Hackathon #SmartBreakfast

Motivation                                                                                                                                                

As part of student engagement for the Smart Protein Forum 2024 we created an opportunity for young people to play an innovative role in their food choices. Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, but how many of us are making it count? Research suggests we need about 11-17 grams of protein in the morning to fuel muscle growth, boost brain power, and control hunger (1). But, with busy mornings and the temptation of carb-heavy options like poha or parathas, many of us fall short of that protein goal.

Here's the problem:

ICMR-NIN, India’s apex nutrition research body recommends that adults should aim for about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day, translating to roughly 56 grams for adult men and 46 grams for adult women. For breakfast to include 20-30% of this daily protein requirement, a typical morning meal that breaks your night fast should contain about 11-17 grams of protein. Are we getting that in a typical breakfast? Look at the table below and make up your mind!

Breakfast items

Breakfast items Total Protein (g) Total Fat (g) Total Carbohydrates (g) Total Energy (kcal)

Poha 9.37 26.74 100 413.97

Idli + Sambar + Medu Vada 10.53 9.87 109.89 538.23

Vegetable Upma 3.13 3.04 26.17 108.44

Aloo Parathas + Curd 6.12 7.03 30.94 215.38

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Problem statement                                                                                                                          

Despite the well-documented benefits of consuming adequate protein in the morning, the average breakfast is often low in protein and high in refined carbohydrates, as seen above. Prolonged protein deficiency can cause muscle loss, which can lead to weakness, slower metabolism, and difficulty keeping balance (2). Also, nutritional imbalance can lead to suboptimal muscle protein synthesis, decreased satiety, reduced cognitive performance, and poor metabolic health (3-5).

Hence, this hackathon seeks innovative solutions to the breakfast protein problem.

Create a #SmartBreakfast hack:

●       Convenient – should be easy to make, such as adding hot water

●      Tasty – can be savoury or sweet. Innovations on traditional foods are encouraged.

●       Uses smart proteins

●       Affordable - uses ingredients that are easy to find and relatively inexpensive

●       Achieves a net protein of 13-17g in 1 serving.

What are smart proteins?

Smart proteins are an alternative to high functional foods that can reliably and predictably replace animal-derived meat, eggs, and dairy products. For example - plant-based meats and eggs, milk substitutes and their derivatives made from plant or crop ingredients such as soy extracts, pea proteins, and seaweed proteins.

The Challenge                                                                                                                                      

Three categories of submissions for innovation are invited:

1. Product development: create a new product.

2. Process development: improve an existing market product through manufacturing and ingredient innovation tweaks.

3. Creative Scicomm: Create a comic strip, Insta reel, or any innovative communication media such as cartoon to go on a T-shirt, mug etc., that will resonate with young people to convey the importance of protein in a breakfast meal and about smart proteins.

Innovation Examples                                                                                                                        

Think of your favourite Indian breakfasts—whether it's khichadi, dosa, or even parathas—and imagine how we can tweak the process to pack it with protein while making it quicker and easier to prepare. What if you could have khichdi in a cupcake format, or idli that’s ready in minutes with extra protein? One part of this hackathon is about taking these classics and using technology to change the way we cook and consume them. Whether you’re enhancing a recipe with protein-rich ingredients, creating a ready-to-eat version, or finding a new way to deliver it (freeze-dried, powdered, or even drinkable!), we want to see how far you can push breakfast innovation. Another part is about public health and using your talents to increase awareness amongst young people to consume more proteins.

It’s not just about making a dish – it’s about creating a whole new product that’s fun, convenient, and fits the busy, health-conscious lifestyles of today. The idea is to rethink the process, product and it's communication so that a healthy, protein-packed breakfast is not only delicious but also easy for anyone to enjoy, and an informed food choice.

Logistics                                                                                                                                                    

Eligibility:

We’re excited to invite students passionate about food science and nutrition to join us in this innovative challenge. Participants must be currently a student. You may be asked for your student ID to claim the prize. While students of food technology, nutrition science or culinary school may be best suited to test their potential, the hackathon is open to ALL students. Prizes will not be determined by your educational background!

Process:

1. Register your interest. See link below.

2. You will receive detail to join our webinar on 28-09-2024, Saturday where the hackathon will be officially launched.

3. Submit your idea online using the provided PPT template no later than Wednesday, 9 Oct 2024.

Prizes:

To reward your hard work and creativity, we have many prizes up for grabs! The prize amounts will be announced soon.

Jury:

• Dr. Vilas Sinkar – Former VP of Unilever Strategic Science and Head of Unilever R&D Bangalore. He led multiple successful collaborations with top academic groups globally.

• Dr. Balkumar Marathi – Expert in microbiology, hygiene, food safety, biotechnology, and sustainability, with senior leadership experience at Unilever R&D Vlaardingen.

• Ms. Priyankana – AVP & Head of BioNEST, IKP Knowledge Park, Bangalore. She manages a Medtech/Biotech startup lab and provides regulatory support through the IKP Global Regulatory Forum.

Register your interest here

References:

1. Adams, M. L., Schmitt, R. C., et al. (2023). The impact of distributing protein intake evenly throughout the day on metabolic health: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Nutrition, 153(2), 231-239. Latner JD, Schwartz M.

2. Millward, M. W., & Waterlow, A. J. (2022). Consequences of protein deficiency and its effects on health and metabolism. Nutrition Reviews, 80(7), 1040-1055.

3. The effects of a high-carbohydrate, high-protein or balanced lunch upon later food intake and hunger ratings. Appetite. 1999 Aug 1;33(1):119-28) and O’Neil, K. M., Shams-White, J., et al. (2014).

4. The impact of breakfast protein on cognitive performance in children. Appetite, 76, 126-132. Heller, T. H. L., Thompson, K. M., et al. (2022).

5. Effects of high-protein breakfast on appetite, energy intake, and body composition in overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 116(1), 122-131.

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