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Have a Transformative Future Food Idea? GFI India’s Smart Protein Challenge is Calling You!

The Good Food Institute (GFI) India, focused on the task of reimagining future food systems, is welcoming students, professionals, scientists and researchers to participate in the 2021 edition of the India Smart Protein Innovation Challenge (ISPIC).

The five-month long program is aimed at training innovators and helping them understand the opportunities and strategies in fermentation-derived, plant-based, and cultivated meat, eggs, dairy. It is targeted at unleashing the next wave of ideation and innovation in the alternative protein sector.

The first edition of the GFI ISPIC in 2020 turned out to be highly successful with over 1000 participants from across India.

Today, food scientists across the world are developing new technologies for alternative protein, and India is no exception. GFI’s India chapter is spearheading innovations in this space and is laying the groundwork for this sunrise industry in India. The focus is on finding sustainable means to meet the protein needs of 10 billion people by 2050, one-sixth of whom will be Indian. The plant-based and cell-cultured counterparts can also help solve the most pressing issues faced by our planet: environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and deteriorating public health.

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With factors such as increasing disposable income and upward social mobility, India will be one of the largest contributors to the rising demand for protein. To meet this growing demand, the alternative protein sector is going to be one of the most important pillars in global food innovation, which can rake in profits for both the people and the planet.

ISPIC 2021 is a step in that direction. The program is divided into two distinct tracks – Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The innovation portion of the competition is open for students across all levels. Young professionals, scientists and research workers with a penchant for developing sustainable solutions for the future and falling under the age limit of 35 years can also participate. The entrepreneurship portion is open to students, early-stage start-ups, researchers, entrepreneurs and business professionals from agriculture, biotech, food and allied industries with potential for commercialization. This particular track has no age limit.

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Participants will be able to access ISPIC’s Smart Protein Digital Lab that features comprehensive content covering three main areas of smart protein, namely, fermentation-derived, plant-based and cell-cultured. Finalists will get a chance to pitch to investors and advisors during a Demo Day, and could secure mentorship opportunities and funding to launch their smart protein project.

Interested candidates can apply here between 11th August and 10th September. The results for the final list will be declared by 15th September 2021.

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