India’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a pioneering project to produce cell-based fish in India.

As reported by Indian news outlet The New Indian Express, CMFRI’s project intends to address the growing demand for sustainable seafood within the country.

The CMFRI has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Neat Meatt Biotech, a India-based start-up working towards developing cell-based meat, to launch this initiative in a public-private partnership mode. CMFRI director A Gopalakrishnan signed a MOU with co-founder and CEO of Neat Meatt Biotech, Sandeep Sharma.

According to the MoU, the CMFRI will carry out research on early cell line development of high-value marine fish species such as kingfish, pomfret and seer fish. This involves isolating and cultivating fish cells for further research and development. Additionally, CMFRI says it will handle genetic, biochemical and analytical work related to the project.

The institute is equipped with a cell culture laboratory, which will support its research in cellular biology.

Neat Meatt will lead the optimisation of cell growth media, the development of scaffolds or microcarriers for cell attachment and the scaling up of production through bioreactors. It will also provide necessary consumables, people and any additional equipment needed for the project.

CMFRI’s Gopalakrishnan said: “This public-private partnership marks a crucial step in bridging the gap between India and other nations like Singapore, Israel and the US, who are already advancing cultured seafood research.”

He continued: “Cell-based fish offers immense potential for environmental and food security benefits, and this collaboration leverages CMFRI's marine research expertise with Neat Meatt's technological know-how in this field, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for seafood production in India."

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