Rasmus Munk launches food innovation centre Spora, aiming to revolutionize the food industry
After establishing restaurant Alchemist at the forefront of gastronomical innovation, Rasmus Munk is now poised to unveil Spora, his most far-reaching venture to date.
– Spora represents the natural evolution of Alchemist. Thanks to a DKK 10 million (USD 1.5 million) seed investment from the bioscience pioneers Claus and Bente Christiansen, we can now start to realize our ambition to change the world through gastronomy. Spora empowers us to create scalable, holistic solutions with the potential to impact millions of lives, says Rasmus Munk.
Restaurant Alchemist has already established research collaborations with several leading universities as well as commercial partners by bringing gastronomic and scientific know-how, and above all creativity, to the development of new foods and technologies.
– By allowing the search for deliciousness to lead technology, instead of the other way around, we can play a pivotal role in developing nutritious, and sustainable products that people want to eat again and again – and that will drive global change. I firmly believe that we can harness the vibrancy and inventiveness of the restaurant and bring it out to the public, says Rasmus Munk,
This is supported by investors and bioscience pioneers, Claus and Bente Christiansen:
– We are scientists, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople and recognize the same drivers behind this project. We believe strongly in the business model, and that Rasmus Munk is the right person to move it forward. We hope that our experience in research and business can contribute to the project’s success, says Claus and Bente Christiansen.
The Spora team is truly multidisciplinary, spanning the fields of gastronomy, science, design, art, engineering, and business. While Spora will operate independently from Alchemist, the restaurant remains a committed gastronomic partner, holding an ownership stake in the company.
– I am delighted to deepen my collaboration with Rasmus in innovating and revolutionizing the food industry in collaboration with significant industry players and science partners. To invent new sources of nutrition and create new ways to feed the world is of utmost urgency – and I am excited to see where we can go with Spora, says Lars Seier Christensen, majority owner of Alchemist.
Spora is located in Copenhagen and features research kitchens, microbiology lab, and a fully equipped 3D design and sound studio. Our initial focus on two main areas: upcycling side-streams from the food industry and developing delicious and diverse protein sources.
