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Steakholder Foods Advances in 3D-Printed Seafood with New SIIRD Grant Installment

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (NASDAQ: STKH), an innovator in alternative proteins and 3D food printing, has reached another milestone in its development of plant-based seafood alternatives, securing a second payment of $270,000 from a grant awarded by the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD). This latest installment brings Steakholder Foods’ funding from SIIRD to $490,000 out of a total grant of $1 million, a financial boost aimed at supporting the company’s work in 3D-printed, plant-based fish and eel products. The project, backed by SIIRD’s resources, marks another step forward for Steakholder Foods as it continues its shift from R&D to revenue-generating commercialization.

This grant installment was triggered by Steakholder Foods’ progress in creating plant-based 3D-printed fish and eel, adding to a lineup of sustainable protein alternatives the company has pioneered. Steakholder’s ongoing efforts in developing unique premix formulations to replicate the texture and flavor of eel, in particular, reflect the company’s commitment to innovation in food technology. With a focus on products that appeal to consumer preferences for taste and texture, Steakholder’s developments are geared towards a growing market eager for more sustainable and plant-based options.

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth in the Alternative Protein Sector

Since its founding in 2019, Steakholder Foods has positioned itself as a leader in alternative proteins, utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing to replicate the textures and flavors of traditional meats and seafood. In early 2024, the company transitioned from R&D into commercialization, signing agreements with key partners to bring its proprietary technologies to market. These partnerships, including collaborations with Wyler Farm and Bondor Foods, aim to expand the availability of Steakholder’s plant-based alternatives across multiple regions.

In March, Steakholder Foods reached its first SIIRD milestone with the successful production of 3D-printed hybrid fish, leveraging its proprietary Printer HD144 and Drop Location in Space (DLS)™ printing technology. The company has also expanded its product lines with new fish and eel alternatives, achieving progress that earned this second SIIRD grant installment. The grant not only provides valuable funding but also reinforces Steakholder’s credibility within the alternative protein industry as it strives to meet growing global demand for plant-based foods.

Market Demand and Growing Consumer Interest

The alternative protein market is witnessing significant growth, driven by rising consumer awareness of health, sustainability, and ethical considerations. Analysts project that the sector, currently valued at $76.3 billion, could reach $423 billion by 2033 as consumer interest in plant-based and sustainable food options continues to rise. As Steakholder Foods builds out its seafood alternatives, the company is well-placed to capture market share among consumers seeking ethical, sustainable food sources without sacrificing taste or quality.

Steakholder Foods’ 3D printing capabilities have enabled it to craft realistic textures in plant-based products that resonate with consumers. By replicating traditional protein sources like beef, white fish, shrimp, and eel, Steakholder aligns itself with the shifting market dynamics that favor plant-based proteins over conventional meat. The recent launch of its demonstration center in Israel further underscores its commitment to driving consumer interest and showcases the production capabilities of its 3D printing technology.

Revenue Generation and Financial Milestones

A key element of Steakholder Foods’ strategy has been its focus on building revenuestreams through strategic partnerships. In 2024, the company received initial purchase orders from Wyler Farm for its SH™-Beef premix blend and Bondor Foods for proprietary plant-based premixes used in producing white fish and salmon patties. These purchase orders represent a shift toward recurring revenue and serve as proof of concept for Steakholder’s technology and products.

To bolster its commercial reach, Steakholder opened a state-of-the-art Demonstration Center in September 2024, where potential partners can view live demonstrations of its 3D printing technology. The center provides an immersive experience in plant-based meat production, including tasting sessions that showcase the quality of Steakholder’s alternatives. This hands-on approach has proven to be an effective tool for generating interest and expanding the company’s network of clients and partners.

Financially, Steakholder Foods has also implemented cost-saving measures, reducing its net losses by 53% year-over-year as of the first half of 2024. By securing non-dilutive funding sources like the SIIRD grant and managing operational costs, the company has positioned itself for a path toward potential profitability. CEO Arik Kaufman noted that while initial revenues are modest, they signal the early stages of a recurring revenue model that could drive long-term growth.

Looking Ahead: New Frontiers for Steakholder Foods

The $270,000 SIIRD installment is not only a financial boost but a recognition of Steakholder Foods’ advancements in 3D-printed plant-based seafood. The funding enables the company to continue refining its products and bringing new textures, flavors, and food formats to market. Steakholder is currently developing a 3D-printed eel prototype using innovative premixes, a product designed to meet specific consumer demands in texture and taste.

As the company progresses through its next phases of development and partnership building, it is also exploring potential high-impact agreements that could further expand its reach. In discussions for an international agreement set to close in early 2025, Steakholder Foods aims to leverage its advanced technology to scale production and broaden its market presence.

With the alternative protein and 3D food printing markets projected to experience exponential growth, Steakholder Foods appears well-equipped to be at the forefront of this transformation. The company’s journey from R&D to commercialization underscores its commitment to sustainability and technological innovation, setting a solid foundation for future growth. As demand for sustainable food options intensifies, Steakholder Foods could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food production.

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This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as financial, investment or any form of professional advice, recommendation or endorsement. The Author, Global Markets News Network, is a commercially operated digital brand compensated by the above mentioned company to provide coverage of its news and developments, among other things. Readers are encouraged to read the the full disclaimers and disclosures document that the article is subject to, detailing financial compensation and commercial relationships. This article may include forward looking statements which cannot be guaranteed as discussed in the documentation.