The University of Hyderabad (UoH) and ASPIRE-BioNEST have launched the Centre for Alternate Protein Research, a first-of-its-kind initiative to accelerate innovation in sustainable food technologies and support startups in the alternate protein space.

Inaugurated by Manoj Kumar R Panicker, General Manager, South Asia, Cytiva, the Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship focused on food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.

Supported by Cytiva under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the Centre aims to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 12, and 13) by enabling scalable solutions in plant-based, microbial, and biotech-derived protein alternatives.

Located within ASPIRE-BioNEST—India’s leading life sciences incubator—the Centre leverages UoH’s research strengths and BioNEST’s thriving startup ecosystem. ASPIRE-BioNEST, co-founded by BIRAC and UoH, has supported over 75 deep-tech startups since 2018, including alternate protein pioneers like Biome Innovations, Proleri Technologies, and Arthro.

‘This Centre is a testament to Cytiva’s belief in collaboration to drive innovation for societal good,’ said Panicker.