The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to £25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers. 

The Net Zero Catalyst is supporting the challenge holder in seeking innovators to refine the formulation, pelletising, trial, and validation of an alternative poultry feed derived from Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC). This new feed aims to substantially reduce the reliance on imported soya, which is both costly and carbon-intensive. The challenge involves developing a viable feed pellet that combines YPC with supplementary UK-grown protein sources such as legumes or lupin. For egg-laying birds YPC can only constitute 40-50% of the protein content. The challenge holder is looking for a partner capable of developing the formula, pelletising the feed, conducting the trials, and having the results validated by an external third party, likely an academic institute specializing in poultry nutrition. The main barriers to overcome include the aqueous nature of YPC, which poses challenges in drying and combining it with other ingredients while retaining nutritional content. Additionally, while many egg layers do not require pelletised feed, creating a pelletized product could enhance marketability within domestic markets. &nbsp;

The Challenge

A technology developer focused on agriculture and environmental sustainability is addressing the UK's reliance on imported soya for poultry feed which is linked to significant CO2 emissions and deforestation. Their innovative approach utilises pot-ale, a by-product of whisky production, as a sustainable feed alternative, aiming to reduce negative environmental impacts and support local industries. The continuous, non-seasonal demand for poultry feed presents an opportunity for consistent application and impact of this sustainable solution. The challenge seeks to create a pelletised poultry feed that incorporates yeast protein concentrate (YPC), sourced from pot-ale. This initiative aims to provide a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to soya, with considerations for the scalability of production.

Background

The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to &pound;25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers.
An SME technology developer has pioneered a sustainable use of yeast protein concentrate (YPC) derived from pot-ale, a by-product of the whisky distilling process, to potentially create a novel poultry feed. This innovative approach seeks solution providers to help pelletise this feed, perform a trial and validate the results.
The project presents opportunity to develop a sustainable poultry feed alternative, offering economic and environmental benefit across multiple industries. By transforming whisky industry waste into a valuable agricultural resource, this challenge aims to link waste management and agricultural productivity, contributing to a more sustainable food production ecosystem.
The potential market for production is up to 500,000 tonnes of feed per annum. This could satisfy around 25% of the UK feed market for egg-laying hens. Once established, there is potential for broader use of the feed with multiple applications.
For this challenge, the selected applicant will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with the challenge holder, implementing their innovative solution. Additionally, they will gain access to grant funding of up to &pound;25,000 to support their project.

Benefit

The challenge is focused on creating a sustainable, pelletised poultry feed suitable for egg layers, utilizing waste from the distilling industry. This innovative feed will combine Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC), which can form up to 50% of the required protein content, with supplementary protein sources such as legumes. The solution aims to mirror the transport, storage, and handling characteristics of current poultry feeds, ensuring no significant alterations to existing practices.
Key requirements include:
<ul>
<li>Protein Content Balance: The feed must integrate YPC with another protein source, like legumes, to achieve the necessary protein balance for egg layers (&lt;50% YPC). The YPC, being aqueous, presents a technical challenge in achieving the right moisture content without compromising nutritional value.</li>
<li>Pellet Formation: The end product should be pelletized for domestic use, ensuring it is conducive to the dietary needs of layers and potentially game birds. The process should result in pellets that are easy to handle and store, akin to conventional feed options.</li>
<li>Independent Evaluation: A crucial aspect of the development process is the independent evaluation of the feed's effectiveness and suitability for egg layers, ensuring the product meets industry standards and fulfils nutritional needs.</li>
</ul>

Functional Requirements

The solution must adhere to FEMAS (<a href="https://www.agindustries.org.uk/sectors/trade-assurance-schemes/femas-feed-materials-assurance-scheme.html">Feed Materials Assurance Scheme</a>) standards to demonstrate that the trial meets strict quality control and safety measures. In addition, trials will preferentially be with egg laying poultry. The challenge holder is open to exploring alternative protein sources to combine with YPC.

Technical Requirements

The development of this poultry feed aims to retain standard handling and storage ease, without introducing unique hazards beyond typical feed production challenges. Emphasis is placed on material handling and nutritional content preservation.

Operating Conditions

None, the challenge holder is open to a range of innovative approaches

Out of Scope

Specific costs and price points are dependent of various aspects of formulation, manufacture and organised trials scales/size. YPC will be provided free of charge, however consideration of costs for supplementary materials e.g. legumes etc should be taken into consideration. The objective is to ensure the final feed cost remains competitive, comparable to existing feed.

