MP Explores AI Protein Innovation with Shiru at Davos WEF Meeting

The Madhya Pradesh government met with AI-powered protein discovery company Shiru at the World Economic Forum in Davos to explore collaboration. Discussions centered on Shiru's technology for developing protein ingredients from natural sources for industrial applications. Both sides explored partnerships with agricultural universities and research centers to leverage MP's farm ecosystem for crop-based protein inputs. The talks aim to position the state as a hub for applied research and potential future production facilities.

Key Points: MP Govt & Shiru AI Protein Firm Discuss Agri-Tech Collaboration

  • AI-driven protein discovery platform
  • Focus on food, cosmetics & health sectors
  • Collaboration on agri-research & university partnerships
  • Exploring pilot projects & production in MP
2 min read

MP govt explores collaboration with AI-powered protein firm Shiru on protein innovation, agri-research

Madhya Pradesh explores AI-driven protein innovation & agri-research partnership with Shiru at Davos WEF, focusing on crop inputs and R&D.

"nearly 77 per cent of its protein portfolio is derived from natural sources - Shiru representatives"

Davos, January 19

The Government of Madhya Pradesh on Monday held a meeting with Jasmin Hume, CEO and Founder of Shiru, an AI-powered protein discovery company, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to explore collaboration opportunities in advanced protein innovation, agri-based inputs and applied research.

According to a statement, the meeting focused on Shiru's AI-driven protein discovery and design platform, which enables the development of high-quality, ready-to-use protein ingredients for industrial applications.

The company highlighted that nearly 77 per cent of its protein portfolio is derived from natural sources and outlined its potential for technology licensing, along with a capital-efficient, scalable production model suited for global markets.

Shiru representatives shared that their primary applications are in the food sector, with additional relevance in the cosmetics and health segments.

The company also briefed the Madhya Pradesh delegation on its global commercial footprint and partnership-led operating model, including contract manufacturing arrangements across regions such as the European Union, Canada, Latin America, and Asia, including Thailand and India.

The discussion comes ahead of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from January 19 to 23, 2026, at Davos-Klosters, which is set to welcome nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including a record number of world leaders, CEOs, innovators and policymakers, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue".

The discussions also covered possibilities for collaboration through university partnerships and research and development linkages, leveraging Madhya Pradesh's strong agricultural ecosystem. Both sides explored opportunities related to crop-based protein inputs, engagement with agricultural universities and agri-research centres, and positioning the state as a hub for applied research, pilot projects, and future production facilities.

It was agreed that the next steps would include identifying suitable universities and agri-research institutions in Madhya Pradesh, mapping crop availability and suitability for protein inputs, assessing pilot and contract manufacturing opportunities, and holding follow-up discussions to structure a potential commercial and research partnership.

The engagement underscores Madhya Pradesh's continued efforts to attract innovation-driven investments and strengthen partnerships across the agri-food and life sciences value chain.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see our state government thinking ahead. Protein innovation is the future, especially for a vegetarian-heavy population like India's. If they can make affordable, high-quality protein from soy or pulses grown in MP, it would be brilliant for nutrition.
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Aman W
While the intent is good, I'm always skeptical of these Davos deals. The focus should be on empowering our own agricultural universities and startups first. Let's not become just a contract manufacturing hub for a foreign firm. The IP must stay in India.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. The applied research angle is key. If this collaboration can help solve real problems like post-harvest loss or create value-added products from farm waste, it would be a huge win for sustainability and the rural economy.
V
Vikram M
Finally some forward-thinking policy! Our farmers need more than just MSP. This kind of tech integration can create a whole new value chain. Hope they involve local MSMEs and cooperatives in the pilot projects, not just big corporates.
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Kavya N
As someone from MP, I'm proud to see this. We have the land and the hardworking farmers. Pairing that with cutting-edge AI from a company like Shiru could put Madhya Pradesh on the global map for agri-innovation. Fingers crossed for speedy implementation! 🙏

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