TECNALIA, the largest applied research and technological development centre in Spain, a European benchmark and member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance, leads the European project INNOPROTEIN
In 2050, there will be up to 10 billion inhabitants worldwide, being one of the greatest environmental, economic and social global challenges to produce enough quality protein sustainably, reducing current pressure in its production on natural resources. In this context, the EU is vulnerable due to its “protein gap”. There is an urgent need for new sustainable protein sources with high nutritional quality, healthy and functionality properties that meet end-users needs and expectations in food, feed and non-food biobased markets. It is critical to increase the consumers and industry awareness to successfully implement new protein value chains.
The INNOPROTEIN project fully faces this challenge and fits into the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal priorities addressing unexploitable and sustainable (environmental, technological, economic & social) protein sources to accelerate EUROPE’S PROTEIN SELF-SUFFICIENCY. The project aims to provide Single Cells Proteins (microalgae, bacteria & fungal) and entomological alternative high-quality protein to food, feed and non-food biobased applications with a CIRCULAR & ZERO WASTE perspective in their obtention.
The INNOPROTEIN project demonstrates a strong multi-actor approach involving 14 partners, including providers of technology, industrial partners, and a consumer-oriented partner from 9 different European countries.
From ingredient to food product, at TECNALIA we evaluate, design and develop new natural ingredients and food with technological and functional properties, protecting the natural resources with a multi-sectoral and multi-technological perspective.
