GVFL Backs Biokraft’s Vision for Ethical Protein with ₹2 Cr Bet on 3D Bioprinting Breakthrough

GVFL, one of India’s pioneering venture capital firms, has invested Rs. 2 crore in a pre-seed round in Biokraft Foods, a next-generation food-tech startup developing structured cultivated meat using cutting-edge biotechnology and 3D bioprinting.

Founded in 2023 by Kamalnayan Tibrewal, an alumnus of the Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, Biokraft Foods aims to redefine how meat is produced and consumed. The startup is developing India’s first sustainable, slaughter-free, high-quality cultivated meat products using cutting-edge 3D bioprinting technology. For consumers, this means the same taste and experience as conventional meat, a breakthrough in the country’s alt-protein space.

Biokraft Foods, which has previously received support and grants from leading incubators iCREATE, SPTBI, and ICT-NICE, has adopted a hybrid approach that combines cultivated meat with food-safe ingredients, improving affordability, texture, and scalability. The company aims to be the first company to commercialize cultivated meat in India and has conducted over 400 consumer trials with positive feedback.

Commenting on the investment, Mihir Joshi, Managing Director of GVFL, said, “Biokraft Foods is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in the protein ecosystem. Their science-led approach to cultivated meat aligns with GVFL’s focus on backing disruptive technologies with societal impact. We are thrilled to support Biokraft’s vision of ethical and affordable food solutions.”

Kamalnayan Tibrewal, Founder & CEO of Biokraft Foods, said, “Our mission is to leverage biotechnology to craft sustainable food solutions by addressing issues such as climate impact, animal welfare concerns, and inefficiencies of conventional meat production. In the next three to five years, our goal is to make cultivated meat affordable and accessible starting with India and expanding to APAC region. GVFL’s backing is a strong validation of our science, strategy, and vision, and with its support, we are one step closer to bringing real, ethical meat to consumers.”

Biokraft Foods’ products are targeted at consumers who want sustainable choices without sacrificing taste, as well as food manufacturers, restaurants, and retailers looking to overcome the inefficiency of conventional meat and introduce next-generation proteins. Its future product pipeline comprises cultivated seafood and pet food applications using cultivated meat.

The cultivated meat sector is gaining global momentum with regulatory approvals in the US, Singapore, and Israel. In India, the cultivated meat segment is still nascent, but Biokraft Foods is emerging as a first-mover.