Alt Protein Pulse

From GFI

Meet the researchers: Tapping into the unexplored potential of an ancient technology

Researchers from a GFI-funded project at Wageningen University & Research and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands are putting an innovative spin on an ancient fermentation technique traditionally used to make tempeh. One year into the project, the researchers have developed a prototype product with a meaty texture by growing mycelium on brown rice. According to the researchers, the product delivers a high nutritional value and umami flavors reminiscent of conventional meat.?Read GFI Europe’s blog to learn more.

Alumni of the Alt Protein Project: cultivating key skills beyond the classroom

The Alt Protein Project (APP) is a global student movement dedicated to turning universities into engines for alternative protein education, research, and innovation. APP students get outside the classroom into labs, companies, and entrepreneurial competitions, where they build the skills needed to cross into the alternative protein industry. In our latest blog, two APP alumni tell us how the program jumpstarted their careers in alternative proteins.

Expo West unveils cutting-edge alternative protein innovations

Every March, thousands of food companies and tens of thousands of attendees descend upon Southern California for one of the largest industry trade shows—Natural Products Expo West. We counted 120 exhibitors serving alternative proteins at this year’s event, with fungi-based products and breakfast foods taking center stage. Check out our blog to explore how alt proteins showed up at the natural food industry’s biggest week of the year.

Upcoming events and opportunities

GFI’s Research Grant Program: 2024 RFP information session

A strong open-access research environment and talent pipeline are essential to fostering good food innovation. Powered by a few generous donors, our Research Grant Program has funded $21 million in open-access research support since 2019 through 118 grants in 21 countries, focusing on projects that address key industry bottlenecks. Register for our upcoming webinar on April 2nd to learn more about the program and the 2024 RFP.

The Future of Protein Production Chicago

Join GFI's senior corporate engagement innovation manager Laine Clark for a deep dive into non-traditional funding sources for alternative protein startups at The Future of Protein Production in Chicago on April 24 and 25. The summit will convene more than 400 delegates and 40 exhibiting companies focused on innovative breakthroughs to help accelerate the commercialization and scaling of alternative proteins. Use code GFI to save 20% on registration.

Alternative Fats & Oils Summit

Fat is a transformative ingredient in food formulations and a crucial part of the sensory experience. Innovation in alternative fat development is an exciting and evolving area of research and development and the core focus at the upcoming Alternative Fats & Oils Summit in San Francisco, California, from?April 23 to 25. During the summit, GFI’s lead scientist & plant-based specialist Priera Panescu Scott, PhD, CFS will lead an expert speaker session exploring different pathways for scaling up alternative fat production. Register now.

Alt Protein Headlines

Illinois invests $680M in biotechnology sector to enhance biomanufacturing and precision fermentation capabilities

Illinois has allocated $680 million in combined cash match and strategic investments from public and private partners to create the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, led by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Innovate Illinois. iFAB leverages the state's robust agricultural strength to drive innovation and economic growth within the biomanufacturing sector with a strategic focus on precision fermentation as a biomanufacturing tool, creating well-paying jobs and uplifting local bioeconomies. Read more.

My company makes cultivated meat. I have one big regret.?

In this candid thought piece, Aleph Farms CEO Didier Toubia reflects on the journey cultivated meat has taken, which like many young industries has faced obstacles as the technology develops. Despite recent critiques and challenges, Toubia remains optimistic about the long-term future and potential of cultivated meat.?Learn why here.

FDA greenlights Superbrewed Food’s postbiotic cultured protein for dairy and alt dairy

Earlier this month, Superbrewed Food Inc. received a “No Questions Letter” from the U.S. FDA for their bacteria-derived biomass protein, paving the way for wider adoption of bacterial biomass and single-cell protein ingredients by food and beverage brands. With 85 percent protein and a high amount of essential and branched-chain amino acids, Superbrewed’s Postbiotic Cultured Protein, and other bacteria like it, have tremendous potential to diversify the microbes and bioprocesses that produce nutritious and functional protein for the food industry. Full story.

USDA’s first cultivated meat center “NICA” opens applications for research grants

Established in 2021 with a historic $10 million USDA grant, the USDA National Institute for Cellular Agriculture (NICA) is a coalition of six USDA-funded research institutions working to create a vibrant cellular agriculture ecosystem. NICA is currently seeking applications for their 2024 seed grant program. Selected applicants will be awarded $25,000 or $50,000 to support research projects in cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and alternative proteins. Learn more.

Alternative protein in India: Formulators capture local tastes, flavors, and culinary traditions

India is home to more than 1.4 billion people with diverse dietary preferences, making it a thriving market for alternative protein innovation and consumer adoption. In this piece, The Good Food Institute India 's Mansi Virmani shares key opportunities and barriers to India’s growing alt protein ecosystem.

Community Spotlight

“When I began shifting my career from the traditional investment world to alt proteins and sustainable foods, there were countless individuals who gave me guidance and advice without wanting anything in return, as their goals were to help bring people into this space to amplify the positive impact being created. My goal by being a GFI mentor was to do the exact same thing – be a resource for those looking to generate impact in this space without any strings attached.

Throughout my time as a mentor, I’ve had the chance to support people trying to do everything from transitioning their careers into this space, strategizing around positioning a company for growth and success, to even mapping out ways to generate maximum impact. Everyone I’ve spoken with is smart, kind, and driven to positively impact our food system, and GFI Mentor conversations have always left me feeling optimistic about where the space is headed” — Steve Molino , Principal at Clear Current Capital.

Learn more about GFI's Mentor Program.

GFI is powered by philanthropy. We invite you to learn more or make a donation.

Work at GFI

Policy and Government Relations

Policy Project Manager (Washington D.C. - Hybrid)

SciTech

Research Funding Partnerships Manager (United States - Remote)

Research Funding Strategy Manager (United States - Remote)

Other

General interest application - United States

You can view all job opportunities at GFI here. For more information on the application process, we encourage you to attend one of our bi-weekly hiring information sessions.

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The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals. Click here to support our work.