BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Good Food Institute - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://gfi.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Good Food Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T110000 DTSTAMP:20260205T144621Z CREATED:20260209T140000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T144621Z UID:10000752-1771495200-1771498800@gfi.org SUMMARY:Apply to join the Alt Protein Project DESCRIPTION:Apply to join the Alt Protein ProjectPast\n\n\n\n\nApplications to join the Alt Protein Project are now live! Attend our information session to discover how you can play a pivotal role in bringing the alternative protein movement to your university. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNathan Ahlgrim\, Ph.D.Senior Academic Community Manager \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nStudents have an outsized influence on shaping the academic ecosystem from the inside out\, but their power is largely untapped. The Alt Protein Project is a global community of student groups that seeks to change that. We inspire\, train\, and empower students to establish their universities as hubs for alternative protein research\, education\, and innovation\, and—in so doing—we propel students to the forefront of the alternative protein movement. \n\n\n\nApply to join at: gfi.org/the-alt-protein-project/apply. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, join our information sessions for interested student organizers on February 19 to learn more about what it takes to join this vibrant community of leaders and change-makers. \n\n\n\n\nRegister here for the February 19th information session at 10am EST / 7am PST.\n\n\n\nIf that time is not convenient for you\, we offer another information session on February 19th at 8pm EST / 5pm ST. You can register for that session here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNathan Ahlgrim\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nSENIOR ACADEMIC COMMUNITY MANAGER\, GFI \n\n\n\nAt GFI\, Nathan manages the Alt Protein Project as it seeds alternative protein education and research programs at universities across the world. Nathan’s experience as a scientist\, educator\, and naturalist informs the interdisciplinary approach he brings to his work at GFI. He holds a B.S. in biology and psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Emory University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/apply-to-join-the-alt-protein-project-2026-session-1/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SCI26002_Apply-to-join-APP-event-graphics_header-feature.png LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T141500 DTSTAMP:20260518T140815Z CREATED:20260206T160505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T140815Z UID:10000754-1771506000-1771510500@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Bean breeding and genetics for sustainable protein production DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Bean breeding and genetics for sustainable protein productionPast\n\n\n\n\nLearn how advances in dry bean breeding and genetics can support both agricultural performance and food quality outcomes. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nView series recordings\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nPlease join us for our next Science of Alt Protein seminar\, featuring Dr. Valerio Hoyos-Villegas\, who leads the dry bean breeding and genetics program at Michigan State University. His work focuses on developing high-performing dry bean cultivars that can withstand environmental pressures while delivering strong processing and nutritional quality\, including protein\, for both industry and consumers. \n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, Dr. Hoyos-Villegas will share insights from his team’s work in dry bean genetics and genomics\, statistical and population genetics\, and the application of high-throughput phenotyping to evaluate agronomic traits and processing quality. \n\n\n\nThe seminar will also feature Dr. Karen Cichy\, a close collaborator of Dr. Hoyos-Villegas and a Research Plant Geneticist at USDA-ARS. Dr. Cichy’s work focuses on increasing the consumption of beans and other pulses by improving nutritional\, culinary\, and end-use quality traits—addressing key factors that influence consumer acceptance. \n\n\n\nTogether\, the speakers will highlight how advances in dry bean breeding and genetics can support both agricultural performance and food quality outcomes. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nValerio Hoyos-Villegas\, PhD\n\n\n\nASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICSMICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nDr. Valerio Hoyos Villegas leads the dry bean breeding and genetics program at Michigan State University\, his program develops dry bean cultivars with high performance\, ability to withstand environmental pressures and have high processing and nutritional quality (such as protein) for industry and consumers. His group conducts research in dry bean genetics\, genomics and statistical and population genetics as well as high-throughput phenotyping for agronomic traits and processing quality. His approach prioritizes the integration of disciplines for the development of cultivars and generation of innovative solutions in plant breeding while increasing the skills and furthering the careers of my group members. His goal as a scientist is always to generate novel applications and construct skills to improve the processes involved in the plant breeding cycle while generating new knowledge that addresses questions that take the science community closer to the understanding of plant genetics phenomena across species. Dr. Hoyos-Villegas also serves on multiple scientific journal editorial boards\, such as Crop Science\, The Plant Phenome Journal\, and Euphytica. He is also an adjunct professor at McGill University in Canada and Lincoln University in New Zealand. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKaren Cichy\n\n\n\nRESEARCH PLANT GENETICISTUSDA-ARS; SUGARBEET AND BEAN RESEARCH UNIT \n\n\n\nKaren Cichy is a Research Plant Geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture\, Agriculture Research Service. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences Department at Michigan State University. Dr. Cichy holds a BS degree in Horticulture from Penn State University and MS and PhD degrees in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Michigan State University. She works on dry bean breeding and genetics. Dry beans are a nutrient-dense food\, and Dr. Cichy’s primary goal is to increase consumption of beans and other pulses by addressing consumer acceptance via improvements to nutritional and culinary quality traits. She works to develop varieties with superior end-use quality and nutritional quality for use as whole cooked and canned beans and as a flour ingredient in products such as pasta. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-bean-breeding-and-genetics-for-sustainable-protein-production/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SCI26006_webinar-graphics-SOAP-Feb_featured-header.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T210000 DTSTAMP:20260209T142244Z CREATED:20260209T140000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T142244Z UID:10000753-1771531200-1771534800@gfi.org SUMMARY:Apply to join the Alt Protein Project DESCRIPTION:Apply to join the Alt Protein ProjectPast\n\n\n\n\nApplications to join the Alt Protein Project are now live! Attend our information session to discover how you can play a pivotal role in bringing the alternative protein movement to your university. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNathan Ahlgrim\, Ph.D.Senior Academic Community Manager \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nStudents have an outsized influence on shaping the academic ecosystem from the inside out\, but their power is largely untapped. The Alt Protein Project is a global community of student groups that seeks to change that. We inspire\, train\, and empower students to establish their universities as hubs for alternative protein research\, education\, and innovation\, and—in so doing—we propel students to the forefront of the alternative protein movement. \n\n\n\nApply to join at: gfi.org/the-alt-protein-project/apply. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions\, join our information sessions for interested student organizers on February 19 to learn more about what it takes to join this vibrant community of leaders and change-makers. \n\n\n\n\nRegister here for the February 19th information session at 8pm EST / 5pm ST.\n\n\n\nIf that time is not convenient for you\, we offer another information session on February 19th at 10am EST / 7am PST. You can register for that session here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNathan Ahlgrim\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nSENIOR ACADEMIC COMMUNITY MANAGER\, GFI \n\n\n\nAt GFI\, Nathan manages the Alt Protein Project as it seeds alternative protein education and research programs at universities across the world. Nathan’s experience as a scientist\, educator\, and naturalist informs the interdisciplinary approach he brings to his work at GFI. He holds a B.S. in biology and psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Emory University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/apply-to-join-the-alt-protein-project-2026-session-2/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SCI26002_Apply-to-join-APP-event-graphics_header-feature.