As Excel4Pro completes its first year of implementation, the project reflects on a dynamic and productive period marked by strong collaboration, scientific progress, and active engagement with innovation ecosystems across Türkiye, Greece, and Ukraine. The first year laid a solid foundation for the project’s long-term vision: establishing a cross-border Excellence Hub that connects research, industry, policymakers, and entrepreneurs around plant-based protein innovation.
The project launched with a kick-off meeting in January 2025 at TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, bringing together 17 partners to align on objectives, governance, and implementation plans. In July, the first official project meeting in Athens reviewed semester progress, refined priorities, and selected key crops including chickpeas, lupin, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, and champignon mushrooms, to guide scientific research and future demonstrators.
Excel4Pro actively strengthened its presence in industry and scientific forums. Participation in the 14th Juiceful Istanbul Summit and the 2nd International Congress on Biotech Solutions for Sustainability showcased the project’s objectives, research outputs, and innovative approaches to protein extraction, fostering connections with industry leaders and researchers.
The project also focuses on co-creating national strategies and strengthening HUBs. Workshops in Türkiye and Greece engaged policymakers, SMEs, startups, and research partners to map ecosystems, define value chains, and inform HUB-level strategies. Excel4Pro also organized webinars and meetups, such as “Redefining Meat and Dairy, Powered by Plants” and the “Chat & Taste” startup session, promoting dialogue between academia, entrepreneurs, and industry.
The first year established the scientific direction, governance, and ecosystem connections. The next phase will focus on launching Open Calls, advancing demonstrators, finalizing strategies, and deepening cross-border collaboration within the Excellence Hub, reinforcing the project’s mission to accelerate sustainable, plant-based food systems.