Alternative protein non-profit, The Good Food Institute (GFI), has opened its 2025 request for proposals round, accepting applications from around the globe for its $3.5 million Research Grant Program.
Since 2019, GFI has awarded 129 grants to alternative protein researchers across 25 countries, distributing over $24 million industry support from its donation pool. The program is designed to address technical bottlenecks, catalyse further funding, and foster collaborations to attract new talent to the field.
The company stated protecting the environment, feeding the world, and revitalising economies require a healthy, sustainable, and just food system, and a strong open-access research environment and talent pipeline are essential to fostering innovation in the sector.
“In general, we are seeking to fund innovative projects that will specifically advance the science and technology of the plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat industries. “Meat” includes seafood such as fish and shellfish. Each RFP identifies priorities for research and can be submitted from any sector (academia, government, industry, nonprofits, etc.),” the brief stated.
The 2025 round has $3.5 million total funding available – up to US$250,000 per project, with up to US$50,000 additional funding for projects partnering with researchers and/or industry stakeholders not previously engaged in alternative protein research.
This year’s two priorities include:
- Functionality from fermentation – ingredients for plant-based meats
Identify and characterise fermentation-derived ingredients that enhance alternative protein-based meat products to increase their adoption through improved taste, lowered cost, and nutritional benefits. - Pathways to propel cell line development
Advance cell line development across terrestrial and aquatic species to bolster innovation and strengthen open-access research tools for the cultivated meat ecosystem. Pathways: crustacean, fish, and terrestrial.
GFI is running three informational sessions for applicants around the world, with the Asia-Pacific session scheduled for 8 April 9:30pm AEST. Registration is available here.
The submission deadline for the GFI Research Grant Program is 15 May 2025 at 12pm ET/16 May 2025 at 2am AEST. Head to gfi.org for more information and to apply.
