The Next Frontier of Food: Precision Fermentation Innovations—ConnectEd Briefs
Event description
Precision fermentation is revolutionizing how we produce food ingredients, offering an increasingly sustainable and innovative approach to creating everything from alternative proteins to functionality. This session will explore the transformative potential of precision fermentation, highlighting its role in advancing flavor, nutrition, and sustainability. Attendees will discover how this technology is setting the stage for the future of food production and paving the way for new opportunities for innovation. Afterward, keep the conversation going at the Connect Hub from 2:15–3:15 p.m. during the ConnectEd DeBriefs Mixer—a networking opportunity to engage with our ConnectEd Briefs experts. Included with your Expo Pass.
Event location
Meet the speaker
Lucas Eastham
LEAD SCIENTIST, FERMENTATION, GFI
Lucas works with the SciTech team to analyze the technical landscape for proteins and ingredients derived from microbial fermentation. He identifies key challenges and articulates solutions to accelerate the industry. Before GFI, Lucas spent ten years at Algenol Biotech commercializing microbial-derived biofuels, biofertilizers, food ingredients, and cosmetic ingredients. His expertise ranges across the bioprocess commercialization spectrum—from strain development, cultivation process development (USP), and downstream process development (DSP) to commercialization and GMP operations. Lucas holds a BS in biology and anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in environmental science and management from Duquesne University.
ConnectEd DeBriefs Mixer
Do not miss the ConnectEd DeBriefs Mixer at the Connect Hub from 2:15–3:15 p.m. for a chance to network with Lucas and other ConnectEd Brief experts. This is a great opportunity to continue the conversation and ask any further questions you may have.
Upcoming events
View all events
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.
NCSU Bezos Center Summit
GFI’s Maddie Cohen, associate director of regulatory affairs, will join a panel at the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein’s inaugural summit, contributing to an energizing discussion on the current state…
The Science of Alt Protein: Enzymatic treatment of hemp for highly functional plant-based meat ingredient in commercial manufacturing
Discover how Dr. Simsek aims to provide value-added strategies through enzyme modification for hemp processing byproducts.
The state of Canadian and U.S. pulse farming in 2025
Join GFI and Pulse Canada for The Pulse Chain, a three-part webinar series spotlighting Canadian and U.S. pulse growers at the heart of sustainable protein innovation. Hear firsthand how pulses…
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…
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…
Sustainability from farm to fork: pulse grower practices
Join GFI and Pulse Canada for The Pulse Chain, a three-part webinar series spotlighting Canadian and U.S. pulse growers at the heart of sustainable protein innovation. Hear firsthand how pulses…
COP30: United Nations Climate Change Conference
COP30 Belém brings the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. Join GFI and other alternative protein experts at this historic event!
