Thread by @KBW_Ventures

.@KhaledAlwaleed explains alternative proteins, the various types of startups working in food tech solutions, and cites data on GCC's reliance on imports, adding that Saudi's interest in #foodtech is leading the way alongside the UAE #KAUST_SustainableFoodSecurityKSA |
@kaustcda

"Education around precision fermentation & other types of food tech needs to be ramped up," -@KhaledAlwaleed adding that a barrier to mass adoption from a cultural perspective is global, not unique to any 1 region. "Regulatory approval is a must"
#KAUST_SustainableFoodSecurityKSA

"The companies KBW Ventures invests in are currently working across cell cultivation, fermentation, and plant-based food tech," - @KhaledAlwaleed naming KBW portfolio companies @TurtleTree_, @upsidefoods, @BlueNaluInc, @bondpetfoods.
#KAUST_SustainableFoodSecurityKSA |
@kaustcda

"I think we will see cultivated foods on plates sooner than you think. A lot of people in the industry give conservative timelines of 3-4 years; I'm going to predict as soon as 18 months," - @KhaledAlwaleed mentioning Singapore & Qatar #KAUST_SustainableFoodSecurityKSA @kaustcda

.@KhaledAlwaleed "One of the barriers to China, an extremely interesting market, is IP concerns." He adds that market entry in China & economy of scale will encourage price parity. "Regulators must approve then it's off to the races!"
#KAUST_SustainableFoodSecurityKSA @kaustcda

Prince @KhaledAlwaleed wraps up by enthusing the positive aspects of #foodtech: reduced chance of contamination, environmental plusses, health benefits, and highlights the potential and ease of feeding more people using less resources. #KAUST_SustainableFoodSecurityKSA @kaustcda