Science
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Key resources
Meet our experts
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
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
Amrutha combines the wonders of science and community building to cultivate the next generation of alt protein scientists in India.