A compilation of the main national and international calls for proposals for research, innovation, and development in alternative proteins. See opportunities from Finep, CNPq, and Coefficient Giving.
The advancement of alternative proteins depends on science, scale, and investment. Although the sector has accumulated important lessons learned in recent years, there are still technological bottlenecks that need to be overcome to improve product quality, optimize production processes, reduce costs, and make these solutions more accessible to the population. In this context, public funding plays a decisive role: it helps reduce risks in the initial stages of research and development, strengthens scientific infrastructure, and creates conditions for universities, ICTs, startups, and companies to transform knowledge into applied innovation.
According to the report "Global Innovation Needs Assessment: Food System Methane," for the development of the alternative protein sector to occur and generate environmental and global health benefits, US$10,1 billion in annual investments are needed, with US$4,4 billion for research and development and US$5,7 billion for incentives to the private sector.
Although the number of public and private funding calls dedicated exclusively to the sector is still limited, researchers, companies, and Scientific, Technological and Innovation Institutions (ICTs) can find relevant opportunities in calls focused on areas such as food innovation, bioeconomy, circular economy, biotechnology, alternative methods to the use of animals, and industrial development.
This was the theme of the live event "Radar of Opportunities for Alternative Proteins," promoted by GFI Brazil, which brought together experts from the organization to present open and recent calls for proposals and discuss how different project profiles can connect to the priorities of these calls. The recording of the meeting is available at the end of this article.
Opportunities for different project profiles
During the live stream, experts Amanda Leitolis and Isabela Pereira highlighted that the first step in building a fundraising strategy is understanding that not every opportunity explicitly mentions alternative proteins. In many cases, buy-in happens through technological challenges related to ingredient development, new production processes, fermentation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, or biotechnology.
In other words, more important than finding a specific call for proposals for alternative proteins is identifying calls whose objectives are compatible with the stage of development of the technology and with the results expected by the project.
Where are the opportunities for alternative proteins?
Several calls for proposals address strategic themes for the sector, such as:
- innovation in food;
- bioeconomy;
- circular economy;
- fermentation;
- sustainable agriculture;
- biotechnology;
- alternative methods to the use of animals;
- industrial development.
Therefore, understanding the objectives of each call for proposals, the alignment of the research, and the degree of innovation of the proposal is as important as fulfilling all the formal requirements.
1. Finep More Innovation Brazil – Sustainable Agro-industrial Chains
The first opportunity presented during the live event was the Finep Mais Inovação Brasil – Round 2 – Sustainable Agro-industrial Chains call for proposals.
The call for proposals supports projects aimed at strengthening the national industry, with a focus on research, development, and innovation in food. Among the thematic areas, there are opportunities directly related to alternative proteins, including the development of technologies for Cultivated meat, such as food-grade culture media formulations free of fetal bovine serum.
Who can participate?
- Brazilian companies;
- Mandatory participation of ICTs as partners.
Resources
- Total budget of R $ million 300;
- projects between R$5 million and R$40 million, depending on the arrangement.
Term
Continuous flow until September 30, 2026.
2. CNPq/MCTI Call for Proposals No. 11/2026 – RENAMA and NAMs
Another highlighted opportunity was the CNPq call for proposals aimed at strengthening the National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA).
Although not specifically focused on alternative proteins, it directly relates to research on cultivated meat and other technologies that rely on advanced cellular models.
The call for proposals funds projects involving:
- New Methodological Approaches (NAMs);
- Three-dimensional models based on human cells;
- microphysiological systems;
- computational methods;
- Validation of alternative technologies to the use of animals.
Audience
Institutions that are part of RENAMA.
Resources
R$ 50 million.
Term
Submissions closed on July 3, 2026.
3. Finep More Innovation Brazil – Circular Economy and Sustainable Cities
The third opportunity presented shows how alternative proteins can engage with broader sustainability agendas.
The call for proposals supports technological development projects focused on the circular economy, encouraging solutions that promote the addition, retention, and recovery of value in production processes.
Projects related to the utilization of by-products, new ingredients, biomass reuse, and optimization of production chains may find fertilization in this call for proposals.
Who can participate?
- Brazilian companies;
- Mandatory partner ICTs.
Resources
- Total budget of R $ million 150;
- projects between R$5 million and R$30 million.
Term
Continuous flow until August 31, 2026.
4. Coefficient Giving: an exclusive international call for alternative proteins.
Of all the opportunities presented, this is the only one dedicated exclusively to research and development in alternative proteins.
The organization Coefficient Giving plans to invest up to US$10 million in projects that reduce technical barriers for the sector.
Priorities include:
- Reduction of off-flavors in plant-based proteins obtained through fermentation;
- Development of lipid alternatives to improve flavor and texture;
- egg replacement;
- Characterization of the flavors of different fish species.
Who can participate?
The call is open for:
- universities;
- research institutes;
- companies;
- R&D organizations from any country.
Resources
Between US$100 and US$1 million per project.
Term
Applications accepted until August 10, 2026.
More opportunities beyond the official announcements.
During the live stream, the GFI Brazil team highlighted that new calls for proposals are continuously being released to the community.
Some recent examples include:
- Amazon Bioinnovation Challenge;
- FAPEMIG/SEDE Call for Proposals No. 011/2026 – Compete Minas;
- CAPES' Aurora Program, aimed at supporting the continued careers of mothers who are scientists.
In addition to national calls for proposals, international opportunities and regional calls for proposals focused on research, entrepreneurship, and innovation are also shared.
How GFI Brazil supports those seeking financing.
GFI Brazil's support goes beyond simply publicizing opportunities. The organization works by connecting researchers, companies, and institutions, helping to identify strategic partners, providing guidance on the alternative protein ecosystem, and sharing technological priorities that can strengthen research and innovation proposals.
During the live event, a collaborative networking spreadsheet was also presented, created to connect participants interested in the same calls for proposals and encourage the formation of partnerships between universities, startups, companies, and ICTs. This initiative is part of GFI Brazil's effort to strengthen the national ecosystem of alternative proteins through collaboration.
Watch the recording of the live stream.
If you want to learn more details about each call for proposals, understand which project profiles are most relevant, and see answers to questions submitted by the public, watch the recording of the "Radar of Opportunities for Alternative Proteins" live stream and access the material.
To do this, you must become a member of our Global Coalition for Alternative Proteins community.
Want to stay updated on upcoming announcements?
New opportunities arise throughout the year, and many of them have short submission windows.
Therefore, GFI Brazil maintains specific channels to disseminate calls for proposals, public notices, and collaboration opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies working with alternative proteins.
Join the GFI Brazil community so you don't miss out on upcoming calls for proposals.
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