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T235959 DTSTAMP:20260126T164548Z CREATED:20260126T164444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T164548Z UID:10000746-1771891200-1771977599@gfi.org SUMMARY:Future of Protein Production – Chicago DESCRIPTION:Future of Protein Production – ChicagoPast\n\n\n\n\nGFI is heading to Chicago! Join Bruce Friedrich\, Patrick McAuley\, and leading voices across science\, policy\, and industry for a solutions-focused summit on the future of food. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nAt a time when food systems are increasingly under pressure\, the Future of Protein Production conference offers a critical space to chart a better course forward. From biomanufacturing bottlenecks to nutrition innovation\, GFI team members will help guide the conversation on what’s possible—and what’s needed. \n\n\n\nOn stage (February 24): \n\n\n\n9:15–9:40 a.m. — Keynote: Does Our Food System Need a Rethink? \n\n\n\nGFI President Bruce Friedrich draws from his new book\, Meat\, and his experience at COP30 to make the case for reimagining meat production in service of climate\, food security\, and public health. \n\n\n\n10:20–11:00 a.m. — Panel: Addressing Hurdles & Barriers to Change \n\n\n\nModerated by Bruce Friedrich\, this panel explores the real-world obstacles facing alt proteins—from investment and corporate inertia to regulatory and infrastructure challenges. Featuring Caitlin Balagula (USDA)\, Lou Cooperhouse (BlueNalu)\, and Glenn Hurowitz (Mighty Earth). \n\n\n\n12:30–1:00 p.m. — Panel: High Protein to Healthy Protein—Reaching a Balance? \n\n\n\nGFI’s Patrick McAuley joins Myospan\, Nature’s Fynd\, and Replicator VC to discuss how nutrition\, consumer trust\, and product development are shaping the next generation of alt protein offerings. \n\n\n\n5:00–5:30 p.m. — Fireside: Digging into the Details – Future of Food \n\n\n\nIn this closing fireside chat\, Bruce Friedrich sits down with podcast host Alex Crisp (Future of Foods Interviews) for an intimate conversation about GFI’s global strategy\, his new book\, and what’s next for the field. Audience Q&A included. \n\n\n\nWith 80+ speakers\, 40+ sessions\, and 10+ hours of networking\, this event connects stakeholders across research\, production\, retail\, and investment. Don’t miss the Startup Innovation Zone and interactive pitch symposiums showcasing what’s next in alt protein. \n\n\n\nJoin us in building a protein supply that’s sustainable\, secure\, and just. See you in Chicago. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from father of synthetic biology George Church\, Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPat McAuley\n\n\n\nSTARTUP INNOVATION LEAD \n\n\n\nPat McAuley works with the Corporate Engagement team\, serving as the primary contact for alternative protein entrepreneurs and startups. Prior to joining GFI\, Pat was a multi-time founder having started businesses in food and beverage as well as tech\, most recently founding a multi-unit fast casual plant-based restaurant brand. He holds a degree in Management Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/future-of-protein-production-chicago/ CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T103000 DTSTAMP:20260219T134002Z CREATED:20260219T134000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T134002Z UID:10000757-1771925400-1771929000@gfi.org SUMMARY:Sustainability Storytelling Café | Plate to Planet DESCRIPTION:Sustainability Storytelling Café | Plate to PlanetPast\n\n\n\n\nFrom plate to planet: How our food choices shape the world. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nWhat does storytelling have to do with sustainability? Everything. \n\n\n\nAt the Sustainability Storytelling Café\, GFI’s Emma Ignaszewski\, Associate Vice President of Corporate Engagement\, will join global food and climate leaders to explore the power of narrative in driving institutional change. \n\n\n\nHosted by D Leader and the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce\, this live virtual session will spotlight how plant-rich diets\, responsible sourcing\, and food system innovation can accelerate measurable climate action and support ESG priorities. \n\n\n\nEmma will bring GFI’s perspective to the table\, sharing how food system transformation is central to building a sustainable\, secure\, and just future—and how companies and institutions can lead the shift. \n\n\n\nTune in live on LinkedIn and join the conversation in the comments. \n\n\n\nSpeakers include voices from Friends of the Earth\, ESRAG\, Greener by Default\, and the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. Catch the replay later on YouTube. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmma Ignaszewski\n\n\n\nASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT \n\n\n\nEmma Ignaszewski oversees the corporate engagement team’s direct outreach group and provides guidance to CE’s operations and support functions. Her work helps to ensure the seamless execution of GFI’s corporate strategy and stakeholder engagement initiatives. \n\n\n\nThe CE team conducts research and share insights to educate the public on alternative proteins and champion their adoption by the food industry\, including manufacturers\, retailers\, restaurants\, investors\, and more. By 2050\, the global demand for meat is projected to rise significantly. By reimagining how meat is made\, we can meet consumers where they are. Our work makes it possible for alternative proteins to increasingly compete with conventional meat\, seafood\, eggs\, and dairy on the key drivers of consumer choice: taste\, price\, and convenience. We analyze the market\, uncover consumer insights\, identify AP white spaces and opportunities\, and build the community. \n\n\n\nEmma has previously overseen GFI’s market and consumer insights zone\, where she helped develop GFI’s alternative protein research agenda and its flagship State of the Industry reports. Before GFI\, she worked in strategy\, marketing\, and communications in the design industry as well as in the health education and access sector. She has a background in the TED community\, founding and curating regional TEDx events and helping thinkers hone their ideas worth spreading. She holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Cornell University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/sustainability-storytelling-cafe-plate-to-planet/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T183000 DTSTAMP:20260210T210849Z CREATED:20260210T210657Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T210849Z UID:10000755-1772123400-1772130600@gfi.org SUMMARY:Informational Hearing – How the Alternative Protein Industry Helps Cultivate California’s Circular Agricultural Bioeconomy DESCRIPTION:Informational Hearing – How the Alternative Protein Industry Helps Cultivate California’s Circular Agricultural BioeconomyPast\n\n\n\n\nCalifornia’s agricultural future is circular—and alternative proteins are at the center of it. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nHosted by the California Assembly Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation\, this informational hearing will spotlight how alternative proteins are transforming the state’s food and agriculture economy—from sidestream valorization to regional job creation. \n\n\n\nHeld at UC Davis\, the hearing will convene scientists\, entrepreneurs\, farmers\, and policy leaders to explore: \n\n\n\n\nHow AP companies leverage California’s specialty crops and agricultural sidestreams\n\n\n\nOpportunities for farmers\, ranchers\, and agribusinesses to join emerging AP supply chains\n\n\n\nRegional job creation\, rural economic development\, and climate-smart farming practices\n\n\n\nWater and land use savings supported by California-specific life cycle assessment data\n\n\n\nThe role of universities\, public funding\, and regional tech clusters in AP R&D and innovation\n\n\n\n\nPanelists will include experts from UCANR\, Beam Circular\, iCAMP\, and Blue Diamond Growers. \n\n\n\nThe hearing will be available on the home page of the California State Assembly. When it is active the hearing will load on to the home page and is found by scrolling down. It will be very prominent. \n\n\n\nhttps://www.assembly.ca.gov/ \n\n\n\nThe hearing will then be posted in the archive in perpetuity once it has concluded. