Umami expands AI tool into aquaculture

19.03.2025 430 views

Umami Bioworks has launched the latest next-generation evolution of Alkemyst – an AI tool originally developed to accelerate cell-cultivated seafood production, but which can now support the broader seafood value chain, including aquaculture.

The AI model has been trained on a comprehensive dataset encompassing public and proprietary marine genomics, metabolomics and seafood sensory data, plus a rapidly expanding proprietary dataset that includes production process parameters and organoleptic attributes specific to seafood species. While initially designed to optimise cultivated seafood production, the shared biology between cellular and whole-animal systems has allowed Alkemyst to demonstrate greater versatility than ever before, enabling a more holistic approach to seafood innovation.

According to Umami*, key applications of Alkemyst include:

  • Feed optimisation – Precision formulation of aquaculture feeds that reduce environmental impact while improving growth rates and nutritional profiles.
  • Increased protein content – Identification of feed strategies and cellular mechanisms that enhance protein yield in both cultivated and conventional seafood.
  • Climate-resilient species development – Biomarker-based modelling and selection to accelerate breeding programs for species better adapted to changing ocean conditions.
  • Land-based aquaculture enhancement – Specialised algorithms for biomarker-based breeding and optimising growing conditions for species transitioning to controlled-environment aquaculture.
  • Precision optimisation of cell culture media – Fine-tuning formulations for various cultivated seafood species to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Product nutrition and sensory enhancement – Metabolic modelling to optimise feed and growth conditions, enhancing flavour, texture, and nutritional value for an authentic seafood experience.
  • New product development – Accelerated innovation of next-generation seafood products that align with evolving consumer preferences.

“This next-generation version of Alkemyst is a huge step forward in AI-driven seafood innovation,” said Mihir Pershad, CEO  and co-founder of Umami Bioworks, in a press release. 

“We’ve expanded Alkemyst beyond cultivated seafood, enabling businesses across the entire seafood value chain to make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, sustainability and resilience. This is more than just an AI model – it is a transformative tool for the future of global seafood.”

Backed by major global investors, including Aqua-Spark, Maruha Nichiro and Build Collective, Umami Bioworks continues to push the boundaries of next-generation AI and biotechnology to build a smarter, more sustainable seafood ecosystem.

 

Source - https://thefishsite.com

06.04.2026

Pakistan - Governor SBP Calls for Scaling Up Zarkheze to Expand Agricultural Credit Outreach

The State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday urged banks to expand the use of its digital agricultural lending platform, Zarkheze, to improve access to credit for small farmers and underserved areas across the country. 

06.04.2026

India - Chouhan orders crop loss assessment after storms

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday directed ministry officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of crop losses following unseasonal heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds over the past two days across several States. 

06.04.2026

India's Farm Insurance Goes Digital, Attracting Major Capital

Agricultural insurance in India is evolving beyond simple aid to create a detailed risk management system. 

06.04.2026

India - Crop loss, mandi curbs spark farmer protests in Haryana

Farmers staged protests in Hisar, Fatehabad and Jind on Thursday, demanding compensation for crop losses caused by recent rain, hailstorm and strong winds, while also opposing new mandi restrictions and alleging harassment during the procurement season.

06.04.2026

India - Akali leaders Harsimrat, Majithia seek compensation for crop damage due to hailstorms

Chandigarh, Senior SAD leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday urged the Union agriculture minister to send a special team to Punjab to assess the damage caused to the standing wheat crop by hailstorms.

06.04.2026

Pakistan - Rain persists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as farmers fear wheat crop losses

Rain continued in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday, while authorities remained on alert in Murree and along Leh Nullah. Farmers in the Potohar region also expressed concern over possible damage to standing wheat crops from rain and hailstorms.

02.04.2026

USA - Court rejects crop insurance tech vendor's emergency bid to block USDA rule

The federal agency had greenlit the business model three times before reversing course.

02.04.2026

Ukraine plans to expand crop insurance program

The state crop insurance program in Ukraine is planned to be gradually scaled up and expanded to cover a wider range of crops. This was announced by the Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi, as reported by Latifundist.