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Imagine a future where your favorite snack bar isn't just delicious, but also optimised for health and sustainability. This isn't science fiction-it's the reality being crafted by Ajinomatrix, a pioneering startup, member of EIT Digital Equity Portfolio and beneficiary of its Open Innovation Factory programme, that's turning the food industry on its head with a dash of artificial intelligence and a sprinkle of culinary science.
At the helm of Ajinomatrix is Francois Wayenberg, an economist turned AI researcher with a passion for gastronomy. Alongside co-founder Joel Bellenson, a Stanford biomolecular lab alumnus famous for inventing the smell printer, Wayenberg is on a mission to transform the food industry.
"Our whole philosophy is about making positive changes in the food industry," Wayenberg explains. "We're not just talking about taste and aroma, but the entire eating experience."
The company's name, derived from the Japanese word 'aji' meaning taste, translates to 'the matrix of taste' - an apt description for a technology that aims to dissect and optimise every aspect of food.
Ajinomatrix's technology goes beyond simple taste enhancement. One of their most ambitious projects is what Wayenberg calls a 'food Xerox machine'. This AI-powered system can take an existing recipe and output a healthier, better-tasting version.
The company's journey began with an unusual request: to create the world's best vegan croissant. This project set the tone for Ajinomatrix's future endeavors, showcasing their ability to reimagine traditional foods with a healthier, more sustainable twist.
While the company has found significant traction in Japan, accounting for about 90% of their business, they're also making waves in Europe and the Americas. Their client base ranges from food businesses to large retailers, laboratories, and consulting firms in the food industry.
Wayenberg believes that embracing AI in food development is not just an opportunity, but a necessity. Given ongoing global challenges, ignoring innovation is not an option.
Ajinomatrix has raised over €600,000 in initial funding, a significant achievement for a startup in the competitive food tech industry. Currently, the company is in the midst of a €3 million funding round, which is part of a larger €10 million split round. This influx of capital is expected to fuel further innovation and expansion, positioning Ajinomatrix as a key player in the global food tech market. With a valuation of approximately €11 million, almost double the average Series A level in Europe, Ajinomatrix is well on its way to becoming a leading force in the industry.
In a world where technology and gastronomy are increasingly intertwined, Ajinomatrix stands at the forefront, ready to serve up the future of food - one AI-optimised bite at a time.
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