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/informational-hearing-how-the-alternative-protein-industry-helps-cultivate-californias-circular-agricultural-bioeconomy/ LOCATION:UC Davis Conference Center\, 550 Alumni Ln\, Davis\, California\, 95616 CATEGORIES:External hybrid event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T160000 DTSTAMP:20260302T142737Z CREATED:20260218T175155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T142737Z UID:10000756-1772722800-1772726400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Natural Products Expo West – Competing on Health: Insights for Plant-Based Brands DESCRIPTION:Natural Products Expo West – Competing on Health: Insights for Plant-Based BrandsPast\n\n\n\n\nAs “health” continues to redefine the food industry\, GFI is bringing fresh data and real-world insights to Expo West. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nHealth isn’t just a trend—it’s reshaping the competitive landscape of food. \n\n\n\nAt Natural Products Expo West\, GFI will lead a timely conversation on how evolving definitions of “healthy” are influencing consumer behavior and shaping growth in the plant-based category. \n\n\n\nIn “Competing on Health: Insights for Plant-Based Brands\,” Taylor Leet-Otley\, GFI’s Senior Consumer Research Lead\, will share new consumer and category research exploring how different audiences interpret health—and how much it actually drives purchasing decisions. From there\, Pat McAuley\, GFI’s Startup Innovation Lead\, will guide a candid panel discussion with plant-based brand leaders on product formulation\, positioning strategies\, and the lessons they’ve learned in an increasingly health-forward market. \n\n\n\nTogether\, the session will unpack: \n\n\n\n\nHow consumers define “healthy” across segments\n\n\n\nWhere health creates value—and where it creates friction\n\n\n\nWhat brands are getting right (and wrong)\n\n\n\nHow to compete strategically in today’s health-focused environment\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re navigating the intersection of plant-based innovation and consumer expectations\, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTaylor Leet-Otley\n\n\n\nSENIOR CONSUMER RESEARCH LEAD \n\n\n\nTaylor Leet-Otley oversees GFI’s consumer research\, keeping the organization and the industry in touch with consumers’ needs & beliefs in the fast-moving alternative protein category. Taylor joined GFI with a background as a consultant focused on market research\, consumer insights\, and strategy. He worked in a diverse range of industries including CPG\, energy\, recycling\, healthcare\, and consumer tech\, with a focus on brand management\, B2B strategy\, and market entry. He graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in Neuroscience and Religion. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPat McAuley\n\n\n\nSTARTUP INNOVATION LEAD \n\n\n\nPat McAuley works with the Corporate Engagement team\, serving as the primary contact for alternative protein entrepreneurs and startups. Prior to joining GFI\, Pat was a multi-time founder having started businesses in food and beverage as well as tech\, most recently founding a multi-unit fast casual plant-based restaurant brand. He holds a degree in Management Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/natural-products-expo-west-competing-on-health-insights-for-plant-based-brands/ LOCATION:Marriott\, 700 W Convention Way\, Anaheim\, California\, 92802\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/COM24004_featured-events_industry.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T203000 DTSTAMP:20260226T172259Z CREATED:20260226T172258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T172259Z UID:10000760-1772739000-1772742600@gfi.org SUMMARY:Plant-Based Community Reception  DESCRIPTION:Plant-Based Community Reception (Expo West)Past\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Good Food Institute and the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) at the SPINS booth #616 for a Plant-Based Community Reception at 4:30 pm on Thursday\, March 5. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThis free and open gathering for Expo West badge holders brings together leaders from across the plant-based ecosystem for connection\, conversation\, and continued learning. Earlier in the day\, GFI will share new consumer research on how today’s health-focused market is shaping value in the plant-based category. This reception offers a chance to continue the dialogue\, engage with the speakers\, and explore what the findings mean for strategy and growth. \n\n\n\nEnjoy refreshing beverages as you connect with the PBFA team and leaders across the plant-based space\, and explore GFI’s latest research briefs and industry resources to take the insights even further. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/plant-based-community-reception/ CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T133000 DTSTAMP:20260303T193957Z CREATED:20260303T193956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T193957Z UID:10000765-1773316800-1773322200@gfi.org SUMMARY:How alternative protein companies can work with the U.S. National Laboratories DESCRIPTION:How alternative protein companies can work with the U.S. National LaboratoriesPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin us to learn ways alternative protein companies can work with the U.S. National Laboratories. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmily FenwickGood Food InstituteNational Laboratory of the Rockies \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) 17 National Laboratories (Labs) offer infrastructure and expertise directly relevant to the alternative protein sector. Alternative protein companies may contract with National Labs to perform research\, test scale-up processes\, access unique equipment\, or conduct techno economic or life cycle analyses. Following the release of GFI’s Guide to working with the National Laboratories\, former Capital Planning and Strategic Programs Administrator at the National Laboratory of the Rockies Emily Fenwick will share an overview and best practices for working with the National Laboratories. \n\n\n\nTopics will include: \n\n\n\n\nAn overview of the National Labs network\n\n\n\nLab capabilities relevant to alternative protein companies and researchers\n\n\n\nWays alternative protein companies can work with the National Labs\n\n\n\nBest practices for successful engagement\n\n\n\nCase studies\n\n\n\nQ&A\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmily Fenwick\n\n\n\nCONTRACTOR\, GOOD FOOD INSTITUTEFORMER CAPITAL PLANNING AND STRATEGIC PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATOR\, NATIONAL LABORATORY OF THE ROCKIES \n\n\n\nEmily Fenwick is a contractor with the Good Food Institute and a former Capital Planning and Strategic Programs Administrator at the National Laboratory of the Rockies. During her time at the Lab\, she worked on strategic initiatives and federally funded research investments\, supporting partnerships between government\, industry\, and research teams. Emily specializes in building cross sector partnerships across the private\, public\, and nonprofit sectors\, advancing work in environmental stewardship\, education\, and recreation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/how-alternative-protein-companies-can-work-with-the-us-national-laboratories/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COR26003_webinar-graphics-BOAP-Mar_header-featured.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T170000 DTSTAMP:20260302T142822Z CREATED:20260225T135309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T142822Z UID:10000758-1773496800-1773507600@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Future of Protein Forum @ SXSW (Regen House) DESCRIPTION:The Future of Protein Forum @ SXSW (Regen House)Past\n\n\n\n\nGFI is bringing protein diversification to SXSW. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nFeeding a growing global population sustainably will require a range of protein solutions. That conversation is coming to SXSW. \n\n\n\nOn March 14\, GFI’s Shayna Fertig\, Senior Advisor to the President\, will join leaders across food\, agriculture\, health\, and conservation for The Future of Protein Forum at Regen House. The gathering will examine how protein diversification can help meet rising demand while strengthening supply chains\, supporting farmers\, and reducing resource intensity. \n\n\n\nShayna will share GFI’s perspective on the role of alternative proteins within a broader\, more resilient protein landscape—alongside speakers including: \n\n\n\n\nAmbassador Ertharin Cousin (Food Systems for the Future Institute)\n\n\n\nEthan Soloviev (HowGood)\n\n\n\nMaggie Hanna (Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative)\n\n\n\nTom Brenna (Dell Medical School)\n\n\n\nKatie Rose McCullough (The Meat Foundation)\n\n\n\n\nSXSW convenes leaders from across technology\, policy\, and entrepreneurship. We’re glad to ensure that the future of protein is part of that exchange. