The NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), the investment arm of NEOM, has announced a strategic investment in Liberation Labs, a leader in precision-fermentation biomanufacturing. This partnership aims to establish an advanced precision-fermentation facility in Saudi Arabia that will support Topian, NEOM’s food company, in developing novel food production methods.

Liberation Labs is known for creating biomanufacturing facilities that leverage precision fermentation to produce essential food ingredients. This innovative process provides a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional food production methods and allows for the creation of high-value proteins without using animals.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NIF, stated that this partnership represents a significant milestone in NEOM’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable food production. He emphasized that Liberation Labs’ expertise will accelerate NEOM’s efforts to adopt advanced food technologies and transform future food systems.

Mark Warner, Founder and CEO of Liberation Labs, expressed enthusiasm about developing their first site in the Middle East in collaboration with NIF and Topian. He noted that this partnership is an excellent opportunity to integrate their biomanufacturing capabilities with NEOM’s vision for food production.

Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, highlighted the potential of the new biomanufacturing facility to meet the demands of a growing population and adapt to climate changes. He mentioned that this initiative will improve food security and create high-skilled job opportunities, positioning Saudi Arabia competitively in the evolving novel-food sector.

The investment in Liberation Labs underscores NIF’s commitment as a strategic investor focused on scalable solutions that can elevate Saudi Arabia’s role in advanced food biomanufacturing.

NEOM, located in northwest Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea, is envisioned as a living laboratory and a hub for innovation, aiming to redefine the future of various sectors, including food production.