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
The Science of Alt Protein: Innovations in cultivated meat and LLMs from rising researchers
Don’t miss our next seminar, where we’ll learn from two PhD students advancing innovative projects in alternative proteins.
iCAMP 25: Cultivated Meat & Alternative Protein Summit
Don’t miss Bruce Friedrich, GFI’s president and founder, as he joins iCAMP 25 to discuss the intersection of innovation, investment, and policy in accelerating sustainable protein solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