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShayna Fertig\n\n\n\nSENIOR ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT \n\n\n\nShayna works closely with GFI’s president to build and maintain high level relationships across influencers in climate\, biodiversity\, and global health. She most recently worked at Impossible Foods leading strategic projects and analytics for their foodservice sales team as a Sales Operations Manager. Prior to Impossible\, Shayna worked at Censeo Consulting Group\, providing strategic and operational support for government agencies and nonprofits. She holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-future-of-protein-forum-sxsw-regen-house/ CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/COM24004_featured-events_climate-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T120000 DTSTAMP:20260302T143503Z CREATED:20260302T143502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T143503Z UID:10000762-1773748800-1773748800@gfi.org SUMMARY:High-Impact Giving Strategies for Reducing Biodiversity Loss DESCRIPTION:High-Impact Giving Strategies for Reducing Biodiversity LossPast\n\n\n\n\nGFI joins Giving Green to discuss how strategic philanthropy can help address biodiversity loss. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nBiodiversity loss is accelerating\, yet philanthropic funding for conservation remains limited and unevenly distributed. \n\n\n\nOn March 17\, GFI President Bruce Friedrich will participate in Giving Green’s virtual event launching new research on how donors can direct funding where it can have the greatest impact. The research examines gaps between ecological risk and current capital flows\, and identifies practical strategies for reducing habitat and species loss. \n\n\n\nBruce will speak during Part I: Land & Freshwater Biodiversity\, alongside Julie Mulonga\, Director for Eastern Africa at Wetlands International. The discussion will focus on land use change and scalable approaches to protecting ecosystems\, including the role that shifts in agricultural production can play in reducing pressure on forests\, grasslands\, and freshwater systems. \n\n\n\nThe second half of the webinar will address marine biodiversity\, with experts discussing funding gaps in ocean conservation and strategies to address overfishing. \n\n\n\nThis virtual session is intended for donors\, advisors\, and others interested in directing resources toward high-impact\, systems-level solutions. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/high-impact-giving-strategies-for-reducing-biodiversity-loss/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/COM24004_featured-events_climate-1.png LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T235959 DTSTAMP:20260302T142646Z CREATED:20260127T191503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T142646Z UID:10000747-1773878400-1774051199@gfi.org SUMMARY:Future Food-Tech San Francisco – Breaking Barriers to Scale: Cost\, Efficiency\, and De-Risking Bioprocessing DESCRIPTION:Future Food-Tech San Francisco – Breaking Barriers to Scale: Cost\, Efficiency\, and De-Risking BioprocessingPast\n\n\n\n\nFrom modular systems to shared infrastructure\, the future of bioprocessing is getting real. Join GFI’s Amanda Hildebrand at Future Food-Tech San Francisco as she moderates a dynamic breakout session on scaling alt protein biomanufacturing. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nWhat will it really take to bring bioprocessing to industrial scale? \n\n\n\nJoin GFI Vice President of Science and Technology Amanda Hildebrand at Future Food-Tech San Francisco (March 19–20) for an in-depth breakout session: “Breaking Barriers to Scale: Cost\, Efficiency\, and De-Risking Bioprocessing.” This interactive conversation will spotlight: \n\n\n\n\nHow upstream and downstream integration can unlock yield and consistency gains\n\n\n\nWhere enabling technologies are moving the needle today\n\n\n\nWhy modular systems\, shared infrastructure\, and strategic partnerships are key to crossing the valley of death\n\n\n\n\nDrawing on insights from across industry\, investment\, and science\, the session will surface real-world examples of what’s working now—and what’s still needed to reach commercial production. Whether you’re a startup operator\, investor\, or R&D leader\, expect practical perspectives and opportunities to engage. \n\n\n\nLet’s build the bioeconomy that protein innovation demands. See you in San Francisco. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmanda Hildebrand\, PhD\n\n\n\nVICE PRESIDENT\, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY \n\n\n\nAmanda Hildebrand oversees GFI’s Science and Technology department to build a roadmap for accelerating alternative protein research while empowering scientists to execute on this vision. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of California\, Santa Barbara\, and a doctorate in biological systems engineering from the University of California\, Davis. She brings over 13 years of experience in developing and commercializing sustainable bioprocesses. She has led project and functional teams within small start ups and Fortune 500 companies\, with broad knowledge across many fermentation platforms\, production scales\, application areas\, and industries. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/future-food-tech-san-francisco-breaking-barriers-to-scale-cost-efficiency-and-de-risking-bioprocessing/ LOCATION:San Francisco Marriott Marquis\, 780 Mission St\, San Francisco\, California\, 94103\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/COM24004_featured-events_science-academic-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T190000 DTSTAMP:20260302T142201Z CREATED:20260225T140247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T142201Z UID:10000759-1774465200-1774465200@gfi.org SUMMARY:Bruce Friedrich at Politics & Prose DESCRIPTION:Bruce Friedrich at Politics & ProsePast\n\n\n\n\nMeat: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food—and Our Future – with Nicolás Rivero. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nGood Food Institute founder and president Bruce Friedrich offers a hopeful and rigorously researched exploration of how science\, policy\, and industry can work together to satisfy the world’s soaring demand for meat\, while building a healthier and more sustainable world. \n\n\n\nMeat offers a vision of the next agricultural revolution that is optimistic\, achievable\, and delicious. \n\n\n\nBruce will be in conversation with Nicolás Rivero\, who joined The Washington Post as a climate solutions reporter in 2023. Previously\, he covered climate change in South Florida for the Miami Herald and was the Knight Foundation innovator-in-residence at the Florida International University Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media. Before that\, he covered technology and transportation at Quartz\, where he also wrote newsletters and created news chatbots. \n\n\n\nJoin Bruce at Politics and Prose. \n\n\n\nThis event is free with first come\, first serve seating. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/bruce-friedrich-at-politics-prose/ LOCATION:Politics and Prose at The Wharf\, 610 Water St SW\, Washington\, District of Columbia\, 20024 CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T093000 DTSTAMP:20260311T160347Z CREATED:20260311T160345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T160347Z UID:10000766-1774684800-1774690200@gfi.org SUMMARY:Meat: The Next Agricultural Revolution DESCRIPTION:Meat: The Next Agricultural RevolutionPast\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich kicks off Canada’s premier alternative protein symposium in Toronto. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nOn March 28\, GFI President and Founder Bruce Friedrich will open the second annual Canadian Alternative Protein Symposium with a keynote and fireside chat\, “A Level Set on the State of Alternative Proteins.” \n\n\n\nThe one-day gathering convenes Canadian researchers\, industry leaders\, and advocates focused on advancing plant-based\, fermentation-enabled\, and cultivated foods. This year’s program reflects Canada’s growing strengths across the sector\, from plant-based product innovation to new federal investments in agricultural feedstocks for cultivated meat research. \n\n\n\nAdditonal speakers include Dr. Alejandro Marangoni\, known for his work on improved plant-based cheeses\, and Dr. Ben Scott of the Global Institute for Food Security. \n\n\n\nThe event is organized in collaboration with the University of Toronto\, McMaster University\, the University of Waterloo\, and the University of Manitoba. We’re especially excited to see Alt Protein Project student leaders from the University of Toronto and other campuses playing an active role in shaping the day. Their leadership\, energy\, and cross-campus collaboration are exactly what’s building Canada’s next generation of protein innovators. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/meat-the-next-agricultural-revolution/ LOCATION:Bahen Centre for Information Technology\, 40 St George St\, Toronto\, ON\, Canada CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T150000 DTSTAMP:20260316T155634Z CREATED:20260316T155632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T155634Z UID:10000767-1774963800-1774969200@gfi.org SUMMARY:2026 Midwest Climate Summit Campuses as Climate Engines: Cutting Carbon and Building Resilience DESCRIPTION:2026 Midwest Climate Summit Campuses as Climate Engines: Cutting Carbon and Building ResiliencePast\n\n\n\n\nWhat if one of the most overlooked climate solutions on campus is sitting in plain sight? Join Jeremy Eltz of the Good Food Institute and fellow speakers for a lively workshop on the levers campuses can pull right now—from food procurement to school design to climate-ready facilities. