£15.6 million boost for low-emission food production systems
Innovate UK and BBSRC are backing 32 innovative projects that produce foods in a more environmentally friendly way.
Innovate UK and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) are set to invest £15.6 million in 32 projects as part of the novel low-emission food production systems competition.
Through their strategic partnership, Innovate UK and BBSRC are supporting innovations designed to drive transformation across the food industry to meet the demands of a growing population while promoting health and sustainability.
Revolutionising diets and sustainability
A few of the projects are developing alternative proteins that contribute to a more sustainable and diversified food system.
Alternative proteins, such as plant-based and lab-grown options, place less demand on land and water resources than conventional proteins.
Coupled with the use of novel technologies, they also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
The result is a reduced environmental impact when compared to traditional agriculture production processes.
Enhancing production processes
Many of the funded projects focus on enhancing production processes for cultivated meats to generate future products that are not only high in nutrients but also cost-effective.
Some of the projects also hope to unlock the growth potential of the UK insect farming industry, offering a sustainable approach to help decarbonise livestock production.
Growing up: vertical farming innovations
Several projects will explore vertical farming solutions which offer sustainable and innovative approaches to address challenges related to food production.
The potential benefits include:
space and resource efficiency
year-round localised production
reduced environmental impact
One of the funded projects will develop a small-scale vertical farming model for foods like micro greens and mushrooms.
Another project will create indoor farming systems using advanced technologies to optimise plant health.
Fuelling UK industry growth
To further bolster the alternative proteins sector in the UK, BBSRC and Innovate UK have also launched a new funding opportunity to establish an innovation and knowledge centre (IKC).
This initiative aims to provide vital support for research and innovation in the field of alternative proteins.
The investment will serve as a driving force in fostering collaboration within the community to address a range of research and innovation challenges.
From fundamental discovery research and pre-competitive opportunities to proof-of-concept and commercially-focused activities, the IKC will play a pivotal role in advancing the landscape of alternative proteins in the UK.
Diverse and impactful innovations
Dr Stella Peace, Executive Director for the Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, said:
At Innovate UK, our role is to inspire and invest in transformative changes that will future proof food production and manufacturing.
The projects we are supporting showcase the diverse and impactful innovations emerging in the UK’s agri-food sector.
We are excited to see these develop further and look forward to working with them.
Driving the COP28 declaration
Professor Guy Poppy, BBSRC Interim Executive Chair and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Food Sector Champion, said:
It is timely that just days after the UK, along with over 130 countries, signed the COP28 declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action, Innovate UK and BBSRC announce their latest strategic bioscience innovation programme investment.
This latest investment by Innovate UK and BBSRC not only marks a step change in the future of food production while addressing the pressing need for sustainable and nutritious food, but it also illustrates UKRI’s ongoing commitment to harnessing the full power of the UK’s research and innovation system to tackle major global challenges.
The 32 projects receiving this latest funding will help pioneer novel low-emission food production systems that are not just environmentally responsible but also economically viable.
