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

355 Plaza Dr
Secaucus, New Jersey
+ Google Map

Meet the speaker

Lucas eastham

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
An illustration of a person speaking at a podium
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

The Future of Innovation, Sustainability, and the Law Symposium

GFI’s Madeline Cohen joins Northwestern Pritzker Law’s 2026 Animal Law Symposium for a timely conversation on the legal and policy questions shaping the future of food innovation.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
NC State University

Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and Society

Join Bruce Friedrich and our Alt Protein Project leaders from NC State, Duke University, and Virginia Tech at the Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and Society.

A family grocery shopping
Virtual Event

The Business of Alt Protein: Messaging to drive consumer adoption of plant-based foods

Join CEO of People for Better Food, Emilie Fitch, and GFI’s Associate Director of Market Insights, Jody Kirchner, to explore new research on the messaging strategies that effectively resonate with…

A group of students sitting together working on laptops
Virtual Event

Academic Research Challenge information session

Join an information session to learn more about the challenge topics and application requirements!

Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2026/03/sci26008 byapc april webinar graphics header featured
Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career: Gastronomic science

Join us to learn how gastronomic science can be translated into high-impact food solutions.

A group of students sitting together working on laptops

Academic Research Challenge information session

Join an information session to learn more about the challenge topics and application requirements!

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Virtual Event

Animal-Free Meat: The Next Agricultural Revolution

Come learn how science, policy, and industry can work together to satisfy the world’s soaring demand for meat, no animals required.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

The Climate Challenge & Protein Diversification for the Global South

Food systems sit at the center of the climate challenge. This DC Climate Week session brings together development finance leaders, researchers, and industry experts to explore how diversified protein production…