Case study: How Israel is advancing alternative proteins across sectors4 In Israel, entrepreneurs, academics and the public sector are combining to drive the emergence of the alternative protein industry. 4.1 The Israeli alternative protein ecosystem today Israel’s leadership in alternative proteins is a testament to the Innovation Authority’s commitment to innovation and disruption in the food industry. Over 75% of the Authority’s investments in food technologies are directed towards high-risk deep technologies. We enable the development of growth verticals like food incubators and collaborative consortiums such as the Cultivated Meat Consortium, as well as direct funding of companies, from early-stage start-ups all the way to mature companies with production lines. Leveraging multidisciplinary research, an entrepreneurial ecosystem and a proven track record in agriculture, biotechnology and engineering, Israel stands at the forefront of disruptive innovation in the food industry. Ronit Eshel, Senior Director, Head of Climate-Tech and Food-Tech Sector, Israel Innovation Authority The Israeli alternative protein landscape has experienced a significant transformation of leadership over the past five years, driven by an effective blend of multidisciplinary academic knowledge, a dynamic and risk-taking entrepreneurial environment and active involvement from the public sector. These have laid the groundwork for the sector’s further growth and development in the country. Fostering a collaborative academic landscape: The actively collaborative ecosystem of entrepreneurs, researchers, food companies and the public sector in Israel creates an environment that is conducive to the development and advance of alternative protein technologies. More than 70 researchers are working on alternative protein research, 10 of whom embarked on their research journey in 2023, contributing to the developing landscape of this nascent and evolving sector in 2023. Moreover, there are almost 300 researchers working in adjacent areas, such as biotechnology, microbiology and pharmaceuticals, with the know-how and expertise that could contribute to the growing alternative protein industry. The Hebrew University and the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) both declared in 2023 that they will establish research centres dedicated to food systems and alternative proteins. This move is expected to boost the local research and business environment significantly. Creating a Vibrant Food Innovation Ecosystem 11

Protein Diversification 2024