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nCampuses are more than places of learning. They are testing grounds\, conveners\, employers\, purchasers\, and community anchors. In other words\, they can be powerful climate engines. \n\n\n\nThis interactive session explores what happens when campuses widen the lens on climate action. Alongside conversations about buildings\, energy\, and transportation\, speakers will spotlight other high-impact levers that too often get left out of the plan—including food systems\, procurement\, workforce development\, and public infrastructure. The throughline is simple: if we want more resilient communities\, we need more of the right people\, systems\, and ideas at the table. \n\n\n\nJeremy Eltz of the Good Food Institute will bring that lens to food. In “Rethinking Protein: Alternative proteins for greener communities\,” he will explore why no serious climate strategy is complete without addressing food systems. From universities and hospitals to school districts and municipalities\, institutions have enormous power to cut emissions through procurement\, expand consumer choice\, and help build new workforce pathways in sustainable food systems. His session invites participants to think practically about how dining programs\, sustainability goals\, and education pipelines can work together. \n\n\n\nThe workshop also features “Zeroing In: Advancing Low-Carbon School Design with Ann Arbor Public Schools\,” presented by Jessica Haberstock and Denise Gravelle\, and “Unlocking Resilience: How Schools Are Using Federal Funds to Build Climate-Ready Facilities\,” presented by Kristen Hengtgen. Together\, these sessions show how climate action takes shape across the built environment\, public investment\, and everyday institutional decisions. \n\n\n\nExpect more than presentations. This session is designed to get the room talking. Through small-group discussion and Q&A\, attendees will dig into questions like: What levers are missing in your region? What is not yet being integrated into your climate work? And what would it take to pull those pieces in? \n\n\n\nWhether you work in higher education\, K–12\, public policy\, sustainability\, food systems\, design\, or community planning\, this workshop offers fresh ideas\, practical examples\, and a chance to connect with others rethinking how campuses can lead. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/2026-midwest-climate-summit-campuses-as-climate-engines-cutting-carbon-and-building-resilience/ LOCATION:Case Western Reserve University\, 10900 Euclid Ave\, Cleveland\, Ohio\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/COM24004_featured-events_climate-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T183000 DTSTAMP:20260302T142352Z CREATED:20260302T142247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T142352Z UID:10000761-1775062800-1775068200@gfi.org SUMMARY:Bruce Friedrich at Johns Hopkins University: Meat — a homecoming conversation DESCRIPTION:Bruce Friedrich at Johns Hopkins University: Meat — a homecoming conversationPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Good Food Institute and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future for an evening with Bruce Friedrich\, GFI’s founder and president—and a Johns Hopkins alum—returning to campus for a lively conversation about his new book\, Meat. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nCo-hosted with the Center for a Livable Future (based at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health)\, this event is a chance to connect the dots between food innovation\, public health\, and building food systems that are healthy\, just\, equitable\, and sustainable. \n\n\n\nWe’ll dig into the big ideas and surprising stories in Meat—and leave plenty of room for audience Q&A. Whether you’re deep in food systems work or just curious (and hungry) for a smart\, optimistic discussion\, you’ll leave with fresh perspective and new questions to keep chewing on. \n\n\n\nMeat was named a Publishers Weekly top 10 new science release\, and it explores how science\, policy\, and industry can work together to meet rising demand for meat in far more sustainable ways. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/bruce-friedrich-at-johns-hopkins-university-meat-a-homecoming-conversation/ LOCATION:Johns Hopkins University\, Baltimore\, Maryland\, 21218 CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T163000 DTSTAMP:20260320T133858Z CREATED:20260320T133856Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T133858Z UID:10000768-1775219400-1775233800@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Future of Innovation\, Sustainability\, and the Law Symposium DESCRIPTION:The Future of Innovation\, Sustainability\, and the Law SymposiumPast\n\n\n\n\nGFI’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. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nJoin Madeline Cohen\, associate director of regulatory affairs at the Good Food Institute\, at Northwestern Pritzker Law’s Third Annual Animal Law Symposium\, The Future of Innovation\, Sustainability\, and the Law. \n\n\n\nBringing together experts in law\, policy\, entrepreneurship\, and food systems\, the symposium will explore the challenges and opportunities emerging at the intersection of animal welfare\, sustainability\, regulation\, and innovation. The program is designed to spark thoughtful discussion across disciplines and create space for deeper engagement with some of the biggest questions shaping the future of our food system. \n\n\n\nAt 2:15 pm\, Madeline will speak on Panel II: Financing Food Innovation: Legal and Policy Issues in Alternative Proteins and the Future of Animal Welfare\, alongside investors and food innovation leaders. Drawing on GFI’s work to help create a clear\, science-based path to market for alternative proteins\, she will bring a practical policy perspective to the legal and regulatory issues influencing the field’s progress. \n\n\n\nThe afternoon will also include a panel on barriers to sustainable agriculture and paths to reform\, followed by a reception and poster presentation. With both virtual and in-person attendance options available\, the event is expected to draw a wide mix of founders\, advocates\, academics\, students\, and other stakeholders interested in the future of food and law. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMadeline Cohen\, JD\n\n\n\nASSOCIATE DIRECTOR\, REGULATORY AFFAIRS \n\n\n\nMadeline Cohen leads GFI’s regulatory team in implementing regulatory\, policy\, and litigation strategies to support a clear path to market and a level playing field for alternative proteins. Prior to joining GFI\, Madeline worked on a variety of litigation and compliance matters as an associate at Wiley Rein LLP. She also previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert. C. Chambers\, U.S. District Court Judge. Madeline holds a JD from The George Washington University Law School and a BA from American University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-future-of-innovation-sustainability-and-the-law-symposium/ LOCATION:Northwestern Pritzker School of Law\, 375 E Chicago Ave\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60611\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/COM24004_featured-events_policy-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T235959 DTSTAMP:20260303T150218Z CREATED:20260303T150216Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T150218Z UID:10000764-1775692800-1775865599@gfi.org SUMMARY:Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and Society DESCRIPTION:Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and SocietyPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin 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. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and Society convenes students\, researchers\, industry leaders\, and policymakers for two days of big ideas and real-world insight. \n\n\n\nMeat demand is rising. So is innovation. From plant-based breakthroughs to fermentation and cultivated meat\, scientists and entrepreneurs are developing new ways to make the foods people love—using fewer resources and expanding what’s possible. This symposium dives into the science behind these advances and the broader questions they raise about food security\, sustainability\, economic opportunity\, and consumer choice. \n\n\n\nOn Day 1\, Bruce Friedrich\, founder and president of the Good Food Institute\, will share what it takes to move innovation from lab bench to marketplace. Through GFI’s work across science\, policy\, and industry\, he helps accelerate research\, secure public investment\, and support companies building the next generation of protein. \n\n\n\nWith keynote talks\, panels\, and student research presentations\, the symposium creates space for ideas to connect across disciplines. Supported by the Alt Protein Project at NC State\, Duke University\, and Virginia Tech\, the event highlights the growing academic momentum behind protein diversification. