Israeli Startup Plantopia Opens World's First Cow-Free Dairy Pilot Plant
Israeli startup Plantopia inaugurated a pilot plant at kibbutz Sdot Yam to produce dairy proteins from oat sprouts, following a $9 million funding round backed by Schreiber Foods.
The next generation of the dairy industry has arrived in Israel as the agritech startup Plantopia inaugurated a pilot plant this week at kibbutz Sdot Yam. The facility applies a proprietary technology developed by the company to produce genuine milk proteins using oat sprouts. The plant was established following a funding round of approximately $9 million, featuring strategic partners and investors, including American dairy giant Schreiber Foods.
The inauguration event was attended by representatives from Tempo, Tnuva, Yotvata, kibbutz Sdot Yam, and Arkin Holdings. The new facility spans approximately 1,000 square meters and is located just meters away from the Sdot Yam dairy barns and the Caesarstone manufacturing plant. This milestone marks a critical phase in Plantopia's technology development as it transitions toward industrial-scale manufacturing.
Innovative Production Process
Plantopia was founded in 2018 in Kiryat Shmona by CEO Tal Lutzky and Amir Tiroler, in collaboration with Prof. Alexander Vainstein from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Following the outbreak of the war, the company was forced to relocate part of its operations from the northern region, though it continues to maintain growing facilities there.
The company's technology turns the plant itself into a biological production unit for proteins. The Sdot Yam plant is divided into three main facilities that oversee the production process from sprout germination to casein powder extraction. The process begins in growth chambers where oats are germinated under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The sprouts are then transferred to a specialized enclosure where dedicated bacteria are introduced in a controlled process. These bacteria transfer the necessary genetic instructions to the plant to synthesize proteins, turning the sprouts into microscopic casein-producing factories.
Extraction and Commercial Vision
In the final stage, the plant biomass moves to the protein extraction array, where it undergoes heating, grinding, pressing, and filtration to isolate and refine the desired protein. The protein then undergoes separation and drying, yielding a white protein powder. According to the company, the entire process from seed to powder takes just a few days, producing milk proteins structurally identical to those found in cow's milk.
"This plant is a clear expression of an economy aligned with a grand vision. We have effectively established the world's first dairy that does not need cows," said Tal Lutzky, co-founder and CEO of Plantopia.
Using the raw material produced at the plant, Plantopia manufactures demonstration products, including mozzarella, halloumi, and feta cheeses, classified as clean label. These products showcase the technology's capabilities to commercial partners and investors as the company prepares for broader market penetration and commercialization.
