At Cosun we strive to be a leader in plant-based innovation, to contribute to a more sustainable world. Our mission is to contribute to the protein transition with high quality protein ingredients and thereby contribute to the shift from the consumption of animal proteins to vegetable and other new protein sources. The protein transition is necessary to meet the growing demand for protein-rich products and to ensure a more sustainable diet without continuing to harm valuable ecosystems on our planet.
To achieve this plant-based future we are committed to fostering innovation and supporting new ideas and solutions. That is why, next to our venturing partnerships, we launch this open call for startups and scale-ups that align with our mission and vision. If your company has innovative solutions for plant-based proteins and is interested in partnering up to realize or scale your solutions, we would like to hear from you!
Please upload your pitch deck via the online pitch form or ask a question via the Q&A module.
What are we looking for?
- Technologies to extract proteins from plants and sidestreams: We're interested in new methods that have added benefits compared to existing processes. For example, we're interested in technologies that use milder or more energy-efficient processing, create whole foods, produce functional proteins, offer innovative drying technologies, enable preservation, or support side-stream valorization.
- Application techniques: We're interested in new application techniques and application development that can incorporate plant-based proteins into different products. Such as, techniques for improving the texture, taste, and nutritional value of plant-based protein products, as well as methods for creating new applications of these proteins in the food industry.
- Agricultural innovations: We're interested in innovations in agriculture that focus on protein-rich crops. For example, developing new seed varieties that are more resilient to pests and diseases, or that can be grown more efficiently and with less water or other resources. It might also involve exploring new techniques for growing and harvesting crops.
- Circular by design: Were interested in solutions that can valorize fiber and starch-rich side streams of protein production in a circular manner. Such as, using fiber-rich side-streams to create new plant-based products, or using starch-rich side-streams to create biodegradable packaging materials.
- Single cell protein and Fermentation-Enabled Alternative Protein (FEAP): We're interested in partnering with startups, scale-ups, and other companies that are working on innovative solutions using single cell protein and FEAP technology.
Who are we looking for?
- Startups that are ready to scale: We're looking for startups that have promising solutions and are ready to take their ideas to the next level.
- Scale-ups that seek speed: We're interested in working with scale-ups that are looking to accelerate their growth and development.
- Mature companies that aim for impact: We're open to partnering with mature companies that have a proven track record of making a positive impact in the world.
- Inventors with brilliant ideas: We're looking for individuals or teams with innovative ideas that could help revolutionize the plant-based protein industry.
Why participate in this open call?
- Knowledge: Within Royal Cosun's innovation center and business groups we have a lot of knowledge and expertise, which you can use to take your company or idea to the next level.
- Funding: At Cosun, we are looking for ideas, startups and scale-ups that fit our strategy. With this goal in mind, we are willing to explore collaborations and financial support opportunities.
- Resources: At the innovation center we offer access to our state-of-the-art equipment, years of expertise, and our demo factory for further testing and (product) development.
- Network: Cosun is at the center of a vibrant ecosystem with strong connections both inside and outside the industry. We are committed to helping startups and scale-ups navigate the route to market and make relevant introductions to achieve common goals.
About us
Our vision The Plant Positive Way is based on nearly 125 years of Cosun history in the successful value enhancement of arable crops such as sugar beets, chicory and potatoes in a diverse portfolio of products with added value. The goal of all these efforts is to create value for members, customers and other stakeholders and to achieve a positive long-term social impact. Every day, more than 4,000 employees, 8,400 members, growers and many Cosun partners dedicate themselves to this common goal with a great deal of energy, knowledge and passion.
Our history and experience provide us with the expertise and technology to efficiently get the best out of plants and produce ingredients in a sustainable and circular way. In the past years we added plant proteins to our range of ingredients and invested in the development of specific knowhow on plant proteins, mild extraction processes and developing great products with this new generation of proteins.
For more information visit: https://www.cosunprotein.com/
How does it work?
- Upload a short and concise pitch deck (see below)
- As soon as you have uploaded your pitch, you will receive a confirmation so that you know that we have received your pitch.
- After the deadline our Protein team and Venturing team will assess all pitches individually and invite the companies with the most interesting / best fitting solutions for 1-on-1 introduction meetings at Cosun Innovation Center
- If we both see potential in a collaboration, we will soon follow-up with new agreements to further discuss and concretise this collaboration.
Pitch format
Pitches must be submitted in Dutch or English and should be max. 6 pages / 18 slides. The pitch may be submitted in free form (presentation, slide deck, letter form) but must be uploaded as a PDF file (landscape or portrait, A4 - max. 30MB). Videos, example websites, etc. can be included as a link. All pitches should include:
- A description of your product or solution (max. 3 pages / 9 slides)
- A description of your company & team (max. 1 page / 3 slides)
- A description of your growth ambition and your needs (max. 2 pages / 6 slides)
Timeline
- June 19th at 17.00 CET: Deadline Open Call
- June 20th - July 4th: Assessment and selection
- July 5th: Announcement finalists
- Q3 2023: Matchmaking event
- Q3 2023 Announcement winners / matches
- Q3/Q4 2023: Discuss and start collaboration