On March 10, 2026, ProVeg China and Jiangnan University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the university’s Science Center for Future Foods to jointly establish a NeoProtein Innovation Center of Excellence (CoE). This new platform will help advance scientific innovation in NeoProtein and strengthen collaboration between research institutions, industry, and the global protein innovation ecosystem.
NeoProtein innovation and a leading research partner
NeoProtein is emerging as a critical pathway for diversifying global protein supply and strengthening the resilience of future food systems. Advances in fermentation, microbial protein, and other forms of biomanufacturing are expanding how protein can be produced beyond conventional livestock and fisheries, offering new opportunities to improve resource efficiency, enhance nutrition, and support a more sustainable global food supply.
Our partner, Jiangnan University, is internationally recognised for its leadership in food science and plays a key role in advancing research on future foods and NeoProtein. In the 2025 ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), the university ranked No.1 globally in Food Science and Engineering, reflecting its strong research capacity in this field. Through its Science Center for Future Foods, established in 2019, Jiangnan University conducts interdisciplinary research on emerging protein technologies and future food systems, positioning it as a leading scientific hub for NeoProtein innovation in China and a valuable partner in the global protein transition.
Advancing NeoProtein innovation through the CoE
The CoE will focus on four key areas:
- NeoProtein scientific research and technological innovation
Focusing on key technological bottlenecks and systemic challenges in the NeoProtein field, the initiative will promote stronger alignment between fundamental research, applied research, and industry needs. - Industry–academia collaboration and technology transfer
Encouraging collaboration between researchers, food companies, and related institutions to facilitate the translation of scientific research into industrial applications and market-ready solutions. - Industry research and public awareness
Conducting industry and market research to enhance the understanding among industry stakeholders and the public of the scientific value, innovation pathways and broader significance of NeoProtein. - Domestic and international exchange and collaboration
Building platforms for academic and industry exchange to promote open collaboration and knowledge sharing in the NeoProtein field.
In addition, a central objective of the CoEis to advance coordinated work around the “Top Ten Technical Bottlenecks for NeoProtein in 2025,” a Blue Paper co-developed by ProVeg and the NeoProtein Professional Committee of the Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology (CIFST), with contributions from 48 leading scientists across China to identify the most critical research challenges in the field.
Academician Jian Chen, Chief Science Officer at the Science Center for Future Foods of Jiangnan University, highlighted the broader significance of the partnership, noting that the initiative will focus on the key issues identified in the Blue Paper, mobilising research and industry to carry out sustained collaborative efforts and promote breakthroughs in key technologies and the translation of research outcomes. In the process of addressing industry bottlenecks, it will continuously generate new scientific achievements and application products, contributing to the high-quality development of the NeoProtein sector.”
Nicole Wu, Executive Director of ProVeg China, said: “The development of NeoProtein relies not only on continuous scientific and technological innovation, but also on cross-sector collaboration among research institutions, industry stakeholders, and society at large. We hope this platform will bring together diverse expertise and resources to address key technological challenges through coordinated efforts, and help accelerate the translation of innovative solutions into real-world applications.”
China’s growing role in next-generation protein innovation
China is the world’s largest meat market and a dynamic R&D hub for NeoProtein. Consumer acceptance, expanding fermentation, and strategic focus on protein diversification emphasize China’s growing role in the future of food.
At ProVeg, our mission is to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable global food system—one in which the food we eat is healthy, affordable, and better for people, animals, and the planet. The collaboration with Jiangnan University helps accelerate this mission by advancing scientific innovation with positive impacts for the food industry, society, and the environment.
