Next Meats launches accelerator programme for alternative protein industry

Japanese alternative meat company Next Meats has launched the Next Meats Accelerator Program, which would serve as a platform for worldwide collaboration in the alternative protein industry.

The Tokyo-based company said that its accelerator programme aims to bring together researchers, experts, and companies in the alternative protein industry to address climate change and create business opportunities on a global scale.

Next Meats stated that the collaborative effort against climate change can be quick and effective when skilled entities can collaborate and combine their technologies, expertise, network and other resources.

Applications have been sought from companies, researchers, and experienced individuals interested in developing novel alternative meat products and environmental solutions.

Food-tech, bio-tech, agri-tech, hardware, AI, and IoT big data industries can apply for the programme.

The company said that its Next Meats Accelerator Program will be conducted simultaneously in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

In January, Next Meats successfully went public on the American OTC Market as Next Meats Holdings after acquiring a US-based special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

The Japanese firm started developing alternative meats products in 2017 and was officially established last year.

Its plant-based products portfolio includes Next Burgers, Next Gyudon, and the Next Yakiniku series, and is currently developing other products.

The company also signed a joint development agreement with Taiwanese alternative meat firm Hoya to sell its products in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam this month.

Next Meats intends to further research plant-based proteins, cultured meats, and microalgae with an aim to replace all animal products by 2050.