THE PROTEIN PIONEER CLUSTER
On October 30, 2024, the Protein Pioneers cluster held the kick-off meeting. The protein pioneers is a cluster formed by EU-funded projects with the common objective of transforming protein production with sustainable innovation. This online meeting brought together representatives from INNOPROTEIN, CHEERS, CIRCALGAE, BIOSCHAMP, and LIKE-A-PRO, setting a strong foundation for impactful collaboration. To date, the cluster welcomed two new projects joining in 2025 and sharing the same mission: SUSTANABITE and PLANTOMYC.
Who are the partners of InnoProtein in this adventure?
CHEERS: revalorizes brewing industry waste into high-value bio-products. Using a biorefinery approach, it reduces resource use and environmental impact within the beer production chain.
CIRCALGAE: Dedicated to sustainable algae-based biorefineries, CIRCALGAE aims to create high-value ingredients for feed, food, and cosmetics while supporting healthier aquatic ecosystems.
LIKE-A-PRO: LIKE-A-PRO advances sustainable diets by shifting alternative proteins from niche to mainstream, utilizing plant, microbe, ocean, fungus, and insect-based protein sources.
BIOSCHAMP: promotes sustainable mushroom farming by developing a low-peat alternative casing, reducing pesticide use and improving the productivity and sustainability of the European mushroom sector.
SUSTAINABITE: tackles the challenges of current plant-based foods made from highly refined ingredients by advancing sustainable, minimally processed options that effectively deliver health-promoting nutrients to citizens..
PLANTOMYC focuses on developing innovative meat substitutes by combining plant-based ingredients with mycelial protein biomass (MPB). Over the course of four years, the project will evolve through various research phases, continuously refining its approach to create sustainable and nutritious alternatives.
The Protein Pioneers cluster is now actively collaborating on transforming protein production through sustainable innovation. We’re working together towards shared objectives, aligning on communication and dissemination strategies, and charting out the future steps. You can follow us at #ProteinPioneers to stay up to date with our activities!
