Pioneering researchers at the University of Helsinki’s HiLIFE (Helsinki Institute of Life Science) have developed an innovative technology aimed at revolutionizing the cultivated meat industry. Led by Pekka Katajisto, the team at the Myocopia project has created a method that could significantly reduce the costs associated with producing cultivated meat on a large scale.
The core challenge in cultivated meat production is the high cost of growth factors needed to stimulate cell growth and differentiation in bioreactors. These expenses have been a major barrier to producing meat in sufficient quantities economically. However, Myocopia’s researchers have discovered a new way to control cellular metabolism that eliminates the need for these costly growth mediums.
This innovation enables cells to multiply and differentiate effectively without the traditional growth mediums, potentially transforming the industry. The new technology allows cells to keep expanding in a cost-effective manner until the bioreactor is full. Then, by manipulating their metabolism, the cells can be instructed to form meat. This breakthrough extends the cells’ growth phase beyond current methods and allows for precise control in bioreactors.
Following initial promising results funded by HiLIFE Proof of Concept, the team received a two-year “Research to Business” grant from Business Finland to commercialize the technology. This phase aims to validate the process on commercially relevant meats such as beef, pork, and chicken.
Rather than producing cultivated meat themselves, the Myocopia team plans to establish a spinout company to license their technology. They are in the process of securing patents and anticipate beginning discussions with venture capital funds by 2025. Their goal is to support the approximately 150 companies currently developing cultivated meat products by providing innovative solutions like a specialized growth-stimulating cocktail for existing bioreactors.
Myocopia is actively seeking corporate partners to pilot their growth media replacement method and is open to discussions with investors interested in biotechnology startups poised to transform food production.
The team aims to deepen their market understanding and fine-tune their technology, with the potential to dramatically enhance the viability and scalability of cultivated meat production.
For more information, visit the University of Helsinki’s Myocopia project website.
