Innovation Mission to South Korea: Alternative & Future Proteins

By taking part in this innovation mission, you will explore opportunities for equal and valuable collaboration in R&D. The mission is of interest to companies and researchers active in the agri-food sector who wish to contribute to the development of alternative proteins.

During the mission, you will connect with Korean partners who excel in scaling, consumer markets and digital innovation. You can connect your Dutch expertise in technology, ingredients and knowledge development with the knowledge and market position of Korean partners.

Why South Korea?

South Korea is rapidly positioning itself as a frontrunner in future food systems, driven by strong government support, advanced food-tech ecosystems and a growing consumer market for sustainable protein alternatives.

Themes

This mission concentrates on applying, improving and scaling alternative protein solutions, with attention to product quality, cost reduction, regulatory pathways and consumer acceptance. Topics covered include:

• plant-based protein innovation and ingredient functionality;
• hybrid protein applications (blends of plant-based and animal proteins);
• cultivated meat and precision fermentation;
• texture, taste and nutritional optimization;
• scaling and cost reduction of production processes;
• consumer acceptance and market positioning;
• digitalization and smart food manufacturing.

For whom?

This innovation mission targets Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and organisations that contribute to diversification of protein sources and the development of sustainable food systems.

Participation is particularly relevant for parties developing technologies and solutions that support, accelerate or enable the scaling of alternative proteins, including:

• plant-based ingredient development and processing technologies;
• hybrid protein concepts and product innovation;
• cultivated meat and precision fermentation technologies;
• equipment and systems for scaling production;
• sensory optimization (taste, texture, mouthfeel);
• digital and data-driven solutions for food production and supply chains;
• investors, value-chain actors and knowledge partners working on commercialization, market access and new business models.

Mission objectives

The objectives of this mission are:

• to gain insights into the South Korean alternative protein ecosystem, market dynamics and regulatory landscape;
• to explore and exchange best practices and innovative solutions between companies, research institutions and public stakeholders;
• to identify concrete opportunities for joint pilots, innovation projects and long-term public-private collaboration in R&D;
• to connect Dutch knowledge, technology and expertise to market opportunities in South Korea, with relevant learning outcomes for both countries.

Draft programme

The program is currently in development. The draft below provides an overview of the foreseen elements and possible visits.

Costs

The cost of participating in the innovation mission is € 350 excl. VAT per person. This includes:

• Participation in the collective programme;
• Transfers to and from programme components;
• Lunch and dinners, if mentioned in the programme.

Participation does not include:

• Travel and accommodation costs (intercontinental and domestic flights and hotels);
• All individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme.

Registration

Registration is no longer possible.

Final participation will depend on the number of available spots and how well your organization aligns with the mission’s goals and objectives.

Want to know more?

Looking for financial support for your plans?

• The Knowledge and Innovation Agenda Agriculture, Water, Food (KIA LWV) offers annual funding opportunities for public-private R&D partnerships through the SMP (Seed Money Project) and PPP (Public-Private Partnership) instruments.
• In addition, various other instruments, such as DHI (demonstration, feasibility and investment), Horizon Europe, Eurostars and PIB (Partners International Business), are available within the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Consult our subsidy and financing options for South Korea.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact:

• Bert van der Heide (advisor International Innovation Agri-Food) via bert.vanderheide@rvo.nl or +31 (0) 6 29371209;
• or send an email to innovatiemissies@rvo.nl.