2nd Annual Global Forum for Plant-Based and Alternative Protein Conference
08-09 Dec 2026
The Startup-Driven Protein Economy
Join startups, strategics, investors, and academics to learn about the exciting and emerging protein economy at this marquis event in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA in December. Whether you’re focused on protein diversification, the emerging bioeconomy sector, or how to get more plant-based programs, crops, and talent in the Global South, this conference is for you. Hosted by the Global Forum for Plant-based and Alternative Proteins, one of the only global non-profits dedicated to increasing economic participation in the plant-based sector in the Global South.
Why Attend?
- Learn about the latest innovation in the plant-based and alt protein space
- Connect to forge partnerships, to network, or to find your next opportunity
- Prepare to become investment-ready
Who Should Attend?
- Alt protein and bioeconomy startup founders
- R&D food scientists and product development directors
- Service providers and suppliers to the alt protein sector
- Policymakers
- High impact career seekers
Details
Registration
Conference Program
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9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Site Visits
Today's tours are shared with Big Idea Ventures. Attendees will choose among the following options: BASF, BTEC at NCSU, Buhler Aeroglide, Growth Curve Bio, IKA. Requires at least 5 people in the group to activate the location. Due to distances, visiting all sites in one day will likely not be possible, so please rank your choices.
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5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Informal Evening Mixer
For the early birds, get some networking in at Boxyard!
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8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration
First Flight Venture Center
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9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
Welcoming Remarks
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9:10 AM - 9:30 AM
Keynote Address
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9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
Why Inclusivity Improves Innovation For The Future Of Food
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9:50 AM - 10:00 AM
Break
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10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel Session 1 - Getting To Product-Market Fit - Example and Guidance
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11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Break
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11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel Session 2 - Building Win-Win Startup Corporate Relationships
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12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Reserved
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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
First Flight Venture Center
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1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Reserved
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2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Startup Showcase - Let's Get To Know The Startups!
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3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Break
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3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Experts Showcase - Let's Get To Know The Experts!
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4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Startup Lightning Pitch Competition
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4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Special Announcement
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5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Matchmaker Sessions & Networking
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Fundraising Experts
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Commercialization Experts
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Corporate Partnerships Experts
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Safety & Regulatory Experts
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General Networking
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