Opalia Secures $2 Million to Boost Milk Production with Innovative Approaches

Opalia’s $2 million CAD funding will propel the development of its technology, focusing on creating real milk directly from cells, revolutionizing traditional milking processes. The Montreal-based foodtech startup aims to advance sustainable and innovative solutions in the dairy industry.

Hoogwegt Group, a dairy ingredient provider from the Netherlands, spearheaded the funding round, joined by contributors such as Ahimsa Foundation, Box One Ventures, Cycle Momentum, Kale United, and the Québec government through its Impulsion PME program. Notably, the startup mentioned that funding was also secured from Natural Products Canada through its Proof of Concept program.

Established in 2020, Opalia has pioneered a technique for producing authentic dairy milk using bovine mammary cells, offering a more ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional cow milking practices.

Cows’ methane emissions constitute a significant environmental challenge in the agricultural sector. The average methane production per cow, as highlighted in a 2023 report from Lactanet, is approximately 150 kilograms per lactation. Opalia’s cellular-based milk production presents a promising avenue to mitigate the environmental impact of dairy farming by providing a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative.

Dairy farming also carries ethical concerns for some consumers, given that cow’s milk is diverted from calves and instead harvested for human consumption. 

Opalia’s milk production process adopts a conscientious approach by harvesting bovine mammary cells from a cow only once. This one-time utilization of an animal in the production process aligns with ethical considerations, minimizing the impact on the animal and emphasizing a more sustainable and compassionate method for obtaining real milk.

Opalia’s innovative milk production process involves immersing harvested bovine mammary cells in a growth medium for development. Subsequently, the cultivated cells are transferred to a bioreactor, mimicking conditions comparable to those in a cow. Following this cultivation, Opalia collects the milk, conducts analysis for protein, sugar, and fat content, and purifies the milk to meet particular culinary or industrial standards. The final product is then supplied directly to commercial partners, showcasing a sustainable and technology-driven approach to traditional dairy production.

Opalia not only positions itself as a sustainable alternative to traditional milk but also asserts that its end product preserves the complexity and taste found in conventionally produced milk. This emphasis on maintaining the sensory qualities of milk aims to offer consumers an ethical and environmentally friendly choice without compromising on flavor and texture.

Opalia’s recent funding round, which secured $2 million CAD, follows a prior investment of $250,000 USD from CULT Food Science. This funding is expected to bolster Opalia’s product development efforts as the startup gears up to collaborate with commercial partners, positioning itself for the forthcoming market launch. CEO Jennifer Côté highlights the importance of this financial support in advancing Opalia’s initiatives in the cellular agriculture space.

Opalia’s CEO, Jennifer Côté, expresses appreciation for Hoogwegt Group’s role in leading the recent funding round. Côté sees this collaboration as more than just financial support, emphasizing the valuable customer validation and access to Hoogwegt’s extensive network and global market expertise. This strategic partnership is seen as a significant step in positioning Opalia for success in the evolving landscape of sustainable and ethical dairy alternatives.