WEF Picks Startup Making Milk From Mushrooms As Pioneer Company

An Israeli foodtech startup that bioengineers milk protein to create dairy products from mushrooms has been picked by the World Economic Forum as one of its 100 Technology Pioneer companies.

Haifa-based ImaginDairy uses freely available DNA codes for the two major milk proteins, whey and casein, and recreates them in the lab. 

This modified DNA is inserted into a “specific location” inside the DNA of a mushroom, which causes the fungus to produce the milk protein that is used to generate all kinds of dairy products. 

Once the harvested mushroom has produced the required milk protein, ImaginDairy adds plant-based fats, carbohydrates and other ingredients in order to create the specific dairy products, such as milk or cheese or even ice cream.  

The startup will join the WEF Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, whose stated aim is to harness the potential of technological progress in order to transform industries, economies and societies.  

“We are honored to be recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer,” said ImaginDairy CEO and co-founder Eyal Afergan. 

“This recognition highlights our leadership in revolutionizing the food industry with our innovative animal-free milk proteins. We look forward to collaborating with global leaders and other community members and contributing to shaping the future of sustainable food production.”