DSM, YES!Delft & Planet B.io announce finalists of 2021 Meat Replacement Innovation Challenge

8 finalists will compete virtually on March 4th 2021 to be the winner of this innovative competition.

DSM Food Specialties (DFS), the Delft-based incubator YES!Delft and Planet B.io have announced the 8 finalists of the 2021 Meat Replacement Innovation Challenge. This challenge, that was launched end of last year, looks to identify companies with the most promising and innovative solutions that can (help) mimic the real meat experience in meat alternatives.

The key challenge in growing into this innovative and relatively new market segment is the ability to capture the hearts of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. To cater to the latter, alternative products need to look, taste, and feel like actual animal products. It is not just about the flavor and texture, it is also about the entire cooking and eating experience – and that has to be as authentic as possible. Achieving this authenticity is what DFS is aiming for.

A total of 45 applications from companies around the world were received and screened in collaboration with Planet B.io. The selected finalists are:

RS3Dprints
A mechanical engineering company that builds 3D printers for the mass production of alternative meat steak.

Shiru
Shiru creates enhanced proteins by leveraging computational design to feed the world sustainably.

Mycorena
Mycorena developes Promyc - a sustainable food ingredient for food producers to develop new types of vegan products.

Rival Foods
100% plant based whole-cuts.

Planetarians
Planetarians developed a new platform to make alternative meats from animal feed (Sunflower, Corn DDGS, Pulses).

Alver
Creating healthy, tasty and sustainable food with the micro algae Golden Chlorella.

Fybraworks
Developing fermentation-based meat for human and pet consumption by growing real animal meat proteins in yeasts and fungi

Wild Earth
Developing clean protein pet foods that are healthier, better for the environment, and more humane than conventional products.

The eight finalists will pitch for the prize during the Online Finals Day on March 4^th, 2021.
The winner will be awarded €50,000 (in kind) worth of spending on a joint project with DSM to help bring their product to the next level.