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/alternative-protein-symposium-bridging-science-and-society/ LOCATION:NC State University\, 840 Oval Dr\, Raleigh\, North Carolina\, 27606 CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T130000 DTSTAMP:20260403T143101Z CREATED:20260331T125640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T143101Z UID:10000771-1775736000-1775739600@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: Messaging to drive consumer adoption of plant-based foods DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: Messaging to drive consumer adoption of plant-based foodsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin 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 consumers to increase consideration of plant-based meat — many of which are applicable across other plant-based categories. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nTo accelerate consumer adoption of plant-based foods\, clear\, compelling communication is essential. Today\, many consumers say they are unfamiliar with these products and lack strong reasons to choose them. The session will cover practical guidelines for crafting compelling communications and insights for effective consumer targeting. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJody Kirchner\n\n\n\nASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKET INSIGHTSGOOD FOOD INSTITUTE \n\n\n\nJody Kirchner leads GFI’s market and consumer insights team\, delivering data-driven analysis to educate industry leaders and key stakeholders on the opportunities around alternative proteins. Prior to joining GFI\, Jody worked as a strategy consultant for over 15 years\, helping companies better understand their customers and develop and execute growth plans. She supported companies from startups to Fortune 100 as well as those looking to invest in or launch new businesses. Her work focused heavily on the food industry\, while also touching a diverse range of other sectors. Earlier\, Jody led marketing for an airline maintenance startup and worked as a design engineer in the aerospace industry. Jody holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business\, an MS in Aeronautics from MIT\, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from The University of British Columbia. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmilie Fitch\n\n\n\nFOUNDER AND CEOPEOPLE FOR BETTER FOOD \n\n\n\nEmilie Fitch is the Founder and CEO of People for Better Food\, a non-profit strategic communications organization focused on shifting cultural narratives and social norms in favor of plant-rich diets. Emilie brings over 20 years of strategic communications and organizational leadership experience at organizations like Kraft Heinz\, Ginkgo Bioworks\, and Nowadays\, an alternative protein company. She has built and led marketing/communications strategies and teams\, managed market research\, creative\, media and PR/crisis comms teams\, and held general manager roles with cross-functional leadership and P&L responsibility for businesses up to $600 million in annual revenue and cross-functional teams of 50+ people. She holds an undergraduate degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Northwestern/Kellogg. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-messaging-to-drive-consumer-adoption-of-plant-based-foods/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SCI26010_webinar-graphics-BOAP-Apr_featured-header.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T110000 DTSTAMP:20260401T194217Z CREATED:20260402T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T194217Z UID:10000772-1776160800-1776164400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Academic Research Challenge information session DESCRIPTION:Academic Research Challenge information sessionPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin an information session to learn more about the challenge topics and application requirements! \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe Academic Research Challenge (ARC) is an initiative of The Alt Protein Project (APP) and The Good Food Institute (GFI). Between April and October of 2026\, student teams from around the world will propose and execute real-world\, hands-on research projects. Participants will develop innovative solutions to some of the highest-impact research topics across the alternative protein value chain as identified by GFI’s subject matter experts. Every step will include direct mentorship from a team of academic and industry experts who will provide advice\, professional guidance\, and curated feedback. The ARC is designed to open net-new opportunities for students and their university ecosystems to participate in solutions-oriented and real-world research. \n\n\n\nJoin our information sessions to learn more about the challenge topics\, application requirements\, and opportunities for growth and development throughout the program. Full details are available on the Academic Research Challenge landing page. \n\n\n\n\nRegister here for the April 14th information session at 10am EDT / 7am PDT.\n\n\n\nIf that time is not convenient for you\, we offer another information session on April 14th at 8pm EDT / 5pm EDT. You can register for that session here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/academic-research-challenge-information-session-one/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCI26005_APPARC_Application-graphics_featured-header.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T133000 DTSTAMP:20260320T181654Z CREATED:20260320T181653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T181654Z UID:10000769-1776168000-1776173400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Building Your Alt Protein Career: Gastronomic science DESCRIPTION:Building Your Alt Protein Career: Gastronomic sciencePast\n\n\n\n\nJoin us to learn how gastronomic science can be translated into high-impact food solutions. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNabila Rodríguez Valerón\, PhDSUMM Ingredients \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThere are many paths to a career in alternative proteins\, but few are as fascinating as Dr. Nabila Rodríguez Valerón’s. Join us for a conversation about Nabila’s professional evolution that spans from fine-dining innovation at Copenhagen’s Alchemist to her current role leading flavor fermentation at SUMM Ingredients. Nabila will share how she developed a specialized skill set across fermentation and gastronomic science\, and her advice for those looking to chart their own unique path in the industry. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNabila Rodríguez Valerón\, PhD\n\n\n\nHEAD OF FLAVOR FERMENTATION\, SUMM INGREDIENTS \n\n\n\nNabila Rodríguez Valerón is the Head of Flavor Fermentation at SUMM Ingredients\, a Danish food-tech company developing multifunctional fermented protein ingredients that enhance taste\, texture\, and nutrition in plant-based foods. At SUMM\, she works at the interface of microbial fermentation\, flavor chemistry\, and sensory science to create next-generation ingredients that simplify formulations and reduce the need for additives while improving the sensory experience of plant-centric foods. \n\n\n\nNabila earned her Ph.D. in Gastronomic Sciences from the Basque Culinary Center\, where her research focused on the koku sensation and kokumi compounds and their role in improving palatability and reducing bitterness in sustainable and plant-based foods. Her work bridges molecular flavor science\, fermentation\, and gastronomy. \n\n\n\nHer professional experience spans academic research\, fine-dining innovation\, and food-tech entrepreneurship\, including roles at Harvard University’s Science & Cooking program\, the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)\, and four years as a Gastronomic Scientist at the Michelin-starred Alchemist Restaurant in Copenhagen. Across these roles\, she has explored microbial fermentation\, novel ingredients\, and the cultural dimensions of flavor. \n\n\n\nNabila is an active contributor to the scientific and gastronomic communities\, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and international presentations on fermentation\, flavor science\, and sustainable food innovation. Through her work\, she seeks to bridge science\, gastronomy\, and industry to develop the next generation of fermented ingredients for a more delicious and sustainable food system. