From Lab
to Launch
Your practical toolkit for navigating the alternative protein development journey — from bench-scale R&D to commercial reality.
12
Startups in cohort
8
Countries represented
7
Interactive tools
Your Tools
7 instrumentsOne practical tool for every critical decision on the path from lab to commercial scale.
TEA Calculator
Techno-Economic Analysis
Estimate your cost of goods sold at pilot scale and identify the key cost drivers that R&D should prioritise for maximum commercial impact.
TRL Milestone Planner
Technology Readiness Levels
Assess your current TRL and build a 90-day R&D sprint plan with commercially-anchored milestones that de-risk your technology for investors.
Innovation Roadmap
Lab to Commercial Scale
Translate your R&D plan into a compelling investor-ready roadmap that links capital requirements directly to de-risked milestones.
Paid Pilot Canvas
Partner Engagement
Structure a paid pilot programme that positions you as a solution provider, not a vendor, and creates a clear pathway to a commercial agreement.
Make vs. Buy Matrix
Manufacturing Strategy
A weighted decision framework to determine whether co-manufacturing or building your own facility is the right path for your specific situation.
Regulatory Planner
Novel Food & GRAS
Build a tailored regulatory timeline for your technology category — EU Novel Food, US GRAS, pet food, or health claims — with cost estimates.
Investor Readiness
Capital Readiness Scorecard
Self-assess across 20 criteria covering technology de-risking, commercial traction, regulatory readiness, team completeness, and financial planning.
Adam M. Adamek, PhD
Food BiotechFounder, Food Edge - FoodBioTech Intelligence | Former Director of Innovation and ad-interim Chief Impact Officer, EIT Food | Author, "FoodTech After the Hype"
25 years across Danone, Mondelez, and EIT Food - from bench science and corporate R&D to startup acceleration and investor readiness across 50+ countries. Core belief: infrastructure beats indulgence. Evidence beats narrative. Systems beat stories.
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The Cohort
12 startups · 8 countriesFast-track to Impact Spring 2026 — united by one mission: accelerating the transition to a sustainable global food system.
| Company | Country | Technology | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millow.co | Sweden | Mycelium + Oats (dry fermentation) | Biomass Fermentation |
| Space Ark Bio | Taiwan | Precision Fermentation Platform | Precision Fermentation |
| Toomush | Spain | Fungal Biomass — Whole-cut Texture | Biomass Fermentation |
| UPP Freya | UK | Automated Side-stream Upcycling | Plant-based Ingredients |
| FURRMATE | India | Plant-based Pet Food (soy + superfoods) | Pet Nutrition |
| Bean Possible | Brazil | Imperfect Bean Concentrates | Plant-based Ingredients |
| AlgMighty | Netherlands | Microalgae Emulsifiers | Microalgae |
| FUDI Ingredients | USA | RuBisCO from Alfalfa | Plant-based Functional |
| ProteinUnited | UK / Netherlands | Mycoprotein — Retail Applications | Biomass Fermentation |
| Vcrave Foods | India / Singapore | Ancient Grain Dairy Alternatives | Plant-based Dairy |
| CoryPro Ingredients | USA | Cluster Bean Protein Isolate | Side-stream Upcycling |
| FILGUD | Romania | Fermented Plant-based Cheese | Fermented Plant-based |