Introduction:
Proteine Resources is a Polish agri-tech startup (established in 2017, based in Masłomiąca, near Kraków) operating at the intersection of circular economy, waste management and sustainable food systems. The company has developed a novel approach to convert mushroom-industry by-products into premium insect-based ingredients for pet food, using Lesser Mealworm larvae reared in highly controlled, AI-supported production modules.
ProteinBoost builds a symbiotic value chain: mushroom producers gain a scalable route for challenging side-streams (e.g., stems and spent mushroom substrate), while pet food manufacturers receive a locally produced, high-protein alternative to conventional meat ingredients. The concept further closes the loop by repurposing frass as a fertiliser and potential substitute for peat in mushroom cultivation.
UpSpark is a Polish EU funding consultancy specialising in securing grants for deep-tech and biotech projects from the most prominent and competitive international EU funding programs, such as the EIC Accelerator or Eurostars.
This case study highlights UpSpark’s collaboration with Proteine Resources in preparing and submitting a complete EIC Accelerator application for ProteinBoost, requesting blended finance to mature the technology to TRL 8 and prepare the first-of-a-kind commercial roll-out.
Client Profile:
– Client Name: Proteine Resources
– Technology: AI-enabled, autonomous insect production modules upcycling mushroom by-products into high-protein insect ingredients
– Industry: AgriTech / Circular Economy / Pet Food Ingredients
– Location: Masłomiąca (near Kraków), Poland
– Project Name: ProteinBoost
– Project Objective: Advance the current TRL 6 demo line to TRL 8 via a large-scale pilot (up to 15.5 tonnes/year of dried larvae) and complete the design of an autonomous 800 tonnes/year production unit enabling TRL 9 commercial readiness
– Funding Target (EIC blended finance): €2.5M grant (+ own contribution) and €16.3M equity (incl. EIC Fund participation of €7.0M) to finance scale-up and market entry
The Challenges:
ProteinBoost is a high-risk, high-capex scale-up at the interface of biology, automation/AI, regulated pet food markets and circular supply chains. The EIC Accelerator call fit was strong, but translating the concept into a fundable, evaluation-ready proposal required resolving several challenges:
1. Road to TRL 8: demonstrating credible milestones that move from TRL 6 (demo line) to a pilot capable of producing meaningful volumes for customer testing.
2. Differentiation and defensibility: evidencing how ProteinBoost goes beyond state of the art (species choice, AI-supported control, decentralised modular factories, and a locked-in mushroom supply chain) and why this creates durable barriers.
3. Commercialisation credibility: connecting early adopter interest, pricing logic vs. premium meat ingredients, and a realistic path to scale (including an investor-ready financing plan for the first production unit).
4. Policy and impact alignment: quantifying the circular economy and climate benefits in a way that matches EIC expectations (EU added value, scalability, and contribution to EU strategic autonomy).
5. Compliance and implementation readiness: building an implementation plan that is technically robust and operationally realistic, including regulatory steps for the pet food sector and independent testing.
The Approach:
UpSpark addressed these challenges through a structured, end-to-end proposal development process focused on perfect alignment with EIC Accelerator evaluation logic (breakthrough innovation, credible scale-up plan, and measurable impact).
Firstly, we validated the project concept and sharpened the EIC narrative: a concise problem–solution framing, a clear description of the innovation’s novelty, and a precise TRL baseline and target value points.
Secondly, we strengthened the technical and implementation backbone of the application: structuring the grant work plan around the key TRL 8 deliverables, including evolution of the multispectral machine-vision system, integration into a large-scale pilot line, product development and testing with pets in collaboration with independent researchers, and the detailed design of the autonomous production unit.
Thirdly, we reinforced the commercial story and scale-up economics: market positioning in premium pet food ingredients, competitive pricing logic vs. beef cuts, supply-chain scaling anchored in the mushroom sector, and the go-to-market steps required to move from sampling to long-term B2B contracts.
Finally, we ensured full compliance and investor readiness: a coherent blended-finance request (grant and equity), credible use-of-funds and co-funding logic, and an impact case consistent with EU priorities (circular economy, resource efficiency, and reduced environmental footprint).
The Outcome:
Proteine Resources successfully applied to the EIC Accelerator, going through two phases of proposal evaluation and a panel interview in Brussels, and was awarded a total of €9.5M from the EIC.
The March 2025 cut-off was one of the toughest ever, with the overall success rate of only 4%, highlighting the ultra-competitive nature of the EIC Accelerator scheme.
Client Testimonial:
“Working with UpSpark was a transformative experience for Proteine Resources. Jakub and Mirek were deeply committed to our success throughout the entire journey—from the very first application stages to the intensive preparation for the EIC jury interview in Brussels.
Their support was truly multi-dimensional; it went far beyond navigating the complexities of the application. UpSpark provided high-level strategic advice that challenged us to refine our own business model and gain a much deeper understanding of our value proposition.
The process culminated in a successful €9.5M funding award, and we are now moving forward with the implementation of the ProteinBoost project. Having worked with many firms on various grant and funding applications, I can confidently say that UpSpark is one of the best partners I have ever encountered. Their expertise was instrumental in turning our vision into a reality.”
— Bart Roszkowski, co-CEO & co-founder, Proteine Resources
Conclusion:
This case study demonstrates UpSpark’s capability to translate a complex, cross-sector deep-tech concept into an EIC Accelerator-ready application. By aligning the innovation narrative, TRL progression, implementation plan, commercialisation logic and EU impact into one coherent story, we helped Proteine Resources present ProteinBoost as truly a breakthrough, market-driven, and scalable European venture with global potential.
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.upspark.eu or contact us directly at contact@upspark.eu.
To schedule a free introductory call with our CEO, Jakub Żbikowski, use this Calendly link.