A new report from technology forecasting firm GetFocus reveals that lab-grown meat technologies are advancing at a faster rate than traditional livestock farming, signaling potential for earlier-than-expected cost-competitive production.
The analysis, based on GetFocus’s proprietary Technology Improvement Rate (TIR) methodology, shows that bioreactors – the core technology for cultivated meat production – are doubling in capability every 3.6 years, a pace significantly ahead of conventional farming’s improvements. Since 2013, these bioreactors have demonstrated a consistent 20% improvement rate year-over-year, outpacing traditional agricultural methods, which require 4-5 years for equivalent progress.
From $330K to $12
According to GetFocus CEO Jard van Ingen, the data illustrates substantial technological advancement. “While many still view lab-grown meat as science fiction, the data paints a picture of rapid technological development,” he said. Van Ingen referenced the drastic reduction in cost, noting that a cultured meat burger that cost $330,000 in 2013 fell to under $12 by 2019.
The research also highlighted that cultivated ground meat is nearing full commercial deployment, particularly in products like burgers and nuggets. Muscle tissue cultivation has reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7-8, and fat cell cultivation sits at a TRL of 6, indicating substantial progress in bringing these products to market.
Tech breakthroughs
The global cultured meat sector now includes 174 companies and has attracted over $3 billion in investment. Leading firms, such as Upside Foods, GOOD Meat, Aleph Farms, and Meatable, are making progress in regulatory approval and scaling their production capabilities. In recent years, regulatory bodies have started granting approvals for cultured meat products. Singapore approved cultured meat for sale in 2020, followed by the US in 2023 for cell-cultivated chicken, and Israel in 2024 for cultured beef steaks from Aleph Farms.
The study identified key regions driving innovation, with the US and China leading in invention activity. Israel and the Netherlands are also notable players in the field, with early-mover advantages in both technological development and regulatory approvals. The report indicates that companies located in these regions are well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating pace of cultured meat development.
AI-powered forecasting
GetFocus’s analysis, which integrates artificial intelligence to assess global invention data, provides a more quantitative approach to forecasting technology adoption. The TIR methodology focuses on two key metrics: cycle time, or the speed at which technology evolves, and knowledge flow, which measures the impact of each advancement. This combination offers a clearer view of how quickly cultured meat could scale, moving beyond speculation to measurable progress.
With meat consumption projected to increase by 14% by 2030, according to the FAO, and the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming already considerable, cultured meat could play a significant role in addressing food sustainability challenges. While plant-based alternatives have faced sales declines in recent years, lab-grown meat technologies continue to show promise in bridging the gap between sustainability and consumer demand for meat products.
Download the full report here.
