10088121PROHEMPOTIC: Planet-positive hempseed ingredients for a sustainable and resilient food systemClosedInvestment AcceleratorInnovate UKOur current industrial food system has scaled to feed our growing global population but has done so at the expense of our health and the environment. The cost-of-living crisis is driving increasing rates of poor diet and lack of nutrition, which are known as the major contributors to chronic health issues, such as obesity and diabetes (NHS, 2023). The intensive production and consumption of food is the primary driver of the loss of biodiversity and soil health and accounts for around 35% of total UK GHG emissions (Wrap, 2022). Adverse weather events, due to climate change, are threatening our food security and overreliance on imported food products. Farmers, processors, retailers and consumers have a critical role in achieving a 50% reduction in food-related GHG emissions by 2030 (The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2022). By applying the principles of circular design, regenerative food systems utilising a diverse range of sustainable ingredients and products can significantly reduce the negative health and environmental impacts of food and drinks. However, further innovation is needed to minimize waste and develop more nutritious and delicious food and drinks to meet consumer demands and expectations. PROHEMPOTIC, founded by Jamila La Malfa-Donaldson, is an agri-food tech startup dedicated to developing high-quality hempseed ingredients to create planet-positive food and drinks. Inspired by her PhD research of hemp cultivation in Wales, Jamila is using her plant science and chemical engineering background to develop a proprietary low-emission processing method to improve the taste, texture, functionality and performance of hempseed ingredients and plant-based products. Industrial hemp is an underutilized crop with impressive health and environmental benefits. Growing hemp absorbs 10-22 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per hectare, increases local biodiversity and supports regeneration farming practices (Madden, 2022). Hempseeds are a rich plant-based source of nutrition, particularly digestible protein, dietary fibre, healthy fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals. Increasing the demand for hempseeds for food provides an opportunity for farmers to diversify their income whilst helping to achieve net-zero emissions targets. The Unlocking Potential Award will provide critical funding and support for an underrepresented founder to access state-of-the-art R&D facilities and technical support to develop new processes and products. The Award will also provide Jamila with mentorship and role modelling opportunities to develop a business strategy for success and her leadership skills.