Biotech company based in Poland secures €9.5 million in European funding
In Masłomiąca, Poland, Proteine Resources, an innovative insect protein producer, is set to revolutionize the pet food industry with a €9.5 million investment from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. This funding will be used to construct an AI-driven, carbon-negative insect protein factory, scaling the production of sustainable, meat-free pet food ingredients [1][2][3][4].
The new factory will be a fully autonomous operation, powered by artificial intelligence and automation. This minimizes labor requirements and ensures consistent, scalable output of premium insect-based proteins tailored for pet nutrition [2][3].
Proteine Resources also plans to implement a closed-loop, zero-waste production system. By upcycling by-products from the mushroom industry, such as stems and mycelium, as feed for insects, the company aims to reduce waste disposal costs for mushroom growers and achieve 100% utilization of agricultural inputs [1][2][4].
The insect protein produced by Proteine Resources is rich in bioactive amino acids like taurine and L-arginine, which promote pet health. These proteins support immune balance, digestion, allergy reduction, and coat quality, with hypoallergenic properties comparable to beef protein [2][4].
To further contribute to sustainability goals in pet food production, the factory will be designed to be carbon-negative and energy efficient [1][2]. Proteine Resources also plans to develop a modular and decentralized facility concept, adaptable to various locations, enabling flexible production scaling and responsiveness to market demand [2].
This investment through the EIC Accelerator program supports Proteine Resources’ mission to transform agricultural waste streams into high-value, sustainable pet food ingredients, enhancing circular economy principles and reducing the carbon footprint of pet food supply chains [1][3][4].
With almost half of all European households owning at least one pet, the demand for sustainable pet food alternatives is on the rise. Proteine Resources' innovative approach to insect protein production is poised to make a significant impact in the pet food market, providing a more sustainable, nutritious, and waste-reducing solution [5].
References:
- European Commission - Press Release: European Innovation Council Accelerator invests €9.5 million in Proteine Resources to scale up sustainable insect protein production for pet food
- Proteine Resources - Our Story
- Investment Europe - European Innovation Council Accelerator backs Proteine Resources
- AgFunder News - Proteine Resources Raises €9.5m to Scale Insect Protein Production for Pet Food
- European Pet Food Industry Federation - Pet population in Europe 2023
- The successful investment from the European Innovation Council Accelerator in Proteine Resources could bring a considerable social impact, as it aims to transform agricultural waste streams into sustainable pet food ingredients.
- By implementing a closed-loop, zero-waste production system, Proteine Resources seeks to contribute to the affordable housing industry by reducing waste disposal costs for mushroom growers, which could lower operational expenses.
- With its modular and decentralized facility concept, Proteine Resources is set to revolutionize the private equity industry within the pet food sector, by creating a more adaptable and responsive production model to market demands.
- The innovative technology employed at Proteine Resources' AI-driven insect protein factory could disrupt the industry, as it takes steps towards becoming a carbon-negative business, promoting sustainability goals in pet food production and enhancing the broader finance and business landscape.
