Liberation Labs, a biomanufacturing scale-up backed by Agronomics, has announced a strategic partnership with the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF). This collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art precision fermentation facility in Saudi Arabia, which will focus on producing dairy alternatives without the need for traditional livestock.

This initiative comes at a critical time as Saudi Arabia grapples with significant food security challenges. Currently, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries import approximately 85% of their food, with Saudi Arabia alone importing 80%. The nation faces additional hurdles, as 90% of its land is deemed unsuitable for agriculture.

This new partnership is positioned as a vital step toward enhancing food security and fostering a home-grown precision fermentation industry in the region.

The facility will support Topian, NEOM’s dedicated food company, in developing a sustainable food production model that leverages precision fermentation technology. This method not only promises to reduce reliance on imported food but also aims to create high-quality, alternative protein sources that can be produced in a controlled environment, mitigating the risks associated with climate change and resource scarcity.

Jim Mellon, executive chairman of Agronomics, said: "Investing in clean food infrastructure supports both national priorities and transformational initiatives. NEOM, as a giga-project redefining the future of living and food systems within the Kingdom, is a powerful example".

He continued: "Such initiatives bolster Saudi Arabia’s food security, creating resilient food systems which can meet the demands of consumers and protect itself against the threat of climate change. The Kingdom is taking bold steps to lead in this emerging industry, and we are delighted to see Liberation Labs at the forefront of delivering this project.”

Liberation Labs specialises in creating biomanufacturing facilities that use precision fermentation to produce essential food ingredients. This technology offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to conventional food production methods, allowing for the creation of high-value proteins without the environmental impact associated with animal agriculture.

Mark Warner, co-founder and CEO of Liberation Labs, noted the significance of this project: "The establishment of our first site in the Middle East represents a unique opportunity to integrate our biomanufacturing capabilities with NEOM’s vision for sustainable food systems". The facility will also serve as a model for future projects in the region, potentially transforming local food production landscapes.

The collaboration will begin with a feasibility study to assess the optimal location, timeline, and design for the facility. Once operational, the precision fermentation plant is expected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s food security objectives, creating new economic opportunities and high-skilled jobs within the burgeoning alternative protein sector.

Dr Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, highlighted the potential for this facility to reshape food systems: "Our goal is to efficiently produce key food ingredients and alternative proteins, reducing food imports while enhancing local food security". This aligns with NEOM’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for sustainable food production.

The partnership between Liberation Labs and NEOM Investment Fund marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of precision fermentation technologies in Saudi Arabia. By addressing critical food security issues through innovative biomanufacturing solutions, this initiative not only positions the Kingdom as a leader in the alternative protein market but also sets a precedent for future collaborations in the region.