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/building-your-alt-protein-career-gastronomic-science/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SCI26008_BYAPC-April-webinar-graphics_header-featured.png LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T210000 DTSTAMP:20260403T143210Z CREATED:20260402T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T143210Z UID:10000773-1776196800-1776200400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Academic Research Challenge information session DESCRIPTION:Academic Research Challenge information sessionPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin an information session to learn more about the challenge topics and application requirements! \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe Academic Research Challenge (ARC) is an initiative of The Alt Protein Project (APP) and The Good Food Institute (GFI). Between April and October of 2026\, student teams from around the world will propose and execute real-world\, hands-on research projects. Participants will develop innovative solutions to some of the highest-impact research topics across the alternative protein value chain as identified by GFI’s subject matter experts. Every step will include direct mentorship from a team of academic and industry experts who will provide advice\, professional guidance\, and curated feedback. The ARC is designed to open net-new opportunities for students and their university ecosystems to participate in solutions-oriented and real-world research. \n\n\n\nJoin our information sessions to learn more about the challenge topics\, application requirements\, and opportunities for growth and development throughout the program. Full details are available on the Academic Research Challenge landing page. \n\n\n\n\nRegister here for the April 14th information session at 8pm EDT / 5pm PDT.\n\n\n\nIf that time is not convenient for you\, we offer another information session on April 14th at 10am EDT / 7am EDT. You can register for that session here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/academic-research-challenge-information-session-two/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCI26005_APPARC_Application-graphics_featured-header.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T130000 DTSTAMP:20260403T143334Z CREATED:20260403T143334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T143334Z UID:10000774-1776340800-1776344400@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: Consumer taste preferences in dairy-free products DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: Consumer taste preferences in dairy-free productsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI for our next Business of Alt Protein webinar as we unveil insights from NECTAR’s new Taste of the Industry 2026 report which benchmarks consumer taste preferences across the full dairy-free spectrum. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCaroline CottoNECTAR \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nBased on blind sensory analyses of 98 dairy-free products across 10 categories with more than 2100+ consumers\, NECTAR’s report explores which dairy-free categories are winning with everyday eaters\, where the biggest gaps remain\, and what the sensory data tells us about the road ahead. Attendees will learn how to apply NECTAR’s public sensory dataset to their own work\, with practical takeaways for formulators\, brands\, and investors alike. The presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCaroline Cotto\n\n\n\nDIRECTOR OF NECTAR\, FOOD SYSTEMS INNOVATIONS \n\n\n\nCaroline Cotto is a Director at Food System Innovations (FSI) where she leads NECTAR\, an initiative accelerating the protein transition with taste. By conducting large-scale sensory panels of sustainable protein products and operationalizing the resulting data\, NECTAR aims to create category-level value and empower stakeholders across the supply chain to make sensory-informed decisions. Prior to FSI\, Caroline co-founded Renewal Mill\, an award-winning upcycled food startup. She served as the inaugural board president of the Upcycled Food Association\, the world’s first trade association for upcycled brands. She regularly mentors food\, tech\, and circular economy startups. Caroline studied at Georgetown University and served as a Fulbright Fellow (Taiwan). She has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30\, 50 NEXT by 50 Best Restaurants\, and Grist 50 lists. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-consumer-taste-preferences-in-dairy-free-products/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCI26008_webinar-graphics-BOAP-Apr_featured.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T140000 DTSTAMP:20260302T195726Z CREATED:20260302T195725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T195726Z UID:10000763-1776686400-1776693600@gfi.org SUMMARY:Animal-Free Meat: The Next Agricultural Revolution DESCRIPTION:Animal-Free Meat: The Next Agricultural RevolutionPast\n\n\n\n\nCome learn how science\, policy\, and industry can work together to satisfy the world’s soaring demand for meat\, no animals required. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nDrawing from Meat\, GFI’s President and Founder Bruce Friedrich will outline a practical roadmap for producing the foods people love in ways that require fewer resources\, reduce environmental impact\, and expand consumer choice. As global demand for meat continues to rise\, innovation in plant-based and cultivated meat offers a path to meet that demand while building a more sustainable and secure food system. \n\n\n\nJoin us to explore what it will take to accelerate this shift and why animal-free meat may define the next agricultural revolution. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/animal-free-meat-the-next-agricultural-revolution/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T170000 DTSTAMP:20260320T193520Z CREATED:20260320T193519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T193520Z UID:10000770-1776783600-1776790800@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Climate Challenge & Protein Diversification for the Global South DESCRIPTION:The Climate Challenge & Protein Diversification for the Global SouthPast\n\n\n\n\nFood 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 can advance climate resilience\, economic development\, and food security across the Global South. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\, featuring Bezos Earth Fund and the Good Food Institute\, will host a high-level DC Climate Week session\, at 3pm on April 21st at Carnegie Endowment\, focused on climate-smart\, market-based food security interventions in the Global South. \n\n\n\nThe global food system accounts for over one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions\, driven largely by animal protein production. But investments in transformative solutions to address the climate impact\, while still meeting global food security needs\, remain neglected. Key interventions for the food system remain underfunded by the private sector\, multilateral development banks\, and climate funders alike. This event will explore strategies that strive to balance mitigation and adaptation with development\, nutrition\, and food security goals for countries in the Global South. Among these promising approaches are innovations in alternatives to animal-source protein production\, the bioeconomy\, and related food system reforms.  \n\n\n\nThis event will be formatted in two practical sessions: first\, a panel discussion on food security and development finance; and second\, a roundtable on scaling protein security in the Global South\, bringing together insights from development and climate finance\, food system researchers\, and protein innovation practitioners in emerging markets.  \n\n\n\nPresented at DC Climate Week. \n\n\n\nDC Climate Week is not responsible for this event. It is organized by the organizing group\, and being listed on the DCCW calendar is not an endorsement of content or partners. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-climate-challenge-protein-diversification-for-the-global-south/ LOCATION:Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\, 1779 Massachusetts Ave NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20036\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T141500 DTSTAMP:20260518T140647Z CREATED:20260406T150343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T140647Z UID:10000776-1777640400-1777644900@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Transforming waste to fungal mycoprotein DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Transforming waste to fungal mycoproteinPast\n\n\n\n\nLearn how Dr. Wang is developing a foundational biorefinery for converting food waste to fungal mycoprotein for practical food applications. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKe Wang\, PhDCornell University \n\n\n\n\nView series recordings\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nFungi are an emerging\, sustainable source for food and ingredients\, offering a tangible solution to global food security challenges driven by population growth and climate change. Their ability to convert low-value\, sustainable feedstocks into high-value\, nutrient-rich mycoprotein and bioactive compounds positions them at the forefront of the circular bioeconomy. \n\n\n\nTo understand how fungi can be leveraged for sustainable food production\, Dr. Ke Wang of Cornell University will provide a big picture of the emerging circular fungal biorefinery\, summarizing the key advances and challenges across the ‘feedstock-to-product’ pipeline. It will also dive into the technical aspects of submerged fermentation and its effects on mycelium morphology and mycoprotein production by edible fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. Dr. Wang will also share a case study that demonstrates how mycoprotein derived from submerged fermentation can be leveraged for crispy functional snack applications. