The IMPROVE Project commenced with its inaugural meeting in Reims, France, on the 6th and 7th of February, 2025. Funded by the Horizon Europe program, this project is a collaborative endeavor involving 18 partners from 13 European nations, all focused on the development of new sustainable protein sources to augment and potentially substitute traditional protein sources in the diet.

IMPROVE has been established to research and innovate in the field of alternative proteins, which are derived from sources that are not commonly used in mainstream food production. These sources include by-products of the agricultural and fisheries industries, as well as proteins extracted from fungi, bacteria, insects, and various forms of algae. The project’s scope includes a comprehensive analysis of these protein sources, taking into account multiple dimensions such as scientific validity, technical feasibility, environmental impact, economic considerations, and social acceptance. By doing so, IMPROVE seeks to ensure that these novel proteins are not only viable for the food industry but also represent a step toward a more sustainable food production paradigm.

The project is well-aligned with key European policy initiatives, including the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The commitment to these policies reflects an overarching goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize water usage, minimize waste, and adhere to the principles of a circular economy, thereby facilitating an environmentally responsible approach to food production.

Within the framework of IMPROVE, IDENER.AI brings a specialized skill set in data management, risk assessment, and techno-economic analysis. The firm is tasked with enhancing the IMPROVE Data Platform in terms of its scalability, security, and user accessibility. Moreover, IDENER.AI is instrumental in ensuring that project outcomes are integrated into the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and will conduct critical evaluations to further the sustainability and economic feasibility of the solutions developed under IMPROVE.
At the Kick-Off Meeting, Nuria Ferrera Lorenzo, Project Coordinator at IDENER, attended the event and presented the tasks that IDENER will lead, which will start execution from Month 1 of the project. Her intervention highlighted the importance of a robust, scalable, and open-access data platform, as well as the methodologies for risk assessment and techno-economic analysis that will support the project’s long-term sustainability.

At IDENER.AI, the commitment to creating data-driven solutions that uphold the principles of sustainability and innovation is paramount. The organization anticipates a pivotal role in this landmark initiative, collaborating closely with project partners to influence the trajectory of alternative protein sources and their impact on future food security and environmental stewardship.

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