Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Protein Systems
The Proteinnovation Discovery focused on one pressing challenge in the agri-food sector: the sustainable transformation of protein systems. The initiative aimed to identify forward-looking technologies and concepts that can make protein production more efficient and resilient while strengthening self-sufficiency.
A Global Call for Innovation
The initiative attracted strong international interest, with 100 applications from 33 countries submitted by start-ups working on cutting-edge solutions in the protein space. A jury of 13 experts evaluated the submissions and selected 10 finalists to present their innovations. Their solutions covered new protein sources, processes to optimize protein quality, and end products for food, feed, and pet food, ranging from plant-based approaches and fermentation to side streams, alternative sources, and out-of-the-box ideas.
The Proteinnovation Summit: Exchange and Collaboration
The final event on March 26, 2026, held at the RWA headquarters in Korneuburg (Austria), brought together stakeholders from industry, science, investment, policy, and the ten finalist start-ups. Alongside the pitches, the summit provided a platform for in-depth dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration around the future of sustainable protein systems.
Shaping the Future of Protein Innovation
The event created an important opportunity to connect innovative start-ups with experts and partners across the agri-food value chain. Together, participants explored how new technologies and concepts can contribute to a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible protein future.
Scope
Feed
Today, 66% of high-protein crops used by the European feed industry are still imported – and for soy bean meal it is even 96%. Production of essential amino acids in Europe is also low. These are just examples that underscore the need for innovation in this highly price-sensitive market. Innovation offers opportunities to differentiate and strengthen domestic supply on a sustainable basis.
Food
Consumption habits are changing. Demand for new protein sources is increasing. This is not only about entirely new sources or end products, but also about optimizing protein quality via innovations in breeding, cultivation, and processing.
Categories
Download an overview of our search fields here.
Winners
Your Content Goes Here
Your Content Goes HereDecameal
Decameal upcycles invasive crabs into high-value protein and chitosan, offering sustainable, traceable ingredients for feed, petfood, food, and biotech applications.
By converting an ecological threat into circular, high-protein, and biopolymer resources, Decameal addresses both marine biodiversity and sustainable protein for feed and petfood.
Winner of the Proteinnovation Discovery Summit
Decameal upcycles invasive crabs into high-value protein and chitosan, offering sustainable, traceable ingredients for feed, petfood, food, and biotech applications.
By converting an ecological threat into circular, high-protein, and biopolymer resources, Decameal addresses both marine biodiversity and sustainable protein for feed and petfood.
As the winner, Decameal received €10,000 in POC funding and support to further develop their solution.
Winner TUM Venture Lab Membership
Vortair’s BioProtein Micronisation Technology (BPMT) transforms agricultural and food waste biomass into high-value functional protein powders through an
energy-efficient, low-heat grinding process. Their patented approach converts insects, fungi, algae, fababeans, and okara side-streams into high-value food powders instead of low-value waste.
As part of their TUM Venture Labs Membership, Vortair will receive:
- Mentoring and coaching
- Access to an extensive mentor and investor network
- Participation in the AgriFood Demo Day with a wildcard entry
This prize will support Vortair in scaling their innovation. Congratulations we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Your Content Goes Here
Your Content Goes HereVortair
Vortair’s BioProtein Micronisation Technology (BPMT) transforms agricultural and food waste biomass into high-value functional protein powders through an
energy-efficient, low-heat grinding process. Their patented approach converts insects, fungi, algae, fababeans, and okara side-streams into high-value food powders instead of low-value waste.
Impressions from the Proteinnovation Summit
(c) RWA, Nagl-Balber
Finalists
Our Partners
