Government Funding in Lab-grown Seafood and Cultured Meat Sector

Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in light of lab-grown seafood firm Avant Protein and other lab-cultured meat companies winding up (a) how much funding from the Government has been invested into this sector; and (b) what is the Government's updated strategy for this sector, if any.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The global alternative protein industry, including lab-grown and cultured meat companies, has faced hurdles in scaling up due to higher production costs and weaker than expected consumer acceptance. Nevertheless, there is potential in the sector. Hence, agencies remain committed to supporting the sector, such as through commercialisation and research and development (R&D) efforts.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) supports the sector through investments in R&D of higher learning and research institutions, to build capabilities in process development and nutrition and functionality of alternative proteins. SFA has awarded a total of $64 million to 21 multi-year projects since 2024 under RIE2025.