Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) announces sponsorship programs for start-up companies

The Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) at the University of Minnesota is offering start-up companies a 50% reduction in the cost of membership fees for up to three years.  

“PPIC is excited to offer this sponsorship program to start-up companies to complement the recently established membership option for them,” says PPIC Director B. Pam Ismail.  “PPIC staff and its Executive Committee have recognized that new and small businesses need access to the research we do and can benefit from connection to our other PPIC partners.  We are making every effort to see that these companies are able to join PPIC and grow with us.”

In December 2021, PPIC announced a new Affiliate membership level targeted specifically to start-up companies with less than $2 million in annual revenue.  In collaboration with PPIC supporters, the sponsorship program pays for 50% of the annual $3,000 membership fee for a maximum of three years.  Each start-up company can save $4,500 to belong to the research consortium, have access to workshops and training courses and network with companies well-established in plant-based foods.

To apply for the membership sponsorship, companies can visit the PPIC website and fill out an application form under the Membership Options tab.  Sponsorships will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis upon verification of eligibility.    

Founded in 2018, the University of Minnesota’s Plant Protein Innovation Center is the first research center of its kind in the nation for plant and other alternative proteins. The PPIC brings together interdisciplinary researchers and industry partners to produce and study nutritious and functional plant protein ingredients and products, working all the way from breeding and genetics to processing, formulation, and marketing.