Protein via upcycled, discarded dates

Joint venture will use locally grown dates from Oman to produce high-quality mushroom-based protein

*MycoTechnology’s proprietary fermentation platform harnesses mushroom mycelia to create transformative ingredients. Photo courtesy Myco Technology*

Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and MycoTechnology, Inc. have established a joint venture that will use locally-grown dates to produce high-quality mushroom-based protein. The two parties will collaborate on building a state-of-the-art production facility in Oman to scale up and commercialize this novel source of nutritious, sustainable protein. It represents the next generation of protein applications driven by MycoTechnology’s proprietary fermentation platform, which harnesses mushroom mycelia to create transformative ingredients.

The strategic partnership between OIA and MycoTechnology is in line with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to attract modern technologies to the country. It links OIA’s local knowledge and public sector relationships with MycoTechnology’s protein generation technology. It aspires to transform the food supply landscape in the region and reflects OIA’s commitment to achieving a sustainable future by increasing local food production.

Oman is one of the world’s top-ten producers of dates, growing about 400 thousand metric tons (441,000 U.S. tons) per year. However, more than half of the crop goes to waste or animal feed. The new joint venture is expected to upcycle a significant portion of these excess dates, using the natural sugar present in the fruit as a source of carbon to fuel the production of mushroom-based protein.

Construction of the new facility is due to start in the first half of 2023 on a 25-acre site. Commercial production is scheduled to begin by the second quarter of 2025, with up to 16,000 metric tons (17,637 U.S. tons) of dates to be processed each year. Once operational, the partners intend for the new facility to evolve into the Middle East’s leading innovation hub for food technology.

“MycoTechnology is excited to be co-operating with Oman Investment Authority to build this highly innovative food oasis in the desert,” says Alan Hahn, MycoTechnology CEO. “It represents a breakthrough in the quest to bring food security to Oman and the wider region. This initiative will be transformative—and not just for the Middle East. We are foraging for the future, unlocking the ancient power of culinary mushrooms to feed the world’s growing population with a solution that’s been beneath our feet all along.”

“In our international investments at OIA, we target localizing advanced modern technologies,” says Ibrahim Al Eisri, director of Private Equity at OIA. “Our partnership with MycoTechnology will deliver substantial local benefits as we pioneer the proteins of tomorrow. It will support our mission to enhance food security, diversify the Omani economy, and create well-paying jobs in an eco-friendly new sector. This joint venture will be the foundation that enables Oman to foster a new generation of talent in the sphere of food technology, here and further afield.”