Event description

Are you interested in working in the alternative protein sector? Join GFI’s academic community coordinator, Asia Sheehab, to learn more about pursuing an academic or industry career in this rapidly growing field. After an insightful overview of opportunities, you’ll hear from Minami Ogawa, who will share her unique journey into entrepreneurship and her innovative research on edible microcarriers for cultivated meat production.

Meet the speaker

Minami ogawa

Minami Ogawa

PHD CANDIDATE, UC DAVIS
CO-FOUNDER OF OPTIMIZED FOODS
IIFH SUPPLY CHAIN CAPITAL FELLOW

Minami is an enthusiastic food scientist dedicated to fostering innovation and shaping sustainable, healthy, and environmentally beneficial future food systems. With a foundation in wine microbiology, her earlier focus on studying immobilization supports paved the way to transition into the realm of cellular agriculture. This unique journey propelled her towards pioneering and filing intellectual property for the development of edible mycelium microcarriers, aimed at facilitating the proliferation of animal cells crucial in cultivated meat production. She now researches the edible microcarriers for her Ph.D. thesis, guided by Dr. David Block, and as part of the Cultivated Meat Consortium to revolutionize food technology for a more sustainable and healthier future.

Additionally, Minami plays a pivotal role as the Co-founder and Director of Cultivated Foods at a university spinoff company called Optimized Foods, which harnesses the power of mycelium to create high margin, delicious food alternatives. Her journey, representing women in STEM and entrepreneurship, perfectly aligns with being a fellow at Supply Change Capital, and resonates deeply in her quest to revolutionize food systems through innovative solutions that prioritize both human health and the environment.

Upcoming events

View all events
An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
The Diamond

NAPIC Inaugural Conference 2025

The NAPIC Inaugural Conference aims to convene a diverse group of stakeholders—including industry leaders, innovators, researchers, investors, and policymakers—to explore and advance the latest developments in alternative protein innovation.

An illustration of the world with trees and windmills in the background

GFI at Climate Week NYC

GFI is heading to Climate Week NYC! Join us as we spotlight how alternative proteins can help feed a growing population while protecting our planet.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Minneapolis, MN

Reuters Events Transform Food & Agriculture USA 2025

Join GFI’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Engagement, Caroline Bushnell at Reuters Events: Transform Food & Agriculture in Minneapolis.

An illustrative graphic of a microscope on a stack of books

Bridge2Food North American Symposium – APP Regional Student Symposium (Alt Protein Project)

After a successful student-led showcase in Brazil earlier this year, the Alt Protein Project is headed to the U.S.! Meet some of our incredible student leaders at the Bridge2Food North…

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Indiana Convention Center

National FFA Convention & Expo

Event description The National FFA Convention & Expo is all about growing the next generation of leaders—and so is GFI. That’s why Jeremy Eltz, Ph.D., GFI’s Education and Workforce Development…

An illustrative graphic of a microscope on a stack of books

The 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit

GFI’s Elliot Swartz, Ph.D., will share insights at the 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit in Boston. Join Elliot and other experts as they discuss R&D innovations that can…

An illustration depicting people in science, industry, and academic settings
Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career

Discover academic and industry career paths in the alternative protein sector, and get inspired by real-world experiences and actionable advice from our guest speaker.

Gfi knowledge partner icon
Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center

Foods of the Future: Science and Engineering Approaches (Gordon Research Conference)

The focus of this conference is to bring the multi-disciplinary future food community under one roof with a singular focus: collaboratively advancing the science and engineering of safe and scalable…