NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), the investment arm of NEOM, has announced a strategic investment in Liberation Labs. This collaboration aims to establish a precision-fermentation facility for Topian, NEOM’s food company, in the Kingdom.
Liberation Labs specializes in precision fermentation biomanufacturing. Its purpose-built facilities produce essential food ingredients sustainably and efficiently. This method provides a scalable alternative to conventional food production, enabling the creation of high-value proteins without animal involvement.
Majid Mufti, CEO of NIF, highlighted the significance of this partnership. He stated that it marks a vital step toward making NEOM a global hub for sustainable food production. Mufti believes that Liberation Labs’ expertise will help position NEOM as a leader in the biomanufacturing sector.
Mark Warner, Founder and CEO of Liberation Labs, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. He noted that developing their first Middle Eastern site with NIF and Topian presents a unique opportunity. Warner emphasized the potential to blend their biomanufacturing capabilities with the missions of Topian and NIF.
Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, also commented on the project’s importance. He stated that the new facility will transform food systems to meet the needs of a growing population and address climate challenges. Motamayor added that the facility would facilitate efficient, sustainable production of key food ingredients and alternative proteins.
The investment aims to reduce food imports while boosting food security in the Kingdom. Additionally, it is expected to create new economic opportunities and skilled jobs, providing Saudi Arabia a competitive edge in the emerging novel-food sector.
This strategic investment underscores NIF’s commitment to developing scalable solutions that benefit both Topian’s business and Saudi Arabia’s position in advanced food biomanufacturing.
