NAPIC Expands Global Collaboration with Strategic MoUs Across Four Continents

16 June 2025

NAPIC Expands Global Collaboration with Strategic MoUs Across Four Continents

Summary

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) is excited to announce the signing of nine Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with leading institutions worldwide.

Map highlighting NAPIC’s global reach with the signing of nine Memorandum of Understanding in: Denmark, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Netherlands, USA.

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) is excited to announce the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
with leading institutions worldwide. This strategic move underscores NAPIC’s
commitment to fostering international collaboration, advancing sustainable
protein research, and addressing global food security challenges.

Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

NAPIC’s new partnerships span four continents, bringing
together renowned institutions dedicated to innovation in alternative proteins:

Aarhus University – Denmark
Aarhus University is a top-tier research institution known for its interdisciplinary approach to sustainable food systems. The university’s expertise in agricultural sciences and biotechnology aligns seamlessly with NAPIC’s mission to develop sustainable protein sources.
Massey University – New Zealand
Massey University is at the forefront of food science research, focusing on consumer preferences and sensory attributes of alternative proteins. Their work aims to enhance the acceptability and marketability of plant-based foods.
Technion R&D Foundation Ltd – Israel
Technion is a global leader in food technology innovation. Its newly established Sustainable Protein Research Center serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research in alternative proteins, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) – Spain
CSIC is Spain’s largest public research institution, with a strong focus on biotechnology and food technology. Their research aims to improve plant productivity and resistance, contributing to the development of sustainable protein sources.
Protein Industries Canada (PIC) – Canada
PIC is a national initiative that supports the growth of Canada’s plant-based food sector. Their involvement in NAPIC will help raise awareness around plant protein innovation and its use for creating ingredients and foods that deliver on nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability outcomes.
University College Dublin (UCD) – Ireland
UCD is engaged in pioneering research on utilizing brewery wastewater to cultivate omega-3-rich algae biomass, which can be converted into animal feed and fertilizers.
University of Pretoria – South Africa
The University of Pretoria is dedicated to addressing food security challenges in Africa. Their research focuses on developing sustainable protein sources tailored to the continent’s unique needs.
Wageningen University – Netherlands
Wageningen University is renowned for its research in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Their work includes developing shear cell technology to produce meat analogues that mimic real meat textures.
International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) – USA
ILSI is a global nonprofit organization that provides science-based information to improve public health and well-being. Their involvement in NAPIC will support the development of science-based policies and practices in the alternative protein sector.

Looking Ahead

These MOUs open new opportunities for collaborative funding, innovation pipelines, and researcher mobility. By aligning with world-class institutions, NAPIC is poised to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable protein solutions, contributing to a more resilient and equitable global food system.

“This partnership with NAPIC is a unique opportunity to foster high-impact research and accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world food solutions. It reinforces CSIC’s commitment to international collaboration and aligns with our shared goal of advancing alternative proteins that are not only sustainable but also nutritionally meaningful and accessible worldwide.”

Dr. Cristina Martínez Villaluenga, Chair of NAPIC’s International Scientific Engagement Board and CSIC Research Scientist

“Protein Industries Canada’s participation in NAPIC helps raise awareness around plant protein innovation and its use for creating ingredients and foods that deliver on nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability outcomes in Canada and internationally. NAPIC provides a valuable network to align policies, build international partnerships, and support the long-term growth of the global plant protein sector.”

James Street, Deputy-Chair of NAPIC’s International Scientific Engagement Board and Executive Director at Protein Industries Canada

“The signing of this MoU represents a landmark achievement in strengthening global collaboration around alternative proteins. NAPIC stands as a beacon of excellence in the UK and serves as a gateway to a vibrant, fast-growing innovation ecosystem—bridging research, industry, and policy.”

Dr. Alan Hernandez, NAPIC International Scientific Executive Board Champion

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Alternatively, you can email us at info@napic.ac.uk.