Innovation often comes from unexpected places. This time, it is a tiny aquatic plant with huge potential: duckweed.
Recently approved for consumption in the EU, duckweed could transform plant-based protein production.
With six times the protein yield per hectare compared to soy, duckweed grows rapidly with minimal resources. Its potential for vertical farming makes it a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
While Wageningen University & Research has led efforts in Europe, China dominates innovation in this field. Of the more than 12,000 patent filings, 8,500 come from China, 1,300 from the US, and just 350 from Europe.
From fresh food to protein additives, duckweed is gaining traction. With EU approval now in place, the door is open for European food-tech startups to seize this opportunity and drive innovation forward.
