DIL DEUTSCHES INSTITUT FUR LEBENSMITTELTECHNIK EV

Their core work

DIL is Germany's leading independent food technology research institute, based in Quakenbrück. They develop and scale food processing technologies — from minimal processing and modular food production units to alternative protein sources like insects and microalgae. Their applied research bridges the gap between laboratory food science and industrial-scale production, covering encapsulation technologies, biorefinery processes, and sustainable food supply chains. They serve as a technology partner for food companies seeking to innovate their products and processes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), DIL focused on core food processing technology and material science — encapsulation, nanostructured carriers for animal feed, biopolymers, and biorefinery applications from alternative crops like lupinus. From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward sustainability, the protein transition, and circular food systems — insect protein, microalgae, food waste reduction, and underutilised crops. This evolution mirrors the broader European food sector's pivot from process optimization toward sustainable and alternative food sources.

DIL is positioning itself as a go-to partner for alternative protein scale-up and zero-waste food processing, making them highly relevant for any consortium targeting the EU Farm-to-Fork strategy.

How they like to work

DIL operates predominantly as a specialist partner (10 of 11 projects), contributing deep food technology expertise to large, multi-country consortia rather than leading them. With 202 unique partners across 31 countries, they maintain one of the broadest collaboration networks in European food research — indicating they are a trusted, easy-to-work-with institute that different consortia actively seek out. Their single coordinator role (FOX, their largest project at EUR 1.09M) shows they can lead when the topic is squarely in their core competence.

DIL has collaborated with 202 unique partners across 31 countries, giving them one of the most extensive food research networks in Europe. Their reach spans far beyond Germany, covering practically every EU member state and associated countries.

What sets them apart

DIL combines applied food technology R&D with pilot-scale processing capabilities — they don't just publish papers, they build and test food processing systems that work at industrial scale. Their rare combination of encapsulation expertise, alternative protein knowledge, and modular processing technology makes them a one-stop partner for companies wanting to bring new food products from concept to production. As a non-profit research institute (not a university), they are oriented toward industry needs and technology transfer rather than purely academic output.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FOX
  DIL's only coordinator role and largest project (EUR 1.09M) — developed modular, mobile food processing units for decentralised, minimal-processing food production.
• SUSINCHAIN
  Positioned DIL at the centre of Europe's insect protein value chain, covering bio-conversion, circular economy, and the full protein transition from research to market.
• RADIANT
  Addresses underutilised crops with decision support systems and co-creation methods, connecting farmers directly with consumers and value chain actors.