Precision fermentation firms Vivici and The Every Company have formed a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to advance a protein fermentation ecosystem in the Abu Dhabi
The alliance includes the potential development of a 4millionlitre industrial facility.
The proposed site is intended to produce alternative proteins at scale, supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitions in future food systems and consolidating its position as a regional centre for biotechnology and innovation.
Protein fermentation uses microorganisms to generate high-value proteins and ingredients, offering an option beyond conventional animal-based production.
The initiative aligns with the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, which focuses on food security and water stewardship through advanced technologies and international partnerships.
According to the partners, anchoring a large-scale fermentation plant in Abu Dhabi would bolster regional food resilience and integrate the emirate more deeply into global protein supply chains.
Plans encompass the design, financing and commercialisation of a facility built to stringent food safety requirements.
Vivici CEO Stephan van Sint Fiet said: “Vivici was founded to make the promise of precision fermentation a commercial reality and meet the world’s growing need for nutritious and sustainable proteins, and we are excited to expand this journey in Abu Dhabi.
“The emirate provides a unique combination of capital, talent and infrastructure that enables rapid growth while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. Together with ADIO and our partners, we will help establish Abu Dhabi as a hub for next-generation food innovation.”
The partners intend to create a multi-tenant site to accommodate additional fermented-protein companies over time.
Alongside the plant, the collaboration will work on establishing a regulatory framework for fermented proteins to enable clear approval pathways in the UAE and neighbouring markets.
The parties will also assess export opportunities via the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, positioning Abu Dhabi as a gateway to growth markets across Asia, Africa and Europe.
The partnership includes engagement with universities, research bodies and training providers to support skills development in biotechnology and food science, build a domestic talent pipeline and encourage international knowledge exchange.
The EVERY Company CEO Arturo Elizondo added: “EVERY exists to make egg proteins a staple for every food company in the world –– without the risks of avian flu, supply shortages, or salmonella.
“The UAE and wider region stand to benefit tremendously from protein independence and we’re excited to support ADIO and our partners to build this ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and demonstrate how cutting-edge biotechnology can be deployed at scale to transform global food systems.”
