Grant Opportunity: Collaborative Innovation in Alternative Protein Research (UK)

Deadline: 17-Apr-2026

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) is offering grant funding to support UKRI-eligible research organisations working collaboratively with industry partners on challenge-driven innovation projects in alternative proteins. Grants range from £5,000 to £100,000, supporting research translation, commercialisation, and sector growth through multiple funding streams running to 2028.

Programme Overview

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) is inviting grant applications from UKRI-eligible research organisations to deliver collaborative, innovation-focused projects with partners from the alternative protein sector.

The programme supports challenge-driven innovation that helps overcome technical, regulatory, and market barriers in alternative proteins. It aims to accelerate research translation and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, while promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout project design and delivery.

This funding opportunity forms part of a series of calls running through to 2028, designed to leverage the UK’s strengths in research, innovation, and industry engagement in alternative proteins.

Key Objectives of the Funding

NAPIC funding is designed to:

• Advance innovation and commercialisation in alternative proteins

• Support research translation from lab to market

• Address technical, regulatory, and market challenges

• Strengthen academic–industry collaboration

• Build diverse, inclusive, and interdisciplinary project teams

• Support growth of the UK alternative protein ecosystem

What Are Alternative Proteins?

For this funding call, alternative proteins include innovations related to:

• Food and feed products

• Protein ingredients and inputs

• Enabling services and technologies

• Sustainability solutions across protein value chains

Projects must clearly relate to alternative protein development, production, or commercialisation.

Funding Streams Available

NAPIC supports several types of collaborative projects, depending on maturity and objectives.

Proof of Concept Projects

• Early-stage validation of innovative ideas

• Testing feasibility, functionality, or scalability

Demonstration Projects

• Demonstrating technologies or processes in real-world or pilot settings

• Reducing risk for commercial adoption

Innovation Sprints

• Short, focused projects addressing a defined innovation challenge

• Rapid problem-solving with industry input

Networking Awards

• Building new partnerships and collaboration opportunities

• Strengthening connections across the alternative protein ecosystem

Mobility Awards

• Collaboration with international research organisations

• Knowledge exchange alongside non-research partners

• Designed to strengthen global research links

Funding Amounts and Project Value

• Total funding available: Up to £2 million in the current round

• Individual grant size: £5,000 to £100,000

• Typical total project value: Approximately double the grant amount, including partner contributions

Only the lead UK research organisation receives funding directly from NAPIC.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Lead Applicants

• UK research organisations eligible for UKRI funding

• Must lead the project and manage delivery

Eligible Project Partners

Projects must be collaborative and include substantial contributions from one or more of the following:

• UK businesses

• Public sector organisations

• Charities and not-for-profit organisations

• International research organisations (for Mobility Awards only)

Non-research partners must play a meaningful and active role in the project.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

NAPIC strongly encourages applicants to integrate EDI principles throughout:

• Team composition

• Project design and governance

• Research methods and stakeholder engagement

• Delivery and dissemination of outcomes

Projects that demonstrate thoughtful and practical EDI integration are encouraged.

Why This Funding Matters

The alternative protein sector faces significant innovation barriers that cannot be solved by academia or industry alone.

This funding matters because it:

• Bridges the gap between research and commercial application

• Enables industry-relevant innovation with real-world impact

• Supports sustainable and resilient food systems

• Strengthens the UK’s leadership in alternative proteins

• Encourages inclusive and collaborative innovation practices

How the Funding Works

1. A UKRI-eligible research organisation leads the project

2. One or more non-research partners contribute expertise, resources, or co-funding

3. The project addresses a defined innovation challenge in alternative proteins

4. Funding is awarded based on alignment, collaboration, impact, and feasibility

5. Projects are delivered in line with the specific funding stream guidance

How to Apply

To prepare a strong application:

1. Identify a clear innovation challenge in alternative proteins

2. Build a collaborative partnership with committed non-research partners

3. Select the most appropriate funding stream

4. Define clear objectives, deliverables, and impact pathways

5. Demonstrate partner contributions and value for money

6. Integrate EDI considerations into project planning

7. Follow the application guidance specific to your chosen funding stream

Only complete and eligible applications led by UK research organisations will be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without meaningful industry or non-research partner involvement

• Proposing research that lacks a clear pathway to translation or impact

• Weak justification of partner contributions

• Failing to align the project with alternative protein innovation challenges

• Ignoring EDI considerations in team or project design

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can lead a NAPIC grant application?

Only UK research organisations eligible for UKRI funding can lead applications.

2. What types of partners are required?

Projects must include non-research partners such as businesses, public bodies, charities, or not-for-profits.

3. How much funding can be requested?

Grants range from £5,000 to £100,000, depending on the funding stream.

4. Can international partners be involved?

Yes, international research organisations can participate through Mobility Awards.

5. What sectors must projects focus on?

Projects must relate to alternative proteins, including food, feed, ingredients, services, or sustainability.

6. Will NAPIC fund the entire project cost?

No. Partner contributions are expected, and the total project value is typically double the grant amount.

7. How long will NAPIC funding calls run?

NAPIC plans to run multiple funding calls through to 2028.

Conclusion

The NAPIC alternative protein grants offer a strategic opportunity for UK research organisations to collaborate with industry and other partners on high-impact innovation projects. By supporting proof-of-concept work, demonstrations, rapid innovation sprints, and international collaboration, the programme accelerates research translation and strengthens the UK’s alternative protein ecosystem.

For more information, visit NAPIC.