Polish biotech startup Proteine Resources has raised €9.5 million (US$10.2 million) in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator to construct what it calls the world's first fully autonomous insect protein manufacturing facility and develop a functional beef alternative for pet food applications.
The Michałowice-based company was selected from thousands of applicants for the competitive EIC program, making it one of only two Polish startups in this funding cohort and the ninth Polish company to receive the grant since the program's inception.
Mushroom waste-to-protein platform
Proteine Resources operates a bioconversion platform that processes mushroom stems and mycelium waste into protein ingredients rich in taurine and L-arginine — amino acids essential for cats and active dogs. The company reports the protein supports immune function, digestive health and coat condition while demonstrating palatability across sensitive animals including cats.
"We're not just producing protein — we're delivering a performance ingredient," said Konrad Wlodarczyk, founder of Proteine Resources and technology developer. "It works because it's built with biology in mind — from the input stream to the metabolic profile."
The process addresses a significant waste management challenge for European mushroom producers, who can spend up to €80,000 annually disposing of residual stems and mycelium. Proteine's system converts this waste stream into revenue-generating feedstock while eliminating disposal costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Autonomous manufacturing strategy
The funding will support construction of a 10x scaled pilot facility featuring AI-based controls and automation to reduce operational costs and enable decentralized production. The company plans to deploy modular, low-energy designs adaptable to locations with available sidestream feedstock.
Proteine Resources aims to commercialize a 1:1 functional analogue of beef targeting the premium pet food segment. The company describes its ingredients as bioactive, digestible and cost-effective compared to traditional protein sources.
"We help turn a problem into a profit center," said Bartłomiej Roszkowski, co-founder and co-CEO of Proteine. "And we do it in a way that's scalable, measurable and emissions-neutral."
Industry backing
The company has secured support from SMOK Ventures and Bitspiration Booster VC, and participated in the EIT Food Accelerator Network programs, including the Circular Economy Hub in Helsinki and Labena Ventures Accelerator.
"What Proteine has built isn't just a product — it's a platform," said Borys Musielak, managing partner at SMOK Ventures. "They are transforming one of the biggest environmental challenges in agriculture into a scalable business with real biotech credentials. That's rare."
Andrzej Targosz, partner at Bitspiration Booster VC, added, "Biotech that's both sustainable and commercially aggressive is hard to come by. Proteine's model hits all the right notes — circular, autonomous and globally relevant. We're excited to be part of the journey."
Proteine Resources is a Y Combinator alumnus and has previously participated in multiple European deeptech accelerator programs focused on scaling biotech ventures in Central and Eastern Europe.
