Daiz Engineering and Nizo Food Research join forces to propel the development of hybrid dairy alternatives
Opening Ceremony of the European Germination Food-Tech Center at NIZO Food Research in the Netherlands on January 23, 2024, in the presence of the Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands, the Mayor of the municipality of Ede, and representatives from the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands, municipality of Ede, NIZO Food Research, DAIZ Engineering, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and the East Netherlands Development Agency (Oost NL).
Daiz Engineering has established a European Germination Food-Tech Center in the Netherlands with Nizo Food Research to develop hybrid dairy products and address food security and protein deficiency.
The Food-Tech Center focuses on the development of hybrid dairy products, combining primarily animal-based dairy and plant-derived protein-based dairy alternatives. Cited as a new approach, the two parties said the ‘Center’ holds the promise of making a breakthrough in addressing the taste, nutrition and sustainability challenges associated with a protein transition.
Daiz Engineering is a food-tech start-up company with a patented technology called “Ochiai Germination Method” that activates seeds using the power of germination to enhance functionality and nutritional value.
Using proprietary technology to mimic the molecular profile of animal proteins in plant-based proteins, Daiz Engineering said it has achieved the development of alternative eggs and alternative milk. It has also revealed it is at the forefront of developing and promoting hybrid products combining animal and various plant-derived proteins, aiming for a wide range of food choices and environmentally friendly sustainable food development.
The cooperation between Daiz Engineering and Nizo has been established with the support from the Invest in Holland Network partners: the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) office in Japan and the East Netherlands Development Agency (Oost NL).
The newly-established European Germination Food-Tech Center at Nizo will germinate various seeds (beans, grains, nuts) using the ‘Ochiai Germination Method’ and will evaluate the nutritional value and digestibility of the germinated seeds in collaboration with the experts at Nizo.
Based on the acquired expertise in plant-based proteins, the Food-Tech Center will develop new food ingredients for global food manufacturers. Daiz Engineering intends to actively participate in joint research and development initiatives where the Dutch government, businesses, Nizo and academic institutes collaborate in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
