The Dutch Innovation Award is based on the Dutch Innovation Monitor, an initiative of the UvA's Amsterdam Centre for Business Innovation and Amsterdam Business School. The award was presented on Monday 19 October during an evening broadcast of the television programme De Wereld van Morgen (AVROTROS).

The jury commended the pioneering role played by the company in its use of innovation to deal with sustainabilty issues. Protix focuses on achieving a circular -  and thus more sustainable - food chain. For example, Protix developed a new automated production process that enables the efficient production of insect-based proteins. Smart algorithms and robotics are used in this advanced process to manage and steer the growth process of insects at larvae or crate level.

The company's rapid growth - from start-up to scale-up - was also a factor in the jury's decision. Protix collaborates with a wide range of external parties, including knowledge institutions. The jury also noted the company's bold vision and perseverance in achieving its goal of offering solutions to sustainabilty issues.

Transition in the food value chaine in de voedselwaardeketen

Jury chair Henk Volberda: ‘The winner is an example of how innovation in the broader sense of the word can contribute to tackling relevant social issues, in this case, the food production chain. In this case,  a company demonstrated a bold vision and determination to create an advanced process. By producing protein for animal and fish feed, Protix indirectly delivers insect-based protein to consumers, for example through the consumption of chicken. This cutting-edge approach can also be used in numerous other food value chains. Sooner or later, many value chains will face the challenge of placing more emphasis on sustainability. Protix has taken a proactive approach to this transition.