ZEST – Innovation in Protein Production through Fungal Fermentation and Digital Modelling

Photo: ZEST project

ZEST is a Horizon Europe research project aimed at developing a sustainable and efficient method for protein production using fungal fermentation and digital modelling. The project addresses a global challenge – the growing demand for protein that traditional production methods cannot sustainably meet.

ZEST plans to implement technologies with global impact by enabling production as close as possible to the consumer, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with logistics. Fungal protein is a promising solution to this challenge, given its versatility in utilising various raw materials and its potential for global-scale production. The project’s strategy focuses on developing an advanced fermentation production system capable of delivering a diverse range of biological protein products.

Main objectives and benefits:

  • Develop an efficient, zero-waste, fully automated production system.

  • Design a multifunctional bioreactor adaptable to substrates with varying viscosity and dry matter content.

  • Evaluate all value chains to determine their economic viability, market potential, environmental impact, and the sustainability of fungal products.

Discover ZEST in Video Format

The video introduces the dedicated consortium of ZEST partners and the institutions supporting the project, highlighting the importance of collaboration in its implementation. It shows how consortium members work together to create sustainable solutions, foster circular value chains, and unlock the potential of fungi-based proteins for a greener future.

In the face of resource constraints and climate change, fungi are taking on an increasingly important role. Find out more by watching the video: ZEST

Project partners:

  • Coordinator – Danish Technological Institute (DTI) (Denmark)

  • Quh-Lab Lebensmittelsicherheit (Germany)

  • Bioreactors.net SIA (Latvia)

  • VizLore Labs Foundation (Serbia)

  • Sinonin Biotech UG (Germany)

  • Acondicionamiento Tarrasense (LEITAT) (Spain)

  • Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía (CTA) (Spain)

  • Food & Bio Cluster Denmark AS (FBCD) (Denmark)

  • Nordzucker AG (Germany)

  • G. C. HAHN & Co. / Tate & Lyle (Germany)

  • Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (Latvia)

  • SensiMate (Denmark)

 

Project description: ZEST

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