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 Durham, 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
Our Sponsors
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. 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
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9:10 AM - 9:30 AM
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9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
Why Inclusivity Improves Innovation For The Future Of Food
FFVC Main Auditorium
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Mike Lee
The Future Market
LinkedIn
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9:50 AM - 10:00 AM
Break
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10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Break
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11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
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12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Reserved
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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
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1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Reserved
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2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Startup Showcase - Let's Get To Know The Startups!
FFVC Main Auditorium
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3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Break
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3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
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4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Startup Lightning Pitch Competition
FFVC Main Auditorium
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4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
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5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Matchmaker Sessions & Networking
FFVC Various Rooms
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Fundraising
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Commercialization & Corporate Partnerships
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Safety & Regulatory
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Workforce Education & Development
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General Networking
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6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Awards & Recognition
FFVC Main Auditorium