlands' location between the US and Asia, as well as its established reputation for innovation in the agrifood sector. “The Dutch ecosystem felt like a natural fit for Umami Bioworks,” Pershad stated, highlighting previous collaborations with local companies.

The expansion was facilitated by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and the East Netherlands Development Agency, part of the Invest in Holland network.

One of the critical challenges for cultivated seafood in Europe is navigating the regulatory landscape for novel foods. While the US and Singapore have made strides in approving cultivated meat, the European Union's regulatory framework has been slower to evolve.

However, the Netherlands has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first European country to approve tastings of cultivated meat and seafood. Pershad noted the significance of this development, stating: “Tastings could provide momentum towards the approval of novel food like cultivated seafood”.

Umami Bioworks is actively working towards obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to bring its products to market, with plans to launch its first offerings by 2025.

As consumer interest in sustainable and ethically sourced food continues to grow, the company's advancements in cultivated seafood may play a crucial role in reshaping the future of the seafood industry.