Maash
MAASH is developing a new generation of mycoprotein: sustainable, nutritious, and ready to transform the food industry. Co-founder Gaspard Gilbert tells us more about their mission, why they chose Brussels, and what innovation means to them.
What is MAASH all about?
MAASH is an innovative biotech company working on a plant-based alternative to animal protein. Their mycoprotein is neutral in taste and colour, rich in nutrients, and has a texture similar to meat. This makes it ideal for food producers who want to replace meat in ready-made meals without compromising on quality or nutritional value.
“We want to make it easier for consumers to make conscious choices—without feeling like they’re giving something up,” explains Gaspard.
Their technology offers a concrete and scalable response to the ethical and environmental challenges of the meat industry.
Why this project?
The food industry is undergoing a major transformation. MAASH is contributing to that shift with a product designed to make a real impact—both on our plates and on the planet. By using a smart fermentation process, they create a protein source with a much lower environmental footprint than traditional meat. At the same time, they aim to show that sustainable food doesn’t have to mean compromise.
How does your process work?
At their R&D lab in Anderlecht, engineers, biotechnologists and entrepreneurs collaborate daily to refine and scale their production methods. It’s a tightly-knit team that combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial drive.
“We may be a young company,” says Gaspard, “but we work with the mindset and discipline of a future industrial-scale producer.”
Why Brussels?
MAASH’s choice to base themselves in Brussels was strategic. The city offers access to a highly educated workforce, strong networks, and supportive institutions. They also believe in Brussels’ potential to become a hub for sustainable food biotech.
“We want to help build a biotech ecosystem here, just like the ones already flourishing in Flanders,” says Gaspard.
How did Innoviris support you?
Innoviris played a key role in MAASH’s growth. Their funding enabled the team to take research risks and turn experimental ideas into real, scalable solutions. It also fostered new collaborations with academic and industrial partners in the region.
“Innoviris gave us both the confidence and the resources to turn our vision into reality, step by step.”
What does innovation mean to MAASH?
For MAASH, innovation is about more than technology. It’s a mindset: one that embraces uncertainty, pushes boundaries and focuses on long-term impact. Innovation demands creativity, resilience and a deep sense of responsibility.
What’s next?
MAASH will begin industrial production in 2026. By 2035, they aim to produce 70,000 tonnes of mycoprotein annually, enough to make a real difference on the global protein market. Their goal is clear: to become a go-to ingredient in the food systems of the future.