- Melt&Marble awarded €2.76M by European Innovation Council to develop sustainable meat-like fat
- Precision fermentation and microbial engineering platform recognized for innovation in food production
- Selected as one of 68 European deep tech start-ups to receive grant and equity funding
- Also secured €260K grant for project focusing on enhancing dairy analogues
- Funding to support scaling up production and launching MeatyMarble™ as a sustainable alternative
Marble Innovation Award: Melt&Marble’s €2.76M EU Grant
In a significant boost for the foodtech industry, Melt&Marble has recently been awarded a substantial €2.76M grant by the European Innovation Council (EIC). This funding is aimed at supporting the development and commercial launch of a groundbreaking, highly sustainable meat-like fat designed for use in alternative meat products. The company, known for its innovative approach to creating designer fats with a focus on sustainability, has been chosen to receive a €2.5M grant from the EIC, along with the potential for future equity investment. This recognition from the EIC underscores the pioneering nature of Melt&Marble’s precision fermentation and microbial engineering platform, which holds the promise of delivering energy- and resource-efficient, low-emission foods.
Selection Process and Recognition
The journey to securing the Marble Innovation Award was no small feat for Melt&Marble. The company was selected as part of a highly competitive process that saw 969 companies submit full grant proposals to the EIC. Out of this pool, Melt&Marble emerged as one of 68 European deep tech start-ups chosen by the jury to receive a combination of grant funding and equity investment unique to the EIC Accelerator. The EIC Accelerator Challenges seek proposals in areas where breakthrough technologies or game-changing innovations developed by start-ups or SMEs can have a significant impact on EU objectives.
Notably, Melt&Marble also stands out as one of 14 female-led companies to succeed in this funding round, gaining access to valuable expertise, corporate partnerships, investor networks, and ecosystem support. This recognition not only highlights the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of Melt&Marble’s co-founder & CEO Anastasia Krivoruchko but also underscores the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the tech and foodtech sectors.
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Strategic Partnerships and Future Initiatives
In addition to the €2.5M grant from the EIC, Melt&Marble has secured an additional €260K grant from the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) as part of the EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy. This funding will support the company’s participation in the project “DELICIOUS,” coordinated by RISE Processum and involving companies and R&D organizations across Europe. The focus of this initiative will be on developing dairy fats to enhance the organoleptic properties of dairy analogues, furthering Melt&Marble’s DairyMarble™ program aimed at creating superior dairy fats for the next generation of cheeses, butters, and bakery products.
Anastasia Krivoruchko expressed her excitement at receiving this funding, emphasizing the importance of innovation in driving the transition towards a more sustainable food system. She highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge food production technologies as a key driver in propelling Melt&Marble closer to its goal of offering delicious and healthy meat and dairy analogues that significantly improve sustainability and food security.
Impact and Future Prospects
The EIC funding awarded to Melt&Marble will enable the company to scale up its operations and advance to pre-commercial stages. This grant will play a crucial role in supporting the development of the company’s first product, MeatyMarble™, a solid, meat-like fat designed to mimic animal-derived fats for use in alternative meat products. By reducing production costs and preparing for a commercial launch, Melt&Marble aims to introduce a more flavorful and sustainable alternative to traditional meat products.
Furthermore, Melt&Marble is exploring the potential applications of MeatyMarble™ in other industries, such as personal care, where there is a growing demand for sustainable specialty fats driven by evolving consumer preferences. Thomas Cresswell, Chief Business Officer at Melt&Marble, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities these grants create for the company to drive down production costs, expand its innovative technology, and bring sustainable fats to market. This marks a significant milestone for Melt&Marble in its mission to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable agri-food system.
The Marble Innovation Award bestowed upon Melt&Marble by the European Innovation Council represents not only a financial investment in a promising foodtech start-up but also a recognition of the company’s potential to revolutionize the food industry with its sustainable, cutting-edge technologies. With this funding and support from strategic partners, Melt&Marble is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of food production, offering healthier, more sustainable alternatives to traditional meat and dairy products.
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