Shinkei Systems, a startup specializing in humane fish harvesting, has secured investment from Founders Fund. The company has developed Poseidon, a refrigerator-sized robot designed for fishing vessels. Poseidon utilizes computer vision to identify fish species and precisely locate their brains. Within seconds of capture, the machine swiftly pierces the brain and severs the gills, ensuring an immediate and humane death.
This rapid process prevents the release of stress hormones and lactic acid, which can degrade the fish’s flavor and reduce shelf life. The method is an automated adaptation of ike jime, a traditional Japanese technique that involves instantaneously killing and bleeding fish to delay decomposition. This practice allows the fish to be aged safely, enhancing its umami flavor profile.
Founder Saif Khawaja’s inspiration for Shinkei Systems stems from his personal fishing experiences and insights gained during college. He was particularly influenced by an essay titled “If Fish Could Scream,” which highlighted the often-overlooked suffering of fish during conventional harvesting methods. Traditional practices often involve allowing fish to suffocate on deck, a process that can take from several minutes to an hour, leading to the release of compounds that negatively affect meat quality.
Shinkei Systems has expanded its operations beyond the Poseidon device. The company now functions as a vertically integrated fish harvester and processor, employing robotics and AI throughout the supply chain. Fishermen are provided with Poseidon machines at no cost and are paid a premium for their catch, which Shinkei then processes and sells under its consumer brand, Seremoni. This brand markets the fish as “ceremony grade,” emphasizing the quality and ethical harvesting methods.
One notable partnership is with Erewhon, a Los Angeles-based grocery chain known for its focus on sustainability and quality. Erewhon offers Shinkei’s Seremoni Grade Miso Black Cod in its prepared foods section, highlighting the fish’s sustainable and humane harvesting process.
Founders Fund’s investment in Shinkei Systems reflects a growing interest in sustainable and ethical food production technologies. This move aligns with a broader trend of integrating advanced technology into traditional industries to improve product quality and address ethical concerns. As consumer demand for transparency and sustainability increases, such innovations are likely to gain further traction in the market.
