MBOLD launches ‘Protein Catalyst’ to unite global food giants in sustainable protein innovation

As global demand for protein continues to rise, a coalition of Minnesota-based food and agriculture leaders has unveiled a new collaborative effort to accelerate innovation across both animal and plant protein sectors.

The MBOLD coalition, part of the GREATER MSP Partnership, announced the launch of the Protein Catalyst – a pre-competitive platform designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in protein production, from sustainability and supply resilience to startup scaling and cross-sector collaboration.

The initiative brings together major corporations including General Mills, Cargill, Target, Schwan’s Co, SunOpta, Hormel Foods, and Bühler Group, alongside organizations such as the University of Minnesota, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), Compeer Financial, Naturally Minnesota, McKinsey & Co, and the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis.

According to MBOLD, the Protein Catalyst will focus on three interconnected areas: pre-competitive research and “public commons” R&D; in-depth mentorship for protein startups through the Bold Growth program; and personalized support for companies engaging with Minnesota’s thriving protein innovation ecosystem via Protein Navigator.

“At MBOLD, we know innovation isn't born from comfort. It's rooted in courage and creativity,” said JoAnne Berkenkamp, Managing Director of MBOLD. “We're launching the MBOLD Protein Catalyst to take on one of the biggest challenges our food system is facing with the aim of collaborating across the value chain to deliver protein solutions that work for farmers, consumers, businesses, and the planet.”

Protein remains one of the essential building blocks of human nutrition, yet its production carries significant environmental consequences. With global protein demand expected to grow by up to 50% by 2050, balancing nutrition and sustainability has become a key priority for governments, industry, and consumers alike.

Through the Protein Catalyst, MBOLD aims to help food and agriculture companies explore more sustainable feed ingredients, improve resource efficiency, and bring novel protein sources to market. By fostering collaboration between established players and innovators, MBOLD hopes to strengthen both the environmental and economic foundations of the protein economy.

Under its pre-competitive R&D pillar, the Protein Catalyst will coordinate research shared openly with the wider food system to stimulate innovation in both animal and plant proteins.

MBOLD said it is already exploring ways to integrate more diverse, climate-resilient crops into animal feed formulations – helping farmers access new markets while supporting agricultural biodiversity and resilience.

On the plant-based side, the group will identify and address research and commercialization gaps that currently limit wider adoption. This includes enabling plant-based proteins to perform better in diverse food applications, ultimately expanding consumer appeal.

MBOLD’s Bold Growth program aims to help emerging protein companies overcome the hurdles of scaling and market entry through structured mentorship from senior leaders at participating corporations.

Startups selected for the program receive tailored guidance – at no cost – from executives at companies such as Target, Cargill, General Mills, Compeer Financial, Schwan’s Co., McKinsey & Co., SunOpta, Ecolab, Hormel Foods, and Bread & Butter Ventures.

These partnerships, MBOLD noted, are designed to close the gap between early-stage innovation and real-world market traction, creating a bridge between entrepreneurial agility and corporate reach.

A third component, Protein Navigator, will act as an entry point for protein companies from across the US and abroad looking to engage with Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem. The service will provide market intelligence, introductions, and expert guidance tailored to each company’s stage and strategic goals.

Berkenkamp said Minnesota offers “a unique convergence of world-class companies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurial energy” that makes it an ideal hub for advancing protein innovation.

As part of its efforts to connect industry stakeholders, MBOLD will co-host the Bridge2Food Summit in Minneapolis.

The event will bring together many of the same organizations participating in the Protein Catalyst, reinforcing MBOLD’s goal of fostering cross-sector collaboration to accelerate progress.

While the protein transition is global in scale, MBOLD’s initiative underscores the potential of regional ecosystems to act as catalysts for collective action. By creating a shared platform where industry, academia, and innovators can work together pre-competitively, the coalition hopes to accelerate solutions that deliver benefits across the value chain – from farmers and processors to consumers and the environment.

“The challenges and opportunities of the protein economy are key to our collective future,” MBOLD stated. “We welcome participation from across the value chain in the MBOLD Protein Catalyst.”