Saudi Arabia to Host New Precision Fermentation Hub Through Liberation Labs and NEOM Partnership
Liberation Labs, a biomanufacturing company supported by Agronomics, has joined forces with the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF) to establish an advanced precision fermentation facility in Saudi Arabia. The goal is to produce dairy alternatives without relying on traditional livestock.
Through this collaboration, the partners aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s food security and lay the groundwork for a domestic precision fermentation industry. The facility will support Topian, NEOM’s dedicated food company, in developing a sustainable food production system using precision fermentation technology. This approach promises to reduce dependency on imported food while generating high-quality alternative proteins in a controlled environment, helping to counteract climate and resource challenges.
Key leaders in the project have emphasized its importance. Jim Mellon, executive chairman of Agronomics, praised NEOM’s commitment to reshaping food infrastructure, stating that the Kingdom is taking bold steps to lead this growing industry. Similarly, Mark Warner, co-founder and CEO of Liberation Labs, highlighted how this facility will integrate with NEOM’s vision for sustainable food systems, serving as a model for future regional developments.
The partnership will start with a feasibility study to determine the best location, timeline, and design for the facility. Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s food security strategy, create economic opportunities, and introduce high-skilled jobs in the alternative protein sector.
Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, emphasized the project's potential to transform food production, reducing imports while improving local food security. This aligns with NEOM’s ambition to become a global hub for sustainable food innovation.
By leveraging precision fermentation technology, this collaboration positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in alternative proteins while setting the stage for future advancements in food production across the region.