Fraunhofer Institutes Launch FutureProteins Project to Develop Climate-Independent Protein Production Systems

(IN BRIEF) Fraunhofer announces the FutureProteins flagship project, a collaboration between six Fraunhofer institutes to develop year-round, climate-independent production systems for alternative proteins from plants, fungi, algae, and insects. The project includes the development of OrbiPlant®, a vertical farming system for efficient plant cultivation, as well as innovative vegan food products like pea protein and fungal mycelium burgers. By leveraging circular economy principles, the project reuses byproducts to cultivate other protein sources. The team will present their prototypes at the IFFA 2025 trade show, aiming to license their technologies to industry partners.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 5-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Fraunhofer announces the launch of the FutureProteins flagship project, a collaborative effort between six Fraunhofer institutes to develop innovative systems for the sustainable, year-round production of alternative proteins. These systems, which are climate-independent and capable of producing proteins from plants, fungi, algae, and insects, aim to address the growing need for alternative protein sources as a substitute for meat, dairy, and other animal products. The project brings together the expertise of Fraunhofer IME, IVV, IGB, IOSB, IWU, and UMSICHT, combining cutting-edge technologies to ensure the environmentally responsible and efficient production of protein-rich foods.

© Fraunhofer IVV
Fraunhofer IVV expert during the development and testing of milk alternatives for one of the institute’s industry partners.

A key technology in the project is the OrbiPlant® system, a highly versatile vertical farming solution designed for optimal space-saving and efficient plant cultivation. Operating like a conveyor belt, this system enables continuous growth of plants in both upward and downward directions, reducing the need for pesticides and minimizing the use of water by 95% and fertilizers by 50%. Plants in the OrbiPlant® system are irrigated using aeroponics, a method where nutrient solutions are sprayed directly onto the plant roots, further conserving water resources.

© Fraunhofer IVV
The vegan meat alternatives developed at Fraunhofer IVV combine different protein sources such as peas and mushrooms, resulting in particularly juicy burger patties with an improved nutritional profile.

The FutureProteins project goes beyond plant-based proteins. Researchers are also developing alternative proteins from fungi, algae, and insects, combining these ingredients to create a diverse range of food products. One notable product from the project is a vegan burger patty made from a blend of pea protein and fungal mycelium, which is not only juicy and nutritious but also requires fewer artificial additives compared to conventional meat substitutes. Other food products developed include gluten-free bread, desserts made from plant proteins, soft-serve ice cream, and baked goods filled with algae, all offering a sustainable and nutritionally valuable alternative to traditional foods.

© Fraunhofer IME
The highly versatile Orbi-Plant® vertical farming system can grow plants of different species continuously and completely independent of weather, time of day and season

Another major aspect of the project is its commitment to circular economy principles. Byproducts from the cultivation of one protein source are used to support the production of other proteins. For example, potato residue from starch production is used as a fermentation substrate for fungi, and nitrogen-rich waste from insect farming serves as natural fertilizer for plants. This integrated, sustainable approach reduces waste and maximizes resource use.

The researchers will present their findings and innovative prototypes at the IFFA trade show in Frankfurt from May 3 to 8, 2025, with plans to license their technologies and prototypes to industry partners. With a focus on sustainability, food security, and circular economy principles, the FutureProteins project is set to transform how the world produces and consumes protein-rich foods.

Institutes involved in FutureProteins:

• Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen (coordination)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Freising and Dresden (coordination)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart
• Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB, Karlsruhe
• Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, Chemnitz
• Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Oberhausen

Media Contacts:

M.A. Sascha Falkner
Head of Public Relations
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
Phone +49 241 608535138
sascha.falkner@ime.fraunhofer.de

Karin Zacher
Daily and business press
Public and Political Relations
Phone +49 8161 491-359
karin.zacher@ivv.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft