In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic impossibility to a key ally across multiple sectors, and one of the most promising is cultivated meat production. This disruptive technology is revolutionizing the way we envision the food of the future.
AI plays a transformative role in this process by optimizing every stage of the production chain—from initial cell selection to bioreactor design and the formulation of more efficient growth media. Thanks to its ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real time, predict outcomes, and automate complex tasks, artificial intelligence helps reduce costs, minimize the use of natural resources, and accelerate the scalability of this food alternative.
Moreover, its application enhances quality and safety standards. In a global context where the demand for protein grows alongside population increases and sustainability has become a priority, the combination of AI and food biotechnology represents a historic opportunity. It lays the groundwork for a fairer, more ethical, and environmentally friendly food system—three essential pillars for building a greener and more resilient planet.
Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Cell Cultivation
Cultivated meat production is a complex process that requires precise control from the start. Selecting the right cells is critical, as not all behave the same or have the same growth potential. This is where AI adds significant value. Using machine learning algorithms, it can analyze thousands of data points to quickly identify the cells with the best qualities, thus accelerating the initial cultivation phase. According to the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the use of AI can cut in half the time needed to identify and optimize new cell lines.
Once cultivation begins, AI allows for real-time adjustments of factors that influence cell growth, such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrients. This immediate response capability improves process efficiency, reduces errors, and ensures a high-quality final product. Additionally, it can predict cell behavior and suggest optimal conditions without requiring extensive experimentation.
Efficiency, Safety, and Sustainability Through AI
This technology not only enhances the precision of cell cultivation, but it is also helping to make cultivated meat production more environmentally friendly. For example, it can calculate how much energy and water is being used at each stage of the process and suggest ways to reduce consumption. It also helps track the carbon footprint of each production batch. This type of information is crucial for complying with European sustainability regulations, such as Regulation (EU) 2020/852, which aims to ensure that industrial activities are environmentally responsible.
Furthermore, automation powered by AI enables more stable large-scale production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this automation and the use of AI can increase the efficiency of biotechnological processes by up to 30%. In fact, one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is «zero hunger by 2030.»
The Challenges AI Faces
Although artificial intelligence is delivering highly promising results, there are still challenges to overcome. For example, it is essential to establish clear standards on how these systems should be used in food production processes, how to protect the data they generate, and how to train professionals to work with these technologies.
The European Commission has repeatedly emphasized that the combination of AI and biotechnology will be a key area for building a safer and more sustainable food system in the future. That is why it is supporting such initiatives through programs like Horizon Europe.
In short, artificial intelligence is playing a fundamental role in the advancement of cultivated meat. That’s why, at BioTech Foods, we believe that the future of food lies in integrating intelligent technologies with scientific research to offer solutions that address today’s challenges without compromising tomorrow’s resources.