 Cost Requirement

The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to &pound;25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
<ul>
<li>Support from IUK Business Connect</li>
<li>Support in the development of a prototype or pilot &nbsp;</li>
<li>Technical support</li>
<li>Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events</li>
<li>A potential business collaboration</li>
<li>Investor introductions (if investment is required)</li>
<li>Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.</li>
</ul>

Rewards & Market Opportunity

<ul>
<li>Launch of the Competition: 02-09 April 2024</li>
<li>Deadline for applications: 5 weeks post launch</li>
<li>Selection and notification of finalists: 09-21 May 2024</li>
<li>Date of Online Pitch Day: 28 May 2024</li>
<li>Innovation Funding Service (IFS) signup: 3 June to 10 June 2024. followed due diligence completed by IUK (Solution provider)</li>
<li>Project start: 1 October 2024, lasting for 12 weeks (3 months).</li>
<li>The challenge holder is aiming for a finalised product by December 2024, with trials adhering to a FEMAS standards for launch in early 2025.</li>
</ul>

Timescales

Entrants to this competition must be:
<ul>
<li>A small-medium sized enterprise (SME)</li>
<li>A UK based/UK registered business</li>
<li>Have not exceeded its Minimum Financial Assistance limit (or De Minimis, where relevant).</li>
</ul>
Applications will be assessed on:
<ul>
<li>Relevance to the defined net zero challenge</li>
<li>Benefit of implementation</li>
<li>Feasibility/economic viability</li>
<li>Innovative nature</li>
<li>Ability to launch in line with expected timescales</li>
<li>Credibility of applicant company</li>
<li>Coherence of the proposed business model</li>
<li>Development potential</li>
<li>Maturity of the solution</li>
<li>Suitability for the intended geographic market</li>
</ul>

Eligibility & Assessment Criteria

Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.&nbsp; Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.&nbsp; Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger. This would be expected to be after company selection. All entries are treated as confidential and only shared with Innovate UK and the challenge holder, however if the innovator is concerned about sharing IP, it is suggested that details of IP are not disclosed. Instead, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed at this application stage.&nbsp; Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.

IP & Potential Commercial Route

A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the Challenge holder. Success will be based on total consensus scores, a portfolio approach, and the capacity of the challenge holders to carry out the projects.
Innovate UK Business Connect retains the authority to conclude a competition ahead of the specified application deadline should a satisfactory number and quality of submissions be attained.
Should your application be selected, you will receive an invitation to participate in the Challenge Pitch Day, scheduled for 28th May 2024. Please mark this date in your calendar to secure your availability.
You will be required to prepare a 20-minute pitch presentation which should include your proposed solution and how this addresses the challenge laid out by the Challenge Holder and why the challenge holder would want to collaborate with you.
Your pitch must include:
<ul>
<li>A project plan</li>
<li>Project costings (https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/costs-we-fund/)</li>
</ul>
Optionally, these can be submitted beforehand through the additional documents as part of your application. &nbsp;If selected as the successful solution provider following the pitch session, the next steps to access the grant involves completing your project and organisation details in the Innovation Funding Service Portal between 3-10 June. &nbsp;You will be required to submit the following information:
<ul>
<li>Minimal Financial Assistance declaration</li>
<li>Any permits and licences</li>
<li>Your pitch deck</li>
<li>Successful Net Zero Catalyst proposal (including finances) if not included in your pitch deck</li>
<li>Successful notification email</li>
<li>Finances</li>
</ul>
If you miss this window, you will not be able to submit your application. Once your submission is complete, Innovate UK will then complete their standard due diligence checks.

Terms & Conditions

The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions - Idea Summary, Technology Readiness, and Intellectual Property &ndash; each with a limit of 300 words.
Optionally, supporting documents can be attached to the application. We recommend that supporting documents are limited to those which are directly relevant to the application. Please note that applications with no supporting document will not receive any penalty in assessment. Supporting documents which the Assessment Panel deems to be superfluous may be disregarded. Examples of useful additional documents include product images or short specification sheets, slide decks detailing the solution and/or company background, or solution case studies.
We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle &ldquo;Stage Complete&rdquo; for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked &ldquo;Submit Idea&rdquo; at the bottom of the Summary page.

Construction of a poultry feed pellet using Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC)

Opportunity

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The Challenge

Construction of a poultry feed pellet using Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC)Copy Link

Opportunity

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The Challenge

Construction of a poultry feed pellet using Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC)