European Alt Protein Research Saw Record Public & Philanthropic Funding in 2023

A report by GFI Europe has found that European alternative protein research received a record amount of public and philanthropic funding in 2023, increasing from €63 million in 2020 to €290 million. The European Commission granted €252 million to alt protein research, with investments in plant-based foods and cultivated meat on the rise. Despite government opposition, Italy has the most alternative protein researchers, and smaller countries like Ireland and Denmark are performing well in terms of research output per capita.

Furthermore, the number of academic research papers on alternative proteins has increased significantly, with the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands leading in research publications. Plant-based protein research accounts for the majority of alt protein publications, with fermentation and cultivated meat research also gaining traction. However, the report highlights inconsistencies in funding approaches across European countries and emphasizes the need for a more coherent network and dedicated funding in overlooked areas to support and commercialize innovations in the field.