The India Smart Protein Innovation Challenge

The India Smart Protein Innovation Challenge (ISPIC) is GFI India’s flagship initiative for building a future ready talent pipeline and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem for the global alternative protein sector.

Built on the foundation of meeting global climate goals while sustainably feeding billions, this challenge aims to stimulate research and solve for scientific whitespaces as well as accelerate go-to-market for dozens of entrepreneurs so that we, as a country, can be one step ahead of the curve in building the future of food.

ISPIC, a first-of-its-kind challenge in the world, has trained over a thousand new innovators in the business and science of smart protein, fostering the next generation of talent and entrepreneurs for the Indian smart protein sector.

ISPIC 2020 was the world’s first alternative proteins challenge, inspiring similar hackathons globally

ISPIC 2021 expanded to include plant-based, fermentation-derived and cultivated protein solutions, with two tracks separately focused on ideation and entrepreneurship

ISPIC 2023 addressed industry gaps, focusing on innovation in research, strategy, science, ingredients, regulation, and policy.

Triple-End-Goal

CAPACITY BUILDING

Equip and train dedicated innovators to successfully navigate the smart protein sector.

FILLING INNOVATION GAPS

Develop targeted challenge statements that address global whitespaces and bottlenecks in the smart protein sector.

VENTURE BUILDING

Establish a mentor driven program that builds investment-ready startups.

Why Participate?

Driven Cohort

Connect and learn from like-minded peers — students, PhDs,researchers, and entrepreneurs to find potential collaborators and co-founders.

Expert Mentorship

Receive guidance and feedback from smart protein industry leaders across business, scitech, and policy on your smart protein research or ventures.

Prize Money

Win cash prizes* to help you bolster your post-challenge venture building.

Curated Programming

Benefit from working with experts in the sector and interact in 1:1 sessions with dedicated mentors for your startup.

Exclusive Networking Opportunities

Take advantage of interacting with industry stakeholders across the value chain, as well as pitching to and connecting with VCs, corporates, and academics at Demo Day.

Post-Challenge Benefits

Receive letters of recommendation from mentors along with follow-on research fellowships and internships with leading academic institutions and smart protein startups. Connect with partners across industry and academia for potential post-challenge incubation and support.

*Prize money is subject to tax deductions as applicable