UK cell-based meat start-up Ivy Farm has announced the appointment of Harsh Amin as its new CSO, supporting its R&D and scale-up plans.

The strategic hire is set to provide Ivy Farm with more “strength and support” to deliver its R&D strategy and scale-up plans, as it embarks on commercialisation.

Amin has over 15 years of experience in the biotechnology and biopharma industries, with an extensive background in stem cell biology, tissue engineering and cell culture media development. This positions him to navigate these complexities and propel Ivy Farm towards successful commercialisation.

Amin’s experience includes the role of R&D director at biopharmaceutical manufacturer Lonza, where he led the company’s R&D centre in cell culture media development. Prior to that he held a senior role at Oxford-based biotechnology company Evox Therapeutics.

Commenting on his appointment Amin said: “I am thrilled to be joining Ivy Farm at such a pivotal time in its product development journey. Cultivating meat is a complex scientific process, and looking at the overall landscape within this industry, Ivy Farm has already done a terrific job in addressing critical challenges. With the experience I’ve gained over the years in the adjacent biotech and biopharma industries, I look forward to helping the team finish the job – scale-up, and ultimately, make the product commercially viable so we can bring a sustainable real meat option to consumers.”

Rich Dillon, Ivy Farm’s CEO, added: "Amin’s expertise and impressive track record in developing and implementing robust R&D strategies will be invaluable as we continue our journey to revolutionise the food industry. We're confident his leadership will enable us to overcome the industry's challenges and bring our sustainable, guilt-free real meat to market.”