Polish biotech startup Proteine Resources secures €9.5M in EIC Accelerator funding to scale insect protein production

Proteine Resources, a Polish biotech startup developing next-generation functional proteins from insects, has secured €9.5 million in blended financing from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The company shared the news with AIN.

About Proteine Resources

• Proteine is a Polish company focused on creating high-performance, sustainable proteins for animals. Using its proprietary insect bioconversion platform, Proteine upcycles mushroom stems and mycelium into premium-grade protein rich in bioavailable taurine and L-arginine. 

• These amino acids support immune balance, digestive health, allergy mitigation, and visible coat and skin improvements. According to the company, the product has also proven to be highly palatable, even for sensitive animals like cats, making it an innovative solution in pet nutrition.

“What Proteine has built isn’t just a product — it’s a platform. They are transforming one of the biggest environmental challenges in agriculture into a scalable business with real biotech credentials. That’s rare,” said Borys Musielak, managing partner at SMOK Ventures. 

Investment details

Proteine received funding from European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator and supported by SMOK Ventures, Bitspiration Booster VC, and has participated in EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN), including the Circular Economy Hub in Helsinki and Labena Ventures Accelerator, focused on scaling biotech and life science ventures in CEE.

• The European Innovation Council (EIC) aims to support game changing innovations throughout the lifecycle from early stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale up of start-ups and SMEs.

The fresh funding will enable Proteine to scale up with a 10x larger pilot facility, launch the world’s first fully autonomous insect protein factory, and develop a modular, low-energy design adaptable to various locations.