RFP on Alternative Protein R&D
Supports interdisciplinary research to solve key technical challenges in taste, texture, and adoption of alternative proteins, aiming to make them competitive with conventional animal products.
Funder: Open Philanthropy
Due Dates: August 10, 2026 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10 million total; individual awards typically $100,000–$1 million for 2–3 years (up to 3.5 years max).
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary, pre-competitive R&D to improve taste, price, and adoption of alternative proteins in four priority areas.
Key Information: Awards made on a rolling basis; proposals must align with published technical priorities and evaluation rubrics.
Description
This funding opportunity supports foundational, pre-competitive research to accelerate the development and mainstream adoption of alternative protein products. The initiative targets four underfunded scientific challenges: reducing off-flavors in plant- and fermentation-derived proteins, developing fat alternatives for improved flavor generation, advancing egg reduction and replacement technologies, and characterizing fish flavors in welfare-priority species. The goal is to close the taste and price gap between alternative proteins and conventional animal products. Proposals are sought from a wide range of organizations worldwide, with a strong preference for interdisciplinary teams and industry partnerships. All proposals must address one or more of the defined priority areas and follow the technical context and evaluation rubrics provided by the funder.
