NEOM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BlueNalu, the global leader in the development of cell-cultured seafood. The partnership is aimed at progressing the commercialisation, marketing, and distribution of BlueNalu’s cell-cultured seafood products.
The company explained that cell-cultured seafood is “real seafood produced directly from fish cells.” The emerging technology can result in seafood that matches the taste, texture, and nutritional value of their conventional counterparts, while also being consistent, healthy, secure, and sustainable. A benefit of this production method is that it has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of protein production.
Core objectives of the MoU include supporting the establishment of an incubation and food innovation ecosystem in the Kingdom; public education and outreach activities; conducting extensive consumer research; and engaging with regulatory agencies to enable the approval and sale of these novel foods.
This partnership comes after the NEOM Investment Fund invested USD $20 million in BlueNalu. The funding will enable the next stage of BlueNalu’s growth and its continued progress toward scaling and commercialising its products.
Majid Mufti, Chief Executive Officer of NEOM Investment Fund, said that the investment in BlueNalu goes beyond financial backing: “It marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to fostering sustainable regenerative aquaculture and resilient food ecosystems. By aligning NEOM Food with BlueNalu’s trailblazing approach, we’re not just envisioning a sustainable future—we’re investing in the transformative technologies that make it achievable. This is yet another demonstration of how NEOM Investment Fund serves as a cornerstone in actualizing NEOM’s overarching vision.”
Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, Executive Director of NEOM Food, said: “NEOM is committed to building a resilient future, and our partnership with BlueNalu aligns perfectly with our goals. In BlueNalu, we have found the perfect nexus of visionary leadership, groundbreaking technology, and a holistic approach to product innovation. We look forward to working with them to shape a more sustainable and resilient food ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Lou Cooperhouse, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of BlueNalu, commented: “This collaboration with NEOM is a monumental step towards creating a more secure and accessible supply of seafood in the Kingdom. By combining our global expertise in cell-cultured seafood and the tremendous number of strategic partnerships we’ve developed to date at BlueNalu, together with NEOM’s extraordinary vision and resources, we can accelerate the development of innovative, renewable food solutions via cell-cultured seafood.”