Industrial Visit to Cell AgriTech: A Glimpse into the Future of Biotechnology

On 26 July 2024, a group of students and faculty from IMU’s School of Health Sciences Medical Biotechnology programme had the unique opportunity to visit Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd located in Perai, Penang. Cell AgriTech is Malaysia’s first cultivated meat company and the 3^rd behind only Singapore and the United States in approval to manufacture and sell cultivated meat on a large scale.  This visit offered us a firsthand look at how cutting-edge technology is being applied to address some of the most pressing challenges in food safety, food production and sustainability.

The visit began with a warm welcome from the Cell AgriTech team, followed by an insightful introduction to the company’s mission and recent achievements. The company’s work in developing sustainable, cultivated meat was particularly fascinating. We were introduced to their innovative approaches to cell culture technology, which promises to revolutionise how we think about food production – the possibility of producing high-quality, nutrient-rich food without the extensive use of land and emission of carbon dioxide.

During the tour of their lab, we observed the process involved in cell culture and tissue engineering. Seeing the practical application of concepts we had previously only encountered in textbooks was an eye-opening experience. It was awe-inspiring to witness how automation and artificial intelligence are being integrated into biotechnological processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.

A significant highlight of the visit was the experience of entering the “Clean room”. In the “Clean room”, we observed the meticulous protocols necessary to maintain a contamination-free environment, hence, we managed to gain a deeper understanding of the daily practices involved in upholding stringent cleanliness standards. This hands-on exposure to the rigorous standards of maintaining a sterile environment was extremely enlightening.

One of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the opportunity to explore the booth set up by the Cell AgriTech team. Here, we gained hands-on experience with the skills and equipment used in their biotechnological processes. The booth featured a bioreactor demonstration, allowing us to see firsthand how this crucial piece of technology operates in cell culture and tissue engineering.

Engaging directly with the equipment and observing its role in producing cultivated meat provided a tangible connection between our academic studies and real-world applications. This interactive experience deepened our understanding of the practical aspects of biotechnology and the innovations driving the industry.

During the Cell AgriTech on-site visit, the Medical Biotechnology students gained invaluable insights by observing key activities related to the science of cultivated meat and growing stem cells using large bioreactors.

As a result, this experience gave both students and faculty a snap-shot of the inner workings of cultivated meat biopharming but also opened doors for collaborative partnership in: bidirectional teaching and learning into the programme and industry alike, research collaborations, educational activities in Penang and Kuala Lumpur and CPDs.