Discover How Nebraska’s Premier Global Center is Pioneering Innovative Bioeconomy Solutions for the Future of Food

A new global project from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln aims to revolutionize food production. The focus is on creating sustainable solutions that will help meet the needs of our growing population. This initiative also seeks to position Nebraska as a leader in the bioeconomy, which involves using biological resources for various products and services.

As the world faces challenges in food production, researchers are looking for innovative ways to diversify what we eat. Current methods often rely on a few key resources, which can be problematic. “We need to rethink how we feed people, especially with climate change being a factor,” says Ozan Ciftci, a food engineer leading this three-year project.

The project, called the Global Center for Food Innovation and Diversification to Advance the Bioeconomy (or FoodID), is backed by a $14 million investment. This includes $2 million from the National Science Foundation, along with support from Finnish organizations and companies. The aim is to develop alternative protein and fat sources from specially designed plants and microorganisms. This research also addresses various challenges related to nutrition, technology, and the environment.

FoodID’s research focuses on creating plant-based and microbial food ingredients. It will explore methods for sustainable production and processing, leading to affordable, high-quality food options. Researchers will use automation and artificial intelligence to efficiently produce these alternative proteins. They will also enhance crop varieties and identify new microbes that can benefit food production.

Ciftci believes that tackling global food challenges requires collaboration across countries and disciplines. “No single institution can do it alone. We need a diverse team from different backgrounds to find innovative solutions,” he says. The project will involve partnerships with 19 universities and research centers, along with over 40 collaborators from around the world, including Canada, the UK, and Japan.

The goals of FoodID are ambitious: it aims to improve food systems, enhance workforce education, and promote sustainable practices. The techniques developed in this sphere may also apply to other fields, such as biomaterials and renewable fuels.

The initiative will also prioritize consumer involvement, engaging farmers and the food industry during the research process. By doing so, FoodID hopes to create products that are not only innovative but also appealing to the market.

While this project has a global vision, it will have a significant impact on Nebraska. With the industrial bioeconomy supporting about 644,000 jobs in the U.S., Nebraska is one of the key states driving this growth. Ciftci emphasizes that this is a crucial time for investment in bioeconomy. “The shift toward sustainable resources is underway, and Nebraska is well-positioned to lead this change,” he says.

In the long run, Ciftci hopes this project will lay the groundwork for establishing a dedicated center at the university focused on bioprocessing and the bioeconomy. This would open new doors for collaboration between academia, industry, and government, ultimately enhancing the state’s agricultural potential.