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKe Wang\, PhD\n\n\n\nASSISTANT RESEARCH PROFESSORDEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE\, CORNELL AGRITECHCORNELL UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nDr. Ke Wang is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Food Science at Cornell AgriTech\, Cornell University. She also serves as faculty fellow at Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and Cornell Institute for Food Systems. Prior to this position\, she worked as a Senior Scientist at Amgen Inc.\, leading projects on industrial biotechnology and bioprocess innovation. She received her Ph.D. degree in Biosystems Engineering from University of California Davis in 2022. \n\n\n\nHer research program at Cornell focuses on applying bioprocess engineering approaches to address current and emerging challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. Her research team uses microorganisms as programmable cellular factories to convert complex agri-food waste and low-value feedstocks into value-added products. Her lab investigates how microorganisms synthesize cellular substances under heterogeneous environments and their implications on bioprocess innovations. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-transforming-waste-to-fungal-mycoprotein/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCI26012_webinar-graphics-SOAP-May_header-featured.png LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T170000 DTSTAMP:20260514T131222Z CREATED:20260409T124929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T131222Z UID:10000775-1777982400-1778000400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Proposal Writing Workshop: Tips and tricks for securing alternative protein funding DESCRIPTION:Proposal Writing Workshop: Tips and tricks for securing alternative protein fundingPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin our expert-led workshop designed to help U.S.-based researchers strengthen their ability to secure funding. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nWatch the recording\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nPublic and philanthropic research funding is highly competitive\, and alternative protein researchers often compete alongside applicants from both related and unrelated fields. With increasing pressure on research budgets\, particularly in the U.S.\, developing strong\, well-positioned proposals is more important than ever. \n\n\n\nThis half-day virtual workshop is designed to help researchers—especially U.S.-based early-career faculty—develop stronger\, more compelling grant proposals. Through expert guidance and peer insights\, attendees will gain practical strategies for identifying funding opportunities\, aligning proposals with agency priorities\, and effectively communicating the value of alternative protein research within broader funding frameworks. \n\n\n\nThe program will feature a program officer’s perspective on how funding priorities are set\, what reviewers look for\, and common pitfalls that can undermine otherwise strong proposals. Participants will also hear directly from successful grantees\, who will share their personal approaches to proposal development and lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful submissions. A moderated panel discussion will provide additional opportunity for audience questions and discussion. The workshop will conclude with an overview of collaboration opportunities and resources available through GFI. \n\n\n\nThis workshop is intended for U.S.-based researchers interested in plant-based\, fermentation-enabled\, and cultivated protein research who are seeking to strengthen their ability to secure funding in an increasingly competitive environment. \n\n\n\n\nAccess the agenda\n\n\n\nWatch the recording\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConstance Gewa\, PhD\n\n\n\nSCIENTIFIC PROGRAM DIRECTORFOUNDATION FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURE RESEARCH \n\n\n\nDr. Constance Gewa joined the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) in January 2023 as a scientific program director for the Bolstering Healthy Food Systems Priority Area. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining FFAR\, Gewa served as an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University. Gewa brings over 20 years of experience in human nutrition and public health research with expertise in conducting research among mothers and children in low-income communities. Gewa’s teaching\, research and service actively engages partners across multiple disciplines. Gewa received a doctorate in Public Health from the University of California\, Los Angeles. She also earned a master’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Nairobi. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRosalyn Abbott\, PhD\n\n\n\nASSOCIATE PROFESSORCARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nRosalyn Abbott is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the Biomedical Engineering Department. Rosalyn received her B.S. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Vermont. She subsequently became a postdoctoral fellow in the Biomedical Engineering Department at Tufts University\, where she worked under the supervision of David Kaplan and was introduced to the field of cellular agriculture in 2016. After starting her lab at CMU in 2017\, Rosalyn worked with Mission Barns in their early stages of funding. Mission Barns focuses on cultivating fat with plant proteins to create bacon\, meatballs\, and sausage. \n\n\n\nRosalyn’s lab at CMU is currently working on 3D printing cultivated meat products\, funded by the National Science Foundation and a crowd-sourced funding platform (Experiment)\, backed by New Harvest and the Footprint Coalition. She has a broad perspective on the academic and industrial landscape of cultivated-based meat with deep expertise in tissue engineering and lipid biology. Rosalyn is passionate about the potential impact cultured meat products will have on reducing animal cruelty\, improving food security\, and tackling the environmental impacts of conventional meat production.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDa Chen\, PhD\n\n\n\nASSISTANT PROFESSORPURDUE UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nDr. Da Chen joined Purdue’s Department of Food Science in Fall 2023\, following a prior appointment as an Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho. Before becoming a faculty member\, he completed postdoctoral training at The Ohio State University and Purdue University. He also spent approximately four years at the University of Auckland (New Zealand) as a graduate student. \n\n\n\nHis research program focuses on structural modification of plant proteins to advance the manufacture\, accessibility\, and consumption of plant-based foods. He investigates protein structure–function relationships from the molecular to product scale using techniques such as extrusion\, rheology\, microscopy\, spectroscopy\, and scattering. His work has been supported by federal agencies\, organizations\, and industry partners. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRohan Shirwaiker\, PhD\n\n\n\nJAMES T. RYAN DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR IN INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND DIRECTOR OF BEZOS CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE PROTEINNORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nRohan A. Shirwaiker is an interdisciplinary educator\, researcher\, and thought leader working at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. His expertise spans product\, process\, and systems engineering for applications in regenerative medicine and sustainable food systems. His research leverages computational modeling\, experimental methods\, and data analytics to advance biomanufacturing science and technology for engineering biomimetic biological systems. His work has been supported by public and private entities\, including the National Science Foundation\, National Institutes of Health\, ARMI BiofabUSA\, and the Bezos Earth Fund. At the Bezos Center at NC State\, Shirwaiker leads a diverse team of researchers\, educators\, and trainees\, working closely with industry collaborators to address critical precompetitive challenges in the biomanufacturing of alternative proteins. He is a Fellow of IISE and a recipient of awards including the NSF CAREER and SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer. He is also actively engaged in professional service\, holding leadership roles in regional\, national\, and international scholarly and community initiatives. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJing Zhao\, PhD\n\n\n\nASSOCIATE PROFESSORSAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nDr. Jing Zhao is an Associate Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University. Dr. Zhao received her Ph.D. degree in Animal and Food Sciences from the University of Kentucky and obtained her postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison\, Florida State University\, