Cultured Meat Symposium 2026 (CMS26)

The Cultured Meat Symposium 2026 (CMS26) was held February 24–25, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago alongside The Future of Protein Production conference, bringing together over 500 global delegates, 40+ exhibitors, and 75+ expert speakers shaping the future of cellular agriculture and cultivated protein. This premier industry platform for advancing cultured meat innovation and commercialization convened scientists, entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, corporate innovators, and policy leaders to discuss breakthrough advances in cultivated poultry, seafood, and cell-based meat production. Programming addressed critical challenges including scaling bioreactor capacity, reducing production costs, establishing regulatory approval pathways, and achieving consumer market penetration. Featured sessions explored biotech innovation, fermentation scale-up techniques, sustainable feedstock sourcing, food safety standards, investment and funding strategies, and the sustainability benefits of cultured protein systems compared to conventional animal agriculture, featuring a startup symposium showcasing innovative ventures advancing this transformative food technology.