Research Grants Tracker

Overview:
GFI's Research Grants Tracker is a public global database compiling information about non-dilutive alternative protein research funding from governments, nonprofits, and other sources. It serves as both a static database and an analytical tool for identifying trends and gaps in the alternative protein research funding landscape.

Purpose:

• Map the global alternative protein research funding landscape
• Identify funding gaps and opportunities
• Track trends in government and nonprofit support for alt protein R&D
• Answer questions about funding distribution by region, funder type, and focus area

Scope:

• Focuses on non-dilutive grants (funding that doesn't require giving up equity or repayment)
• Includes technical research grants with aims such as improvements in sensory characteristics
• Covers grants to build pilot facilities enabling technology scaleup
• Research must be directly applicable to alternative meat, egg, and dairy end products
• Does not include: Consumer research or market research

Data Tracked:

• Amount of each grant
• Geographic location
• Funder type
• Alternative protein pillar (plant-based, cultivated, fermentation)
• Recipient institution/researcher
• Open-access vs. proprietary designation

Key Findings from Tracker Data:

• Total funding (cumulative since 2005): ~$112 million in non-dilutive, publicly disclosed grants
  • $98.3M for plant-based
  • $12M for cultivated meat
  • $1M for fermentation-derived
• Open-access research: $50.6M (45% of total)
• Government funding: 44% of all alternative protein research is funded by governments
• Government open-access funding: 39% of government grant dollars ($28.2M) produce publicly accessible results

Geographic Leaders in Alt Protein Research:

1. Canada - Leading in plant-protein ingredient processing
2. European Union - Funding consortia and cross-member research
3. United States - Largest funder of cultivated meat and dairy research
4. Finland - Only country supporting fermentation-derived protein research
5. Also significant: Netherlands, Germany, Japan

Key Insights:

• Alt protein R&D funding is woefully inadequate compared to renewable energy (50:1 ratio)
• Open-access research funding is limited, especially for cultivated meat and fermentation
• Geographic regions are positioning themselves as research hubs
• Government funding momentum increased in 2020

Access:
Publicly available database accessible for filtering and analysis

Accessing the Research Grants Tracker

1. Visit GFI's Research Grants Tracker
2. Filter data by:
   • Geographic region/country
   • Alternative protein pillar (plant-based, cultivated, fermentation)
   • Funder type
   • Research institution
   • Grant amount
   • Year
3. View detailed information about funded projects
4. Analyze trends and gaps in research funding
5. Export or analyze data for insights