One of the biggest bottlenecks for alternative proteins is scale-up funding, particularly early-stage public funding that will de-risk the sector and give private investors the confidence to follow. Drawing on GFI Europe’s view of the whole ecosystem, we partnered with Invest-NL, a Dutch finance institution, to bring more than 40 investors together and work out how public and private money can better complement each other. We’ve distilled that into a set of practical recommendations for funders, designed to channel more investment into the space and enable the scale we need to feed a growing population without intensive animal agriculture.
US military looks to alternative proteins
In June, the US Army put out a call for proposals to produce alternative proteins in the field using precision fermentation, in part thanks to several years of GFI engagement, during which we highlighted the food security and health benefits of alternative proteins. Due to the large quantities often required by public institutions, swapping even a portion of conventional meat with alternative proteins could spare a significant number of animals and reduce emissions. It’s a sign of how far the sector has come that alternative proteins are part of this conversation. This is also part of a broader effort by GFI worldwide to highlight the role public institutions can play in supporting alternative proteins, including through school meals and other public food programmes.
Translational research in India
GFI India and India’s Central Food Technological Research Institute—one of India’s leading food-technology institutes—co-hosted a symposium bringing together researchers, students, and industry leaders to strengthen India’s smart-protein field. A central theme was the need for more translational research: training and collaborative R&D designed around real-world industry needs.
India has world-class scientific talent and the potential to become a global centre for alternative-protein research and manufacturing. Reaching that potential will require stronger connections between universities and companies, so that promising science moves from the laboratory into products and production systems. GFI India’s fellowship and partnership with CSIR-CFTRI are helping build that bridge, and the skilled workforce the sector will need to scale.
How protein diversification can help our food system survive climate change
Europe has already experienced two record-breaking heatwaves this summer. Our food system is suffering as a result, but it’s also a key driver of climate change. We’ve published a blog explaining how climate change is impacting food production and the role protein diversification can play in making the food system more resilient, both by reducing the emissions responsible for climate change and adapting to the extremes we’re already experiencing. Read the full blog here.
The Good Food Institute Organisation Updates:
Bringing public and private investors together
One of the biggest bottlenecks for alternative proteins is scale-up funding, particularly early-stage public funding that will de-risk the sector and give private investors the confidence to follow. Drawing on GFI Europe’s view of the whole ecosystem, we partnered with Invest-NL, a Dutch finance institution, to bring more than 40 investors together and work out how public and private money can better complement each other. We’ve distilled that into a set of practical recommendations for funders, designed to channel more investment into the space and enable the scale we need to feed a growing population without intensive animal agriculture.
US military looks to alternative proteins
In June, the US Army put out a call for proposals to produce alternative proteins in the field using precision fermentation, in part thanks to several years of GFI engagement, during which we highlighted the food security and health benefits of alternative proteins. Due to the large quantities often required by public institutions, swapping even a portion of conventional meat with alternative proteins could spare a significant number of animals and reduce emissions. It’s a sign of how far the sector has come that alternative proteins are part of this conversation. This is also part of a broader effort by GFI worldwide to highlight the role public institutions can play in supporting alternative proteins, including through school meals and other public food programmes.
Translational research in India
GFI India and India’s Central Food Technological Research Institute—one of India’s leading food-technology institutes—co-hosted a symposium bringing together researchers, students, and industry leaders to strengthen India’s smart-protein field. A central theme was the need for more translational research: training and collaborative R&D designed around real-world industry needs.
India has world-class scientific talent and the potential to become a global centre for alternative-protein research and manufacturing. Reaching that potential will require stronger connections between universities and companies, so that promising science moves from the laboratory into products and production systems. GFI India’s fellowship and partnership with CSIR-CFTRI are helping build that bridge, and the skilled workforce the sector will need to scale.
How protein diversification can help our food system survive climate change
Europe has already experienced two record-breaking heatwaves this summer. Our food system is suffering as a result, but it’s also a key driver of climate change. We’ve published a blog explaining how climate change is impacting food production and the role protein diversification can play in making the food system more resilient, both by reducing the emissions responsible for climate change and adapting to the extremes we’re already experiencing. Read the full blog here.
We’re hiring:
Executive Director, GFI Europe (Remote—Belgium or UK) - Apply by 13 September 2026
Scientific Community-Building Fellow (Remote—United States) - Position Term: 15 hours of work a week for 16 weeks—Apply by 25 August 2026
Multiple roles at GFI APAC
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