The Bezos Earth Fund has announced the establishment of the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at the National University of Singapore (NUS), marking its first initiative of this kind in Asia. The centre, which is backed by a US$30 million grant, will focus on advancing sustainable protein research and the commercial development of alternative proteins in the region.
“The world’s growing appetite for meat has put a huge strain on our global food system”
The NUS centre will focus on key areas such as biomass fermentation, which involves using by-products like tofu waste to feed algae and produce high-quality protein. This research initiative forms part of a global network, joining other Bezos Centres for Sustainable Protein at Imperial College London in the UK and North Carolina State University in the US.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, president of NUS, explained the importance of collaboration in addressing global food system challenges. “The world’s growing appetite for meat has put a huge strain on our global food system, and we need to develop sustainable food solutions with researchers, government, and industry.”
The centre is expected to leverage its position in Asia to foster innovation and collaboration, ensuring the development of sustainable protein alternatives for both consumers and industry.
Sir Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, noted, “Asia is pivotal to the future of sustainable proteins, and Singapore is leading the way,” pointing to the region’s influence on food systems and the potential for wide-reaching impact across East and South-East Asia’s large consumer base.
Research and collaboration focus
23 Principal Investigators will lead the centre from institutions including NUS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technology, and ETH Zurich. Their research will explore areas such as microalgae and cell-cultured meat, with an overarching goal of producing hybrid protein products that can compete with conventional meat in both taste and affordability. This research will be supported by studies in nutrition science, food safety, and consumer acceptance, aiming to accelerate the adoption of alternative proteins in the region.
Head of the NUS Department of Food Science and Technology and Acting Director of the new centre, Professor Zhou Weibiao, commented, “NUS is well-positioned to host the new centre given our extensive research expertise and strong partnerships in developing alternative proteins, demonstrated through many joint projects at NUS FST with internal and external partners, as well as our deep understanding of important areas such as nutrition, safety, and consumer perceptions.”
The centre will also work closely with industry partners and government agencies to bring its research to market, supporting innovation in food production across Asia.
A global strategy for sustainable food systems
The Bezos Earth Fund’s commitment to establishing sustainable protein research centres worldwide forms part of a broader strategy to transform global food systems. In March 2024, the Fund committed US$60 million to launch multiple centres dedicated to this research. By May, a US$30 million grant had been awarded to North Carolina State University to establish a biomanufacturing hub for sustainable dietary proteins. With the additional funding for the NUS Centre, the total investment in these initiatives now stands at US$100 million.
“With meat demand skyrocketing […] the opportunity for transformation in Asia’s food supply has never been greater”
Andy Jarvis, director of Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, noted, “The NUS Centre is pioneering innovations such as transforming tofu waste into high-quality protein, applying circular economy principles. As part of our US$1 billion commitment to reshaping food systems globally, this Centre – alongside our network of sustainable protein hubs – will drive lasting change that meets both environmental sustainability goals and consumer needs.”
The Good Food Institute (GFI) also played a role in shaping the Bezos Earth Fund’s strategy for alternative proteins. Mirte Gosker, managing director of GFI APAC, emphasized the potential for large-scale change in Asia. “With meat demand skyrocketing across the world’s most populous continent, the opportunity for transformation in Asia’s food supply has never been greater,” she stated.
