R&D - Project

Protewin Ongoing

The Walloon Innovation Ecosystem Dedicated to Alternative Proteins and Protein Transition

Protewin is a collaborative network advancing innovation and European engagement across Wallonia's alternative protein ecosystem.

Protewin visual on plant proteins and alternatives in Wallonia
Protewin presentation at a conference with roll-up banner
Protewin project team outside the Palais des Congrès
Three researchers by the Protewin project poster

PROTEWIN is a Walloon Strategic Innovation Initiative (SII) dedicated to accelerating research, innovation, and collaboration in the field of alternative proteins. Coordinated by CELABOR, the initiative serves as a catalyst for ecosystem development, networking, and European outreach. PROTEWIN is one of the 19 SIIs established by Wallonia to strengthen strategic innovation ecosystems and enhance the region’s competitiveness and visibility.

The ecosystem brings together stakeholders spanning the entire alternative protein value chain, from agricultural production and raw material supply to ingredient manufacturing, product development, and market deployment. Members include agricultural organizations and cooperatives, industrial companies, ingredient and food producers, research centers, universities, and higher education institutions.

While plant proteins constitute the core focus of PROTEWIN, the initiative also encompasses emerging protein sources and technologies, including insects, microalgae, and precision fermentation.

PROTEWIN is structured around two major project portfolios:

As ecosystem coordinator, CELABOR organizes and facilitates numerous activities, including thematic working groups, networking events, conferences, and matchmaking sessions. The initiative also maintains strong connections with leading European networks such as EIT Food and Bioeconomy For Change, creating opportunities for collaboration and increasing the international visibility of Walloon stakeholders. You can download the brochure published during our last event at the Festival Nourrir Liège 2026.

Protewin’s objectives:

  • Stimulate innovation across the Walloon alternative protein ecosystem.
  • Support industrial stakeholders in developing R&D projects and strategic partnerships, including at the European level.
  • Provide access to knowledge, training, technologies, and emerging market opportunities.
  • Encourage investment and the growth of innovative businesses.
  • Promote Walloon expertise through international networks and events
Since its launch, PROTEWIN has mobilized more than 70 Walloon stakeholders around approximately 30 collaborative projects, a wide range of technology readiness levels and market applications (see https://ecosysteme.s3.wallonie.be/).
The initiative also fosters partnerships with leading European ecosystems, including Next Food Chain (Flanders), Protéines France, Food Valley (Netherlands), and NAPIC (United Kingdom). Through these collaborations, PROTEWIN contributes to positioning Wallonia as a recognized and dynamic European hub for alternative proteins and the protein transition