ZEST

Valorization of Agro-Industrial Waste through Fungi Fermentation supported by Digital Modeling (ZEST)

Project summary

ZEST plans to harness technologies that can exert a global impact, by producing close to user, thus minimizing the carbon footprint associated with logistics from farm to table. Fungi-based protein presents a promising solution to this challenge, given its versatility in utilizing a variety of raw materials and its potential for global production. ZEST's strategy focuses on devising an enhanced fermentation production system capable of generating a diverse array of bio-based protein products.

The project's primary objectives include:

1) Developing an efficient, zero-waste automatic production system.

2) Designing a multipurpose bioreactor adaptable to substrates with varying viscosities and dry matter content.

3) Assessing the entire value chains to ascertain their economic viability, market potential, environmental impact, and sustainability of fungal-based products.

Total funding of the project: 7 503 688,75 EUR, including EU co-funding 5 931 246,25 EUR

Project implementation period: 48 months

Call: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023 (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking)

Activity: HORIZON JU Innovation Actions