Wanted: Alternative protein sources, novel products, ingredients, processing technologies and more

The market share for alternative proteins has significantly increased in the past decade and is rapidly expanding. But even at the current rate, it is still not developing fast enough to significantly reduce global meat production and consumption, and to reduce the impact of the food industry on climate change. Alternative protein sources encompass everything from algae to re-engineered plant-based legumes and a variety of meat substitutes. Think of lab-grown meat, plant-based meat, single-cell proteins from yeast or algae, and edible insects. Apart from shifting consumer behavior, some of the major challenges include sourcing alternative proteins, improving the texture and taste experience, enhancing nutritional value and reducing the relatively high prices. 

For our Alternative Proteins challenge, we are looking for solutions that can improve the sourcing, production and consumption of food products made from alternative proteins such as: 

• New (alternative) sources of alternative protein that are not mainstream yet, for example:

  • plant-based alternatives like beans, lupine

  • insects

  • algae

  • seaweed

  • cultured meat

  • any other alternatives

• Food products made from (novel) alternative proteins like meat, fish, dairy, cheese alternatives, snacks, meals, and any other product that can replace or reduce animal ingredients

• Food ingredients that can be used as a (partial) substitute for animal protein or that improve taste, shelf life, color and anything else that may improve taste, quality and consumption of alternative proteins. Think of protein powders,  cricket or mealworm flour, chicken egg substitutes etc.

• Production technologies that improve texture, taste experience or platform technologies  that may enable upscaling of production

• Behavioral solutions that increase knowledge about, choice and use of alternative proteins by consumers and producers

• Any other solutions that fit within the theme

Why participate in this challenge? 

• With 1 pitch you reach 30+ food corporates, retailers and distributors at the same time! 
• Chance of being invited for 1-on-1 introduction meetings with partners interested in your product or solution during our Matchmaking Event on April 21st.
• Possibility of creating new opportunities to collaborate with leading food companies to test and prove your solutions, or even better, a strategic partnership to produce, scale or distribute your products.

How does it work?

• Send in a short and concise pitch deck (see below) 
• As soon as you have uploaded your pitch, you will receive a confirmation so that you know that we have received your pitch.
• After the deadline, our partners will assess all pitches individually and invite the companies with the most interesting / best fitting solutions for 1-on-1 introduction meetings during the BNF Matchmaking Event on April 21st, 2022. 
• If you both see potential in a collaboration, you can make agreements about follow-ups!

Pitch Format
Pitches must be submitted in English and should be max. 6 pages / 18 slides. The pitch may be submitted in free form (presentation, slide deck, letter form) but must be uploaded as a PDF file (landscape or portrait, A4 - max. 30MB). Videos, example websites, etc. can be included as a link. All pitches should include:

1. A description of your product or solution (max. 3 pages / 9 slides) 
2. A description of your company & team (max. 1 page / 3 slides)
3. A description of your growth ambition and your needs (max. 2 pages / 6 slides) 


Timeline

• January 20: launch Open Call
• March 22 at 17.00 CET: deadline Open Call
• March 23 – April 8: selection by the participating food companies & investors
• April 8: announcement & invites for matchmaking event
• April 21: (online) matchmaking event
• Q2/Q3 2022 onwards: discuss and start collaboration

Terms & Conditions

• Participation is open for startups, scale-ups, SMEs, grown-ups, innovators and scientists with an innovative product and/or technology.
• You will remain the owner of your intellectual rights, concept or solution in your pitch, until you agree otherwise.
• We strongly advise you to document everything you share with others and mention that information provided is confidential and intellectual property rights remain with you/ your company until agreed otherwise.
• Be aware of the fact that your pitch will be viewed by industry professionals and (concepts and ideas in it) may be shared with others. Keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch, keep it a secret that you can share later.
• Download Terms & Conditions

Questions?

For any questions about our Open Call for Sustainable Food Solutions, reach out to our startup scout Sandra at sandra.einvall@bravenewfood.com.