Other Industry Initiatives

The Alt. Protein Project at Cornell

An important focus at CIFS is in supporting student-led initiatives that increase their exposure to new learning opportunities and industry career paths. One such initiative is the Alt. Protein Project at Cornell, which was founded by students in 2021 in partnership with The Good Food Institute.

The Alt. Protein Project at Cornell strives to build a healthy, sustainable, and just food system by creating a vibrant and robust community for alternative protein research and innovation at Cornell University. The organization aims to provide members with a community where they can explore the field of alternative protein and other opportunities associated with plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived meat, eggs, and dairy to plan future careers that will allow them to transform the future of food. At its best, the Alt. Protein Project at Cornell group acts as a miniature thinking tank for a burgeoning field, catapulting its members to the forefront of the alternative protein movement. While the Project’s membership is primarily students, it is open to all at Cornell who are interested in taking the steps to a better, more sustainable future that aims to reduce the consumption of conventional meat.

Prof. Elad Tako serves as faculty advisor and Rajni Aneja as industry engagement mentor to the Project.

For further information on how to engage with the Alt. Protein Project at Cornell, please contact cornellaltpro [at] gmail.com (cornellaltpro[at]gmail[dot]com).

The Dairy Innovation Program supports early-stage dairy entrepreneurs through the Dairy Runway Incubator, a virtual Cornell-hosted initiative designed to transform innovative dairy product ideas into viable business concepts. Each cohort selects up to 10 teams to participate in a free, multi-week course that blends self-directed learning, Zoom-based sessions, and one-on-one instructor check-ins. Participants engage with food entrepreneurs and industry experts on topics like product branding, consumer trends, and go-to-market challenges.

Teams that complete the course receive fully funded access to Cornell’s Food Processing and Development Laboratory, technical guidance from Cornell Food Science experts, and tailored business coaching from Entrepreneurs in Residence. With this support, participants move from concept to prototype while developing the foundation for long-term business growth and innovation in value-added dairy.

The Cornell Institute for Food Systems (CIFS) serves as a key program partner, contributing business development support and industry insights to help guide participants through the process.

For more information visit: https://dairyinnovation.org/

Grow-NY is an international business competition that supports high-growth food and agtech startups committed to building a stronger agricultural ecosystem in Upstate New York. Administered by Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, Grow-NY awards $3 million in prize funding annually, including a top prize of $1 million. Finalists—up to 20 each year—receive mentorship, customized business development support, and regional immersion experiences to help them scale their ventures locally.

Cornell University plays a central role in delivering the program, drawing on its leadership in both agriculture and technology, as well as its extensive networks through AgriTech and Cooperative Extension. Through this partnership, Grow-NY fuels innovation, job creation, and economic development across the food and agriculture sectors in New York State.

The Cornell Institute for Food Systems (CIFS) contributes as a program partner, offering industry expertise and support to enhance the program’s impact.

For more information visit: https://www.grow-ny.com/about/#grow-ny-partners