Alternative 2025
Alternative Proteins: Innovation, Challenges and Opportunities
Aula Sironi,
University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy
2025 Edition
The 2025 edition of Alternative reaffirmed its role as a key event dedicated to the central role of Alternative Proteins as a pathway toward a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient food system.
The second event focused on Alternative Proteins following the inaugural event in 2023, and the first edition co-organized with BioTopics. Experts from the industry, institutions, academia, and the business world came together to share insights on emerging technologies, regulatory challenges, and new development opportunities.
Through engaging discussions, presentations, and collaborative exchanges, the event explored critical topics such as scientific innovation, business potential, and the role of public institutions in supporting sector growth. It was a unique opportunity to discover the latest developments and envision the future of Alternative Proteins in response to global food sustainability challenges.
Download Presentations and Materials of Alternative!
Program Overview
The eventday was structured into three sessions: the first focused on Science and Innovation, the second explored Research and Market Interactions, and the third delved into Ethics and Society.
10:30
Registration
11:00
Welcome & Keynote
11:30
Scientific Innovation for a Sustainable Protein Future.
13:00
Light Lunch & Networking
14:30
From Research to Market: Industrial Challenges and Opportunities
16:00
Break & Networking
16:30
Alternative Protein and Society: Ethics, Environment and Culture
18:00
Closing Remarks & Takeaways
Sessions
#KEYNOTE
The keynote speech was delivered by Maurizio Bettiga, founder and chair of Alternative, a leading Italian event in the field of food-related Alternative Proteins.
With his expertise and strategic vision, he provided an in-depth analysis of the sector’s current state and future outlook, highlighting key challenges and emerging opportunities for a sustainable and competitive global food system.
Session #1
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION.
During the first session of the day, we had the opportunity to explore the latest scientific innovations that are shaping the future of sustainable proteins with leading international speakers.
Through contributions from industry experts, we explored new solutions, emerging technologies and innovative strategies to ensure a more sustainable approach to protein production and consumption.
“Through scientific research, Alternative Proteins open new frontiers in sustainable nutrition, innovative cellular agriculture, and environmental impact reduction.”
SPEAKER
Serenella
Sala
Head of Land Resources and Supply Chain Assessments Unit, European Commission
Session #2
MARKET AND INDUSTRY.
This session explored the journey from lab to market, examining the opportunities and challenges faced by companies in the Alternative Protein space.
Through contributions from industry experts, we investigated strategies for commercialization, scalability, and adoption of sustainable innovations in global markets
“Italy’s ecosystem holds significant potential for plant-based innovation and growth – a potential that can only be realized through strong collaboration across the entire value chain.”
Session #3
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES: ETHICS, ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE
This session focused on the vital role of the humanities and social sciences in advancing toward a sustainable future.
Through presentations from experts in ethics, environment, and culture, we examined the societal implications of sustainability, the relationship between innovation and ethical responsibility, and the impact of new practices on communities and consumption habits.
“Eating is not merely a matter of taste. How and what we eat are moral and social questions we should all reflect on.”
Sponsors & Partners
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners for helping make the 2025 edition of Alternative truly special.
Sponsor:
Under the auspices of:
Hosted by:
Technical Partner:
Media Partner:
With the participation of:
