Indian cultivated meat startup Biokraft Foods has developed what is claimed to be the country’s first cultivated trout fillet in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR).
Through the partnership, the organizations have developed fish cell lines from native Indian species such as rainbow trout. Using proprietary 3D bioprinting technology and bioink, Biokraft Foods transforms the cells into whole-cut cultivated fish that is said to be structurally and nutritionally on par with conventional trout.
Trout traditionally has limited availability in India due to geographical and climatic constraints, but Biokraft Foods aims to address cost and accessibility challenges, providing a reliable year-round supply chain. The cultivated trout could also help eliminate reliance on antibiotics and avoid contaminants such as microplastics.
“At ICAR-CICFR, our mandate has been to promote sustainable coldwater fisheries through advanced research and innovation,” said Principal Scientist Dr Amit Pande. “The collaborative development of India’s first cultivated trout product with Biokraft Foods exemplifies how academic institutions and emerging industry players can jointly contribute to the evolution of alternative protein sources. This initiative not only aligns with our vision of conserving aquatic biodiversity, but also opens up new avenues for cell-based aquaculture research in India.”
“Intersection of innovation and sustainability”
The partnership between Biokraft Foods and ICAR-CICFR (previously known as ICAR-DCFR) was first announced last year. The startup’s technology was initially developed to produce cultivated chicken, which was debuted at a tasting event in Mumbai in December. However, Biokraft Foods is now expanding its line with cultivated seafood.
The company plans to open a dedicated R&D and pilot facility by the end of 2025, with the aim of achieving a full commercial rollout of its cultivated meat and seafood products by the end of 2026. Biokraft Foods is also working closely with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as the country moves toward regulatory clarity for cell-based foods.
“At Biokraft Foods, we believe the future of food lies at the intersection of innovation and sustainability,” said Kamalnayan Tibrewal, founder and CEO of Biokraft Foods. “Our partnership with ICAR-CICFR marks a significant milestone — launching India’s first cultivated trout product, a breakthrough that preserves our precious aquatic biodiversity and brings cleaner, cruelty-free fish to the plate. Through this initiative, we’ve demonstrated how industry-academia collaboration can drive meaningful innovation and create scalable solutions for the future of food.”
