Innovation needed to transform the food system, and address challenges including climate change and malnutrition
Through its recently inaugurated R&D Centre in Latin America, Nestlé has signed an agreement with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile), to strengthen joint entrepreneurship capabilities, and explore the potential of marine plants and other alternative vegetable protein sources in Latin America.
Marine plants and algae play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gases and can be used as sustainable food and packaging materials. The research agreement will focus on supply chains, nutritional profiles, and possible product applications, leveraging Nestlé’s R&D expertise and the strengths of UC Chile as a leading research institution in Latin America.
Chile is an excellent location to conduct research into marine plants and algae. With its extensive coastline of over 6,400 km, the country is home to one of the largest algae forests in the world. At the same time, Chile offers a vibrant, growing innovation ecosystem.
The collaboration agreement will support PhD students to conduct research related to marine plants and algae and other alternative plant protein sources. In addition, it will cover the costs of internships in Chile and abroad for four Master’s students per year from the schools of Engineering and Agronomy.
In addition to scientific research, the collaboration between these institutions will include innovation and entrepreneurship challenges, both at student and startup level, as well as collaborations through the new regional Nestlé R+D Accelerator and other R&D projects.