We know Estonia
11.5.2023 | Estonia

Estonian scientists make it to the finals of the prestigious global competition with salmon fillet made from peas

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Siim Vahur, ACUBE

Estonian scientists make it to the finals of the prestigious global competition with salmon fillet made from peas

 

Scientists from the Estonian Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies (TFTAK) have made it to the final six of the prestigious global XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion competition with their plant-based salmon made from pea proteins.

According to Dr. Sirli Rosenvald, Head of Meat Alternatives and Plant Proteins at TFTAK, reaching the final stage of the XPRIZE competition is a tremendous recognition for their scientists’ work as they compete against five other teams for the $15M prize.

“For the last few years, we have been developing technologies in the TFTAK research laboratory to create textures from plant-based protein that imitate various animal-based foods. We have already brought several plant-based minced meat products to market and are now focusing on the more complex challenge of developing fillet products. We have taken a step forward by creating a pea protein-based product that has a texture similar to salmon fillet,” said Rosenvald.

As demand for meat increases with the world’s growing population, the XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion prize seeks to find more sustainable and versatile alternatives to meat products capable of competing with conventional products on the market.

“We are genuinely happy and proud of reaching the finals. Competing with the world’s top food innovators and being among the final six shows the excellence of our researchers and the research facilities,” said TFTAK CEO Martin Lall.

Rosenvald’s research group, which consists of six young and dedicated Estonian food scientists with an average age of 30, submitted an application for the XPRIZE competition in December 2020, and the final of the event will take place next year.

TFTAK’s goal is for the salmon fillet alternative created as a result of the competition to come to market as a real product, under the brand of either a local Estonian or foreign company.

 

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Meat Alternatives Pea Protein Plant-Based Plant-Based Salmon Science TFTAK XPRIZE

8.6.2023 | Estonia

May was one of the driest months ever in Estonia

May was one of the driest months ever in Estonia

The Estonian Environment Agency has reported that this May was one of the driest on record. The only time … Read more

7.6.2023 | Estonia

Inflation stabilised in May

Inflation stabilised in May

According to Statistics Estonia, in May, the Consumer Price Index (which is a key indicator of inflation) remained at … Read more

6.6.2023 | Estonia

There were over 11,000 job vacancies in Estonia in the first quarter of 2023

There were over 11,000 job vacancies in Estonia in the first quarter of 2023

According to data released by Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2023, there were 11,461 job vacancies in … Read more

5.6.2023 | Estonia

Decline in industrial production worsened further in April

Decline in industrial production worsened further in April

According to data published by Statistics Estonia, in April 2023, the total production of industrial enterprises decreased by 15.1 … Read more

1.6.2023 | Estonia

The recession was wide-ranging in the first quarter of 2023

The recession was wide-ranging in the first quarter of 2023

According to data released by Statistics Estonia, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Estonia decreased by 3.2 per cent … Read more

31.5.2023 | Estonia

A commemorative plaque for Estonia’s first concrete building was unveiled in Narva

A commemorative plaque for Estonia’s first concrete building was unveiled in Narva

In Narva, on the banks of the river, a commemorative plaque was opened yesterday to the first concrete building … Read more

31.5.2023 | Estonia

Tallinna Vesi has opened more than 30 public water taps in Tallinn

Tallinna Vesi has opened more than 30 public water taps in Tallinn

Tallinna Vesi has opened a total of 32 public water taps across Tallinn for the summer season, where it … Read more

30.5.2023 | Estonia

Estonian residents have been hit by a wave of fraudulent SMS messages: How do they get your number and how to recognise fraud?

Estonian residents have been hit by a wave of fraudulent SMS messages: How do they get your number and how to recognise fraud?

During the last few weeks, the number of SMS phishing scams spreading in Estonia has increased dramatically, which are … Read more