The Future of Protein Summit 2019 held in Delhi

New Delhi (November 11th, 2019) The ?Future of Protein? Summit was held on Nov 11 and 12 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, featuring presentations and discussions led by expert stakeholders including political leaders, scientists, investors and entrepreneurs about the advancements and opportunities of the plant-based protein and the cellular agriculture sectors. This annual event is jointly organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Humane Society International/India and the Good Food Institute India and was declared open by NITI Aayog CEO Mr Amitabh Kant.

This two-day event featured over 30 speakers ranging from political leaders and scientists to investors and entrepreneurs who are spearheading the global paradigm shift in the food sector and leading the dialogue for its advancement. HSI/India and GFI India unveiled key initiatives the organizations are undertaking to promote the alternative protein sector, such as a call for review papers in cultivated meat technologies, a GFI start-up manual, and a humane entrepreneurship program by HSI/India. Five key organizations partnered for the event, including the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, which was the first Indian institution to receive a government grant for research in cultivated meat, Tasting India, and the Embassy of Israel. Omnivore Ventures and Ashika Group also partnered with the hosts, curating their own investor and Hotel Restaurant and Caf? (HoReCa) panels respectively.

Alokparna Sengupta, managing director HSI/India, said, ?We are proud to co-host this summit for the second year, and even more thrilled to be joined by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. The first day of the summit served as a great platform for business and domain experts to provide unique business insights for entering this field and identifying opportunities that are arising in the alternative protein sector. Through this event, we hope to see lasting connections built for the Indian alternative protein space, and solutions for the creation of a conducive business ecosystem to advance the sector.?

Varun Deshpande, managing director GFI India said, ?The new protein sector is poised for takeoff in India, with tremendous potential to alleviate malnutrition, climate change, and public health challenges. We have been privileged to have the support of the Government of India?s agencies as well as leaders from the scientific and business world to make the Future of Protein Summit a success. Day 1 was filled with highlights and the biggest names in policy, regulation, investment, and business coming together for a better food system.?

Representatives from several international plant-based companies participated with their insights and learnings for Indian entrepreneurs. Michelle Adelman, founder and CEO of Infinite Foods, a South Africa-based plant-based food company, said ?'I truly believe that the opportunity that is going to have the biggest impact on the food industry is in Africa, India, South Asia, and other emerging markets. It is fantastic to be here at the ?Future of Protein Summit?, to be with thought leaders and creative minds as we think through the big challenges that we face as we try to enhance the food system to be more plant-forward?

The event also presented a unique opportunity to local entrepreneurs in the sector, through an ?Innovators Lightning Showcase?, wherein representatives from local plant-based companies were given 10 minutes to pitch their company to the audience, which included top investment firms. Omnivore Ventures, an Indian impact venture fund for food and agricultural start-ups, curated a session in which they led the discussion on investor sentiment for the sector.

User :- Shambhavi Tiwari

Email :-stiwari@hsi.org

Mobile:- +91-8879834125