National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre launches at the University of Leeds

On Friday 29 November, the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) officially launched at the University of Leeds, drawing over 250 delegates from academia, industry, investors, funders, and policymakers. The event set the stage for NAPIC’s ambitious mission to transform the alternative protein landscape and contribute to global food security and sustainability.

The formal launch featured a keynote address by Professor Tim Benton of Chatham House, who highlighted the critical role of alternative proteins in addressing climate change and ensuring food security. His presentation underscored the opportunities and challenges this emerging sector faces, inspiring attendees to envision a sustainable food future.

Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), emphasized the significance of this milestone:
“This launch marks a significant milestone in the field of sustainable food innovation. Along with Innovate UK, BBSRC is proud to support this pioneering initiative that promises to drive innovation across the UK alternative proteins sector. By fostering collaboration among academics, industry leaders, and policymakers, NAPIC stands at the forefront of addressing global challenges related to food security and a changing climate.”

Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Project Leader and Co-Director of NAPIC’s PERFORM Pillar, and Professor Karen Polizzi, Co-Director of the PROCESS Pillar, presented NAPIC’s vision and goals during the event. They detailed how the centre will drive innovation across four key pillars—PRODUCE, PROCESS, PERFORM, and PEOPLE—each addressing different aspects of the alternative protein value chain.

Professor Sarkar highlighted NAPIC’s commitment to fostering open innovation and responsible data sharing to address consumer and producer concerns. Professor Polizzi outlined the centre’s broader goal of making alternative proteins mainstream, positioning the UK as a global leader in sustainable food systems. “To make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet,” she stated, emphasizing the alignment between scientific discovery, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

The event also featured a panel discussion with representatives from the James Hutton Institute, University of Sheffield, Food Standards Agency (FSA), Good Food Institute, Plant Futures, and Innovate UK. Panelists explored the challenges and opportunities of open innovation in the alternative protein sector, providing insights to guide upcoming funding initiatives.

Luke Byrne, Innovation & Sustainability Director at THIS, spoke on the potential impact of NAPIC. "The launch of NAPIC is a step forward for the plant-based food sector. It provides a unique opportunity to unite industry leaders, share expertise, and drive collective innovation. As a partner, we see this initiative as a catalyst for advancing the entire industry—accelerating progress, shaping standards, and fostering the growth needed to meet the demands from our planet for sustainable, plant-based solutions."

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) expressed its enthusiasm for NAPIC’s role in providing scientific insights to support innovation and ensure consumer safety. Rick Mumford, Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor at the FSA, emphasized the regulatory importance of high-quality science: “As a food regulator, the alternative protein sector is of huge importance to the FSA. Through NAPIC, we have a unique and exciting opportunity to work with scientists and innovators to better understand some of the regulatory science challenges we face and work towards effective solutions.”

Dr Cristina Martínez Villaluenga of Spain’s Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition added an international perspective. “NAPIC offers a unique platform for global collaboration in alternative proteins, bringing together researchers, industry, and policymakers to build a sustainable protein ecosystem as a model worldwide. As an international partner, I value the shared expertise and vision driving impactful, scalable innovations.”

NAPIC’s establishment, funded by BBSRC and Innovate UK, has also received vital support from stakeholders across public and private sectors. With applications now open for challenges across its four pillars, the centre is ready to drive transformative technologies that enhance safety, affordability, and scalability in alternative proteins.

As NAPIC begins its journey, it aims to accelerate innovation, foster collaboration, and make alternative proteins an integral part of a sustainable and equitable global food system. By uniting expertise across disciplines, the centre is poised to create impactful solutions that address urgent challenges in food production, climate change, and public health.