XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion competition concludes, advancing sustainable protein innovation without declaring a grand prize winner

XPRIZE, renowned for pioneering large-scale incentive challenges, has officially wrapped up the XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion competition, a US$15 million initiative aimed at inspiring teams to develop chicken breast and fish fillet alternatives that could match or exceed conventional meat in accessibility, sustainability, animal welfare, nutrition, taste, and texture. Over the past four years, teams made impressive progress in crafting high-quality alternatives that closely resemble their traditional counterparts. While none of the finalists were named grand prize winners, their efforts have set a new standard for the alternative protein industry.

Finalist Teams demonstrated remarkable dedication and expertise, advancing in production scale, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability while meeting rigorous safety standards. XPRIZE collaborated with policymakers across the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, fostering a supportive framework for the future of alternative meat regulation and food safety. Teams succeeded in matching the protein content of traditional meat and fish, and the competition drove substantial partnerships with over 25 companies, enabling teams to access investor coaching, discounted resources, and valuable industry insights.

Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, expressed pride in the competition’s impact. “Our goal was to inspire breakthroughs in alternative proteins to help meet the growing global demand for sustainable food. While no single team won the grand prize, each one made extraordinary strides. These businesses are well-positioned to address this vital need in the years ahead.”

The competition’s semifinal phase awarded US$3 million to participating teams, recognizing their considerable investment in R&D, financial resources, and expertise to meet ambitious goals. Final testing, conducted this summer in Abu Dhabi, evaluated products against stringent criteria, reflecting the complex challenges of reimagining the global food system. “The competition criteria were designed to be highly demanding,” commented Caroline Kolta, Program Director of XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion. “The advancements made by our teams bring us closer to a future of accessible, nutritious, and sustainable food. The technologies and partnerships developed here will drive industry progress for years to come.”

Ansari acknowledged that setting audacious goals means not all competitions will end with a grand prize winner, but emphasized XPRIZE’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation within the alternative protein sector. “The competition has ignited significant momentum, and we are grateful to our sponsors, especially Aspire and the Tony Robbins Foundation, for their support in achieving this impact.”

Kolta added, “We extend our gratitude to the participating teams for their relentless drive. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries, paving the way towards a sustainable and food-secure future.”

The XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion competition was made possible through partnerships with the International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA) Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, WSP, Perkins Coie LLP, and title sponsor Aspire, with the Tony Robbins Foundation as a key benefactor.