The University of Hyderabad has officially launched the Centre for Alternate Protein Research at its ASPIRE BioNEST bioincubator. This facility aims to accelerate research and development in sustainable food technologies, with a focus on alternative proteins. The Centre’s opening marks a strategic move to support the growth of startups in the alternative protein sector and foster innovation in food security, nutrition, and climate change solutions.
The Centre is supported by Cytiva, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Cytiva’s contribution is seen as part of its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically addressing challenges related to food sustainability, climate action, and responsible consumption.
“Innovation for societal good”
In a statement, Manoj Kumar R. Panicker, General Manager of Cytiva in South Asia, explained the importance of collaboration for driving meaningful scientific and social progress. “This Centre is a testament to Cytiva’s belief in the power of collaboration to drive innovation for societal good,” he said during the inauguration ceremony.
Hub for collaboration
The Centre is designed to be a hub for both translational research and entrepreneurship. It offers a collaborative environment where researchers and startups can work on scalable protein alternatives, including plant-based, microbial, and biotechnological solutions.
ASPIRE BioNEST, established in partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and the University of Hyderabad, has already supported numerous deep-tech startups in fields such as agritech, biopharma, and medtech. The new Centre will further bolster the ecosystem’s capacity to foster breakthroughs in sustainable food production.
BiOM FARMS, one of the startups involved in this initiative, expressed enthusiasm about the new Centre’s potential. The company posted on LinkedIn: “We are committed to contributing to this collaborative ecosystem by accelerating R&D in cultivated protein technologies and supporting the development of sustainable food solutions.”
State-of-the-art facilities for r&d
The Centre’s facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support R&D across various alternative protein modalities. Other startups already participating include Proleri Technologies and Arthro. ASPIRE BioNEST’s extensive support infrastructure, combined with the University of Hyderabad’s academic and research capabilities, positions the Centre as a significant asset in India’s growing bioeconomy.
Since its founding in 2018, ASPIRE BioNEST has supported 75 deep-tech startups, with more than 30 currently in incubation. The Centre for Alternate Protein Research is expected to play a key role in further expanding this ecosystem and contributing to India’s leadership in the global transition towards more sustainable food production.
