Tender Food, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Others Secure Millions in DOE Grants for Low-Carbon Food Innovation

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded over $136 million in funding to 66 projects aimed at advancing low-carbon technologies in critical industrial sectors, including food and beverage production. The funding is part of the TIEReD Program, which invests in research, pilot projects, and workforce development to decarbonize energy-intensive industries. Multiple projects within the food and beverage sector were selected to receive funding for developing sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions, energy use, and waste while improving production efficiency.

Among the recipients are Tender Food, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Michigan State University, each receiving millions in grants for their innovative projects. These initiatives aim to develop low-energy fiber-spinning systems for plant-based proteins, precision fermentation technology for producing human lactoferrin, and sustainable plant protein production platforms, respectively. By focusing on novel technologies and process optimization, these projects have the potential to drive innovation, reduce waste, and improve sustainability across the food and beverage supply chains, creating a positive ripple effect for the US economy.