FOODCOMPANIONS BV

Their core work

Bridge2Food is a Netherlands-based food industry networking and knowledge platform specializing in alternative proteins and sustainable food ingredients. They bring deep industry connectivity and market knowledge to EU research consortia, bridging the gap between food science innovation and commercial food industry adoption. Their project portfolio spans cereal-derived proteins, mycoprotein biorefinery processes, and microalgae-based food and feed ingredients, consistently focusing on turning underused biological resources into viable protein sources for the food chain.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Bridge2Food's early H2020 involvement (2015) began with PROMINENT, focused on extracting value from cereal industry by-products — a relatively established feedstock. By 2019, their focus shifted decisively toward more advanced and diverse protein sources: mycoprotein via zero-waste biorefinery (PLENITUDE) and microalgae protein ingredients (ProFuture). This progression shows a clear trajectory from conventional waste valorization toward frontier alternative protein technologies with stronger sustainability credentials.

Bridge2Food is moving toward next-generation protein sources (fungal, algal) with integrated zero-waste production models, positioning them at the center of Europe's protein transition.

How they like to work

Bridge2Food operates exclusively as a consortium participant, never as coordinator, which is consistent with their role as an industry network and knowledge broker rather than a research performer. With 54 unique partners across just 3 projects and collaborations spanning 16 countries, they sit within large, diverse consortia — typical for Bio-Based Industries (BBI) and Innovation Action projects. This breadth suggests they are valued for their industry reach and ability to connect research teams with food sector end-users across Europe.

Despite participating in only 3 projects, Bridge2Food has built a remarkably wide network of 54 unique consortium partners across 16 countries, reflecting the large-scale nature of BBI and Innovation Action consortia in the food sector. Their network spans much of the EU, with no apparent geographic concentration.

What sets them apart

Bridge2Food stands out as an industry-facing knowledge platform rather than a traditional research or manufacturing partner. Where most consortium participants contribute lab work or production capacity, Bridge2Food brings food industry networks, market intelligence, and dissemination channels that help research results reach commercial food companies. For any consortium needing a credible bridge between alternative protein research and the European food industry, they offer a ready-made network that would take years to build independently.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PLENITUDE
  Targets first-of-its-kind large-scale zero-waste mycoprotein biorefinery — the most ambitious and highest-funded project in their portfolio (EUR 249,681).
• ProFuture
  Addresses the fast-growing microalgae protein market for both food and feed, running until 2023 with broad sector relevance.
• PROMINENT
  Their earliest H2020 project, establishing their entry point into EU-funded alternative protein research through cereal side-stream valorization.