About eight years ago, people laughed at me when I shared my goal to commercialize meat grown directly from animal cells so that we can make meat in a way that’s better for people, animals, and the planet. Today, while some skepticism persists, there is also growing support, increased media attention, expansion within the industry, and a sense of urgency driving this mission forward. I recently had the honor of sharing this journey and discussing the industry’s progress and next steps at the TED Countdown Series. The session focused on the question: Can we nourish 10 billion people while restoring the Earth? I firmly believe we can, and cultivated meat will play a crucial role. Some main points from my talk: 1️⃣ Cultivated meat is rooted in the principle that meat is fundamentally animal cells—why not grow these cells directly? 2️⃣ In less than a decade, the cultivated meat industry has made remarkable progress. There’s also still a lot of work ahead. Progress and challenges coexist. 3️⃣ We've shown that the science works, and that we can bring products safely into the world. Now, our focus is on scaling to meet the size of the problem we’re addressing. 4️⃣ The challenges ahead aren't just technological—they're also social and political. In the face of these headwinds, it’s those of us in the arena who must drive this innovation forward. 5️⃣ Throughout history, transformative innovations have triumphed over formidable opposition, reshaping societies for the better. Cultivated meat is no different. 6️⃣ We can't achieve this alone. Policymakers across party lines, consumers, investors, and the conventional meat industry have to come together in support. 7️⃣ It's time to view cultivated meat as a critical investment in our future to keep the foods we love on the table, while opening an enormous ethical, environmental and economic opportunity. 👉 You can watch the full talk here: https://bit.ly/4eudRcr #TEDCountdown #TED #CultivatedMeat #FutureOfFood #UPSIDEFoods
Uma Valeti: Is cultivated meat the future of food?
https://www.ted.com
Andrew Jay
4w
Labgrown meat will be a great help to the environment. And, the manufacturing process will improve over time. Lowering costs and improving quality. It is the future.
Your leadership was always an inspiration Uma
Well said, Uma!
Congress is working on a new Farm Bill right now. Who knows when/if it will pass, but I think our entire industry needs to come together and help include incentives for impact in food (just like we did for wind, solar, electric cars). We need to incentivize what we prioritize. Working on some senators on the Ag Committee right now. Lmk if you’d be interested in trying to consolidate resources. 💪🏻
About 18 years ago, I did a post-doc period working on cultured meat. The godfather of that project was Willem van Eelen, a truly inspiring man who wholeheartedly pushed this idea at a high age (his daughter Ira van Eelen keeps pushing it with the same passion to date). I will admit that at the time, I felt the idea was far fetched, but it did lay the foundations for Mosa Meat and the first lab-grown hamburger. It is good to see that I was wrong, and this idea has grown till an industry that is taking its place at the table (pun intended). I am looking forward to be able to consume meat that is much less of a burden to our planet!
Vimalraj R
4w
I think in the future, lab-grown meat may disrupt the broiler chicken industry in India. Consumers could have choices between lab-grown meat and traditional country meat, similar to the current options between broiler chicken and country chicken. Large-scale production of cultivated meat might lead to lower prices compared to traditional poultry. But the poultry industry will definitely oppose this. This could pose challenges for the existing poultry industry and its infrastructure. As of the 20th Livestock Census, India has approximately 851.8 million poultry birds. To navigate this transition, governments should implement measures that benefit both sides—supporting innovation while safeguarding existing livelihoods.
Lydia Chen
1mo
Just listened to this, these developments always keep me hopeful for our future. Even though your previous collaboration with Bar Crenn has ended, as we all enjoy delicious food, looking forward to a day when return as seen in the post https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/bar-crenn-upside-foods-lab-grown-chicken-1235499859/ "Upside Foods said that it will start working with Crenn and other chefs in March to serve its chicken at events."
Bruce Friedrich
1mo
Go Uma Go!!!!!! #inspiration!
Leading PR professional in sustainable biotech and foodtech
1moI heard you sharing your goal on Waking Up 8 years ago. It was the catalyst for me to upend my life, moving from Australia to the US to apply my expertise to this mission. While some may be skeptical, countless others were left deeply inspired, for that I’m certain; moved to turn their talents toward this audacious goal and the critically important work required to future-proof our food system. Behind you then and now. And all the moments in between.