Science of smart protein

Learn about the science of plant-based meat. Discover resources and research on the latest technological developments and key scientific questions.

Learn about the science of cultivated meat and the challenges that must be addressed for commercial production.

Learn about the emerging role of microbial fermentation in building the next generation of alternative protein products.


Research




Smart Protein Repository

Discover ideas for your R&D work in plant-based, fermentation-derived alternative proteins, and cultivated meat through GFI India’s repository of R&D innovation priorities in smart proteins.





Alternative Proteins Solutions Database

Discover ideas for new startups, commercial ventures and products, research projects, ecosystem support, and investment opportunities for plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived proteins.





Researcher Directory

Explore the global landscape of researchers working to advance the science of plant-based meat, cultivated meat, and fermentation. Use this directory to connect with researchers seeking collaborations with labs, companies, and other innovators to build a more resilient and sustainable food system.




Funding

SPARK Fellowship

The SPARK Fellowship program aims at encouraging postgraduate students from diverse scientific disciplines to work on industry-relevant applied research topics contributing to innovative discoveries in the smart protein sector.


Research Grant Program

Fueled by our generous donors, we are excited to introduce our most recent cohort of open-access alternative protein research projects. Our program also supports researchers with resources to help identify funding opportunities and more.




Research grantees

Dr. Mukunda Goswami
Differentiation and cell lines for cultivated carp
2021-2023

Dr. Mukunda Goswami, principal scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, is studying in vitro differentiation of carp embryonic, myogenic, and adipogenic stem cells in collaboration with the Ovissipour Lab at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Shubhankar Takle
CRISPy Chicken: a mesenchymal stem cell line for cultivated meat 
2021 – 2023

MyoWorks Pvt. Ltd. is a cultivated meat startup led by Shubhankar Takle and Nihal Singh. It aims to create an ecosystem of ancillary products for the cultivated meat industry such as their novel scaffolding solution.

Dr. Pramod Prabhakar Wangikar
Model-guided optimisation of alt protein
2024-2026

This project will develop and optimise low-cost serum-free culture media for cultivated chicken meat, using metabolic modelling and spent media analysis.

Regional grant opportunities: GFI India’s Grants Database

Our Grants Database offers a comprehensive list of active public and private grants designed to support growth and innovation in the sector. Bookmark this database for updates on newly released smart protein funding opportunities.


Research funding database - GFI India

Research funding database

GFI’s research funding database provides curated grant opportunities for open-access alternative protein research.


Community

Smart Protein Project

The Smart Protein Project (SPP) is GFI India’s iteration of the Alt Protein Project (APP), one of GFI’s key talent development initiatives, where students play a pivotal role in building the smart protein ecosystem in India.


Smart Protein Forum

The Smart Protein Forum brings together scientific minds, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, expert think tanks, and policymakers to identify key opportunities & challenges, forge meaningful partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and accelerate progress for smart proteins with well-defined action-oriented outcomes.

Our work through collaborations

Join our GFIdeas India Community for entrepreneurs, scientists, students, and subject matter experts who are driving innovation in smart protein.

GFIdeas India community

GFIdeas India is a community for entrepreneurs, scientists, students, and subject matter experts who are driving innovation in smart protein. Sounds like you?


Education


Online course: The science behind alternative proteins

Enroll in GFI’s open-access online course to learn about the science of plant-based and cultivated meat.

Simplifying smart protein science



Alternative protein courses database - GFI India

Alternative protein courses database

Our alternative protein course database maps educational programs focused on alternative proteins and their enabling technologies. In this database, you can expect to find courses offered online and at institutions around the world.



Webinars



Meet our experts

View All Experts

Padma Ishwarya - Science & Technology Specialist at Good Food Institute (GFI) India

Padma Ishwarya S., PhD

Science & Technology Specialist

Dr. Padma spearheads plant-based alternative protein innovation in India through strategic research and academic collaboration.

Chandana Tekkatte - Science & Technology Specialist at Good Food Institute (GFI) India

Chandana Tekkatte

Science & Technology Specialist

Chandana is a biotechnologist, helping drive scientific innovation in Indian smart protein R&D by engaging with researchers, academic institutions, and scientific bodies.

Amrutha Girivasan - Science & Technology Associate at Good Food Institute (GFI) India

Amrutha Girivasan

Science & Technology Associate

Amrutha combines the wonders of science and community building to cultivate the next generation of alt protein scientists in India.