Planet B.io has joined the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think & Do Tank, strengthening our role in shaping the future of sustainable proteins and industrial biotechnology in Europe.
Our participation builds on the strategic partnership between the Province of Zuid-Holland and EIT Food, which opens the door to contribute to European initiatives with impact. As the driving force behind the Protein Port initiative, Planet B.io is well positioned to bring the perspectives of the Dutch biotech ecosystem to the European stage.
The Think & Do Tank brings together experts from across industry, research, startups and policymaking to identify barriers, develop roadmaps and formulate recommendations that accelerate protein diversification in Europe. Its work focuses not only on innovation but also on creating the right policy and investment conditions to enable the sector to scale.
The timing is great; across Europe, biotechnology is rapidly climbing the political agenda.
EIT Food is currently expanding its work through the European Agrifood Biotech Alliance, which aims to strengthen Europe's agrifood biotechnology ecosystem and lays the foundation for public-private partnership at European level. Resulting initiatives such as a Joint Undertaking could unlock large-scale, long-term investments in biotechnology, helping Europe remain globally competitive in areas such as precision fermentation, alternative proteins and biomanufacturing.
At the same time, the European Union is shaping its next Multiannual Financial Framework, which will determine the priorities and funding landscape for research and innovation over the coming years. Decisions made now will have a lasting impact on the growth of Europe's biotechnology sector.
Simultaneously, Europe also needs regulatory frameworks that keep pace with innovation. Many organisations across the sector have recently contributed to the European Commission's Call for Evidence for the upcoming Biotech Act II, advocating for faster, more innovation-friendly regulation while maintaining Europe's high safety standards. Key recommendations include streamlining authorisation procedures, reducing regulatory complexity and creating better conditions for companies to scale within Europe.
At the same time, the Novel Food authorisation process continues to be a challenge for many companies. While rigorous safety assessments remain essential, lengthy evaluation timelines can slow the commercialisation of promising sustainable food innovations and risk putting Europe behind other global regions.
Connecting the Netherlands to Europe
These are challenges that cannot be solved at the national level alone. They require European collaboration between policymakers, innovators, researchers and industry.
That is precisely why Planet B.io actively participates in international networks such as the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think & Do Tank. By contributing to strategic roadmaps, providing independent advice, helping shape future innovation calls and building new alliances, we aim to strengthen Europe's biotechnology ecosystem while ensuring that the interests and expertise of the Dutch biotech community are well represented.
We look forward to working with our regional and European partners to help build a more connected, competitive and innovation-friendly ecosystem for protein diversification and industrial biotechnology.
Want to learn more about the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think & Do thank? Visit their website here.