Sustainable Functional Foods Enriched with Bioactive Compounds from Agricultural Side Streams (SustFoodBio)

Objective:
To co-develop innovative functional food products using bioactive compounds extracted from agricultural by-products, promoting preventive health benefits while supporting circular economy principles.

Project Summary:
This Lithuania–Taiwan joint R&D project brings together Baltic Natural, a Lithuanian SME specializing in sustainable functional food innovation, and Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy (VMU AA), a leading research institution in food science and agricultural biotechnology. The consortium will collaborate with a Taiwanese biotech or functional food company to design, extract, and validate novel health-promoting ingredients derived from agricultural side streams such as fruit pomace, cereal hulls, or fermentation residues.

Lithuanian Partners:

• Baltic Natural (SME Lead Applicant):
  Responsible for product development, quality assurance, and commercialization strategy. Baltic Natural will also lead the market validation of the new functional food products in the EU.

• Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy (Research Partner):
  Will lead scientific research on extraction techniques, compound analysis, bioavailability, and formulation optimization. VMU AA brings expertise in bioactive compound analysis, fermentation science, and agri-food innovation.

Taiwanese Partner (to be identified):
A biotech or functional food R&D company experienced in advanced extraction technologies, nutraceutical ingredient development, or smart packaging to enhance product stability and shelf life.

Alignment with EUREKA Globalstars Taiwan 2025 Priorities:

• Health (Biotechnology, Digital Health):
  Development of functional foods with bioactive compounds that contribute to metabolic health, immunity, and digestive well-being.

• Sustainability & Circular Economy:
  Valorization of agricultural by-products, contributing to zero-waste food systems and environmental sustainability.

Expected Outcomes:

• Prototypes of functional foods (e.g., beverages, bars, spreads) with validated health benefits.

• Scalable, eco-friendly processes for extracting bioactives.

• International market pathways based on EU and Asia regulatory frameworks.

• Strengthened Lithuania–Taiwan scientific and business collaboration.