Hecht Sustainable Protein Research Center (HSPRC)

Hecht Sustainable Protein Research Center (HSPRC)

The Hecht Sustainable Protein Research Center at the Technion is the first academic hub in the world dedicated to state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research and development of sustainable protein alternatives. Technological innovation is the key enabler for the alternative protein industry, and existing challenges must be overcome through intensive research. HSPRC’s goal is to promote and accelerate the essential R&D process. The Technion is home to dozens of leading experts whose research is relevant to developing alternative proteins. To date, approximately 40 Technion researchers from 13 of the university’s faculties have joined the new Hecht Sustainable Protein Research Center, and they will collaborate on advanced multidisciplinary research projects.

Our Vision

A healthy, sustainable, and resilient global food system, in which scientifically grounded solutions enable production of appealing and nutritious foods delivering high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, while advancing human, animal, and planetary well-being.

Our Vision
Our Mission
The Hecht Sustainable Protein Research Center (HSPRC) is a Technion-wide, multidisciplinary research center that advances science and technology, attracts and develops talent, strengthens knowledge and partnerships, and impactfully accelerates the transition to a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient global food system, based on nutritious and appealing foods that deliver high-quality protein and other essential nutrients.
 Stem cell and tissue engineering
Stem cell and tissue engineering
 Precision fermentation
Precision fermentation
 Plant protein extraction and texturization
Plant protein extraction and texturization
 Computational biology
Computational biology
 3D bioprinting
3D bioprinting
 Food processing
Food processing
 Nutrition
Nutrition
 Consumer science
Consumer science
 Artificial intelligence and data-science tools to promote the field
Artificial intelligence and data-science tools to promote the field
 Computerization, sensors and process control facilitating SP production
Computerization, sensors and process control facilitating SP production

We pursue this mission by

  • Fostering a multidisciplinary community that integrates basic and applied research to address critical challenges in global and local food system sustainability.
  • Connecting ideas and expertise across the wider food system, from molecules and cells to ingredients, processes, sustainability, nutrition, health, and consumer acceptance.
  • Advancing safe, nutritious, appealing, affordable, accessible, and environmentally responsible protein ingredients, complementary nutrients, technologies, processes, and complete food products.
  • Translating scientific discoveries into scalable technologies, practical applications, and solutions with real-world impact.
  • Facilitating access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and expertise.
  • Serving as a trusted knowledge hub that generates, synthesizes, and shares rigorous, evidence-based knowledge in sustainable protein and related food-system science and innovation.
  • Building national and international partnerships across academia, industry, government, civil society, and the broader food and innovation ecosystem.
  • Developing researchers and innovators through interdisciplinary education and training.
  • Establishing HSPRC as a globally recognized center of excellence and strengthening the Technion’s leadership in sustainable protein and food-system research, education, and innovation.