IKP Knowledge Park, in collaboration with GFI India, unveils the centre for smart protein and sustainable material innovation in Bengaluru to foster innovation across India’s alternative protein sector
IKP Knowledge Park, Bengaluru, a leading science and technology hub, in collaboration with The Good Food Institute India (GFI India), the central expert organisation, thought leader, and convening body in the Indian alternative protein sector, announced the establishment of India’s first-ever Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation in Bengaluru. This groundbreaking initiative is the outcome of an MoU signed between the two organisations last year, aimed at supporting smart protein startups with incubation and product development. The newly launched facility is designed to empower Indian smart protein startups by providing them access to state-of-the-art equipment and expert mentorship, dedicated to nurturing early-stage ideas in smart protein innovation.
Located in the heart of Koramangala, this centre is fully equipped to assist startups focusing on fermentation-based, plant-based, and cultivated protein products and ingredients. The facility boasts an array of state-of-the-art equipment, including biosafety cabinets, shaker incubators, freezers, homogenisers, and two ISO7-clean rooms. Now open for memberships, the centre can support up to 20 startups that can avail themselves of round-the-clock access to the centre’s resources and amenities.
The launch included the unveiling of GFI India and IKP’s report titled ‘Incubation Support for a Thriving Smart Protein Ecosystem’. The report emphasises the importance of a strong incubation ecosystem for startups working on innovative solutions across the value chain in the plant-based, fermented, and cultivated protein sectors. Capturing challenges faced by entrepreneurs and innovators first-hand, the report makes concrete recommendations to guide public and private players looking to incubate smart protein companies.