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At the cutting edge of food innovation, Coffeesai is taking on one of the world's most beloved beverages: coffee. With climate change threatening half of today's coffee-growing regions and the industry grappling with water scarcity, labor shortages, and deforestation, the Israeli startup is reimagining how coffee can be made. Using 3D cell expansion technology, Coffeesai cultivates coffee from plant cells in a lab—producing real aroma, flavor, and texture, but without the environmental cost.
With rising global temperatures and dwindling arable land, coffee—a staple enjoyed by over one billion people every day—is facing an uncertain future. By some estimates, up to 50 percent of current Arabica coffee-growing regions could become unsuitable for cultivation within three decades. Meanwhile, the traditional supply chain relies heavily on water, labor, and increasingly fragile ecosystems.
At SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, Israeli biotech firm Coffeesai offered a bold alternative: real coffee, grown from plant cells instead of beans. "Our journey began with a simple but powerful question," says Ami Herman, CEO of Coffeesai. "Can we enjoy coffee without the environmental cost of traditional farming?"
Herman, who stepped into his role in November 2024, brings decades of leadership in high-tech industries to this venture. Under his guidance, Coffeesai is pioneering a form of cellular agriculture that aims to reduce the environmental impact of coffee production, while preserving its aroma, mouthfeel, and cultural resonance.
At the core of Coffeesai's innovation is a proprietary 3D cell expansion platform developed in collaboration with Pluri, a biotechnology company with over 20 years of expertise in regenerative technologies. This method enables coffee cells to grow in a controlled, structured environment—reproducing the chemical and sensory properties of brewed coffee without the need for agricultural land.
Unlike conventional 2D cell cultures, the 3D system enhances flavor compound development and scalability. "It is a game-changer," Herman explains. "We can produce authentic coffee compounds—aroma, flavor, and texture—without beans, farms, or complex supply chains."Using cells derived from coffee plant leaves, a single batch culture can yield the equivalent of 1,000 coffee trees in just three weeks. According to Coffeesai, their process also reduces water use by 98 percent compared to conventional methods.
The result is not a coffee alternative, but real coffee—grown in a lab, yet rooted in the essence of the plant itself.
Though early tests have drawn interest from potential partners, Herman is quick to emphasize that Coffeesai is still in the refinement stage. "We are still in the process of optimizing both the product and the production process to achieve even higher quality in terms of flavor, aroma, and consistency," he says. "Our goal is to deliver a cultivated coffee experience that not only meets but exceeds expectations."
Commercializing any novel food product, particularly one using cellular agriculture, involves navigating regulatory frameworks that are still evolving. Coffeesai is actively working with food safety authorities to ensure compliance and consumer transparency.
Another hurdle is cost. Like many biotech innovations, initial production is expensive. However, Herman is optimistic. "As our technology scales, we anticipate significant reductions in production expenses. We are investing in transparent communication and collaboration to build consumer trust and working with partners to streamline our go-to-market strategy."
The company's strategy includes open engagement with scientists, regulators, and other startups. "This is a fascinating journey that will change the way food is produced," he adds.
Coffeesai's appearance at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 underscores Tokyo's growing status as a hub for future-focused food technology. As part of its broader vision to become a global innovation capital, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has identified Food Tech as a priority sector, offering platforms like SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 to attract cutting-edge startups and investors.
"Tokyo is a city where tradition and innovation coexist beautifully," Herman says. "It's a global hub for technology, design, and culinary excellence—making it an ideal place to showcase the future of food. The city's energy, precision, and openness to new ideas are truly inspiring. As a bonus, coffee lovers will find so many top-notch cafés here."
Coffeesai views Tokyo not only as a promising market, but also as a strategic launchpad for entering the wider Asia-Pacific region. "Events like SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 create vital opportunities for visibility, collaboration, and investment," Herman notes. "Combined with government support—whether through grants, pilot programs, or public-private partnerships—it is an ecosystem that can accelerate adoption and scale."
Through their participation in the event, the Coffeesai team aims to connect with forward-thinking consumers, researchers, and potential collaborators who share their vision for transforming the global food system.
Looking forward, Coffeesai plans to expand its product line and refine its flavor profiles. Markets in Asia, Europe, and North America are all on the roadmap. On the research side, the team will continue exploring plant cell biology to unlock new applications in sustainable food development.
"Through this exhibition, we hope to build strategic partnerships, engage with forward-thinking consumers, and attract interest from investors and collaborators," Herman says.
With continued support and growing interest in sustainable food tech, the company sees a clear path toward broader market adoption. As climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming, Coffeesai's work stands as one of many emerging efforts to rethink how—and where—our most beloved foods are made. In this case, the future of coffee might just start with a single plant cell.
SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is a Tokyo-based concept that aims to create sustainable new value by overcoming global urban challenges through cutting-edge technology, diverse ideas, and digital expertise. SusHi Tech Tokyo | Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo
