RALEIGH, NC. — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ environment-centric charity funded $30 million over five years to the North Carolina State University to create a hub for alternative proteins. The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein officially launched on May 31.
The Earth Fund also committed $100 million to establish a network of open-access research and development centers focused on sustainable protein.
“Food production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s critical we find ways to feed a growing population without degrading the planet,” said Andrew Steer, president and chief executive officer of the Earth Fund. “Sustainable protein has tremendous potential, but more research is needed to reduce the price and boost the flavor and texture to ensure nutritious, affordable products are available. It’s about choice.”
The grant funding will support research on three types of sustainable proteins: plant-based products; precision fermentation to produce proteins and nutrients that can be used in food formulations; and cultivated meat grown from animal cells.
“This is a significant opportunity for North Carolina to not only be a state with a thriving animal-sourced foods sector but also one where it is a powerhouse in complementary proteins, building new industry and driving economic growth for the state,” said Bill Aimutis, co-principal investigator on the grant and co-director of the new center. “With the center we are looking to develop solutions that will provide greater diversity of choices for consumers that are both tasty and sustainable.”
NC State will work with academic partners North Carolina A&T State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Duke University and Forsyth Tech Community College on the research, workforce development and community engagement efforts. In addition, over 20 industry partners will be involved with the center.
Among those industry partners is Believer Meats, a cultivated meat company. The partnership complements Believer’s investment in region, where it chose to build a 200,000-square-foot commercial scale facility for cultivated meat products. Set to be operational by the end of 2024, the facility will have the capacity to produce over 26 million lbs of cultivated meat annually.
“The Bezos Earth Fund grant is a testament to the great work being done in North Carolina and reinforces our decision to locate here,” said Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats. “We are excited to partner with the center to contribute our innovative, real-world solutions to meet the increasing demand for protein and nutrition.”