IKP Knowledge Park in Bengaluru has partnered with The Good Food Institute India (GFI India) to establish India’s first Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation. This initiative, stemming from an MoU signed last year, aims to support smart protein startups with incubation and product development, providing them access to advanced equipment and expert mentorship.
State-of-the-Art Facility for Innovation
Located in Koramangala, the new centre is designed to support startups focused on fermentation-based, plant-based, and cultivated protein products and ingredients. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including biosafety cabinets, shaker incubators, freezers, homogenizers, and two ISO7-clean rooms. Open for memberships, the centre can accommodate up to 20 startups, offering round-the-clock access to its resources and amenities.
Launch and Report Unveiling
The launch event included the unveiling of a joint report by GFI India and IKP titled “Incubation Support for a Thriving Smart Protein Ecosystem.” The report underscores the importance of a robust incubation ecosystem for startups in the plant-based, fermented, and cultivated protein sectors. It captures challenges faced by entrepreneurs and offers recommendations for public and private players looking to support smart protein companies.
Statements from Key Leaders
Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, chairperson and CEO of IKP Knowledge Park, expressed enthusiasm for the centre’s potential:
“Today, as we inaugurate the Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation at IKP Knowledge Park, we are enthused by the growth and potential of the smart protein startups that have already made revolutionary R&D strides in spite of the dearth of ecosystem support. This sunrise sector in India holds immense promise, and with the right support, it has the potential to emerge as a global leader. India’s exceptional scientific talent and manufacturing prowess give a head-start in building a transformative industry with the potential to ensure food security for all.”
Sneha Singh, acting managing director of GFI India, highlighted the collaboration’s significance: “We are very excited to collaborate with IKP in taking this next step towards smart protein ecosystem building. With 113+ startups working on creating sustainable alternatives to animal-sourced protein, there is a clear opportunity and need for breakthrough innovations across the value chain. We are grateful to IKP for recognising the sector’s potential and creating a robust platform to plug gaps in infrastructure, specialised guidance, and commercialisation. Together with the right partners, GFI India is committed to building pioneering smart protein technologies that can have far-reaching impacts on India’s agriculture, climate change adaptation, nutrition security, and economic growth.”
To round up, establishment of the Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation marks a significant milestone for the Indian alternative protein sector. This collaborative effort between IKP Knowledge Park and GFI India aims to drive innovation, support startups, and position India as a leader in the global smart protein industry.