NUS launches $39m alternative protein research hub

The centre aims to address global food security concerns.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) launched The Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein to advance research in alternative proteins back wit a $39m (USD30m) grant from the Bezos Earth Fund.

The centre aims to "ultimate proteins" – advanced hybrid foods that match traditional meat-based products in both taste and price.

Other areas include microalgae research and cell-cultured and plant-based research. These focus areas will integrate platforms such as nutrition science, safety, and consumer acceptance into its research.

The research will be led by 23 Principal Investigators from institutions including NUS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technology, and ETH Zurich. 

"Asia is pivotal to the future of sustainable proteins, and Singapore is leading the way," said Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund. 

“The new Centre at NUS harnesses the region's influence and expertise to drive solutions that can reshape food systems globally, with significant potential impact for East and South-East Asia's 2.3 billion consumers,” he added.