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New solutions and innovations from VTT and Finnish food companies pave the way for profitable plant-based ingredient business

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ESPOO, Finland, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recent years, the development of plant-based food ingredients has focused on proteins and their production processes. The RETHINK project by VTT and the Finnish food industry shows that achieving profitability in the sector requires a new way of thinking: value should be created from every stream generated in plant ingredient production, new ingredients need to be developed to suit their targeted end use, and companies and other operators must strive for closer cooperation. The project also produced several tangible inventions.

One of the key development goals for food system operators is a sustainable shift toward more plant-based diets. This shift will yield positive effects on public health, the environment and resilience of the society.

In the RETHINK project, funded by Business Finland, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Finnish ingredient and food companies examined how profitable business can be built around the production of plant-based ingredients in the Finnish operating environment.

Plant-based ingredient production refers to the processing of plant raw materials, such as oats and faba beans, into various ingredients used by food manufacturers in food production.

“Globally, food production is shifting towards more local and distributed production models, as companies and societies strive to strengthen their resilience. Finland is in a great position to create new plant-based production chains and profitable business, leading to growth in the industry. We have plenty of active farmers and capacity for regional raw material production, as well as growing interest in plant-based products from the food industry and retail sector,” says Emilia Nordlund, responsible leader of the project at VTT.

Complete raw material utilisation and closer collaboration will lead to profitability

Many current business models focus on plant protein production, which means a significant share of the raw material value is not maximally used. For example, peas yield protein for meat substitutes, but their carbohydrate-rich side streams often end up as animal feed with a considerably lower economic value than that of protein products. According to the experts working in RETHINK, profitable production models require creating added value from every fraction generated in ingredient production.

“It is especially critical to find the high value use cases for carbohydrate-rich fractions, as they often comprise the largest share of the raw material. We should be boldly looking for uses beyond the food sector too. In cosmetics, for example,” Nordlund notes.

According to the project’s experts, growth also requires closer collaboration among food system operators. Farmers, ingredient producers, food companies, investors and decision-makers need to build shared practices that reduce supply risks and enable production to scale. Investment-ready production models enable planning for raw material availability, quality, processing, end-use applications, and commercial routes as a unified whole.

One example of cross-company collaboration in the RETHINK project is the shared development work by Viking Malt and Valio, which produced a solution made from germinated faba bean protein granule for the plant-based and hybrid meat product market.

“Our collaboration is based on a shared goal: to maximise the value of Finnish plant-based raw materials by drawing on Finnish expertise and our best practices. Viking Malt’s experience with germination and Valio’s commercialisation know-how made it possible to create an entirely new kind of food product,” say Susanna Kallio, Vice President, Plant-Based Business at Valio, and Xin Huang, Group R&D Manager at Viking Malt.

New inventions enable more effective use of grain and legume proteins and fibre

The new solutions developed by VTT during the project are geared towards securing locally profitable production as well as manufacturing nutritionally valuable ingredients and end products without complex processing. For example, enzyme-assisted processing methods reduce chemical use and improve the functionality of ingredients.

“In RETHINK, we patented an entirely new way to concentrate and apply oat dietary fibre, beta-glucan. This invention makes it possible to add fibre to liquid products so that the fibre stays intact while the liquid remains pourable and without a paste-like texture,” Nordlund describes.

VTT researchers also developed a new pretreatment technique for the protein separation process, which prevents the unpleasant off-flavours typical of legume-based ingredients and expands the possibilities for using legumes in food products.

New spin-off company Happy Plant Protein upscales plant protein production

Research carried out under RETHINK also helped advance the technology commercialised by VTT spin-off Happy Plant Protein from the development stage toward commercial readiness. The new technology separates protein from carbohydrates and texturises the protein using only a single process step.

“Happy Plant Protein is reshaping the market with its production process. It’s also an excellent example of a company with international ambitions making use of existing food industry infrastructure and local raw materials,” Nordlund says.
The company has progressed from research innovation to international commercialisation, and its technology is now being used in industrial production projects in both Latvia and the Netherlands.

Project facts

Public 3-year co-innovation project with 5 parallel projects from the Finnish food industryDuration: June 2023 to August 2026Funded by Business Finland, totaling €3 millionResearch partner: VTT (responsible leader of the project: Emilia Nordlund)Industrial partners: Anora, Apetit, Fazer, Helsingin Mylly, Raisio, Valio, Viking Malt

For more information

Media kit with pictures 

Emilia Nordlund, Portfolio Lead, VTT
emilia.nordlund@vtt.fi, +358 40 504 2963

VTT White paper: How to build investable plant-based ingredient businesses

Further information on VTT:
Satu Holm-Jumppanen
Manager, Communications
+358 50 305 4718, satu.holm-jumppanen@vtt.fi
www.vtt.fi

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/r/new-solutions-and-innovations-from-vtt-and-finnish-food-companies-pave-the-way-for-profitable-plant-,c4395518

The following files are available for download:

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New solutions and innovations from VTT and Finnish food companies pave the way for profitable plant-based ingredient business

https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/i/research-scientist-elena-garicano-vilar-preparing-a-sensory-evaluation-of-pea-samples-processed-usin,c3564575

Research Scientist Elena Garicano Vilar preparing a sensory evaluation of pea samples processed using different treatment methods

 

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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4 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

4 hours ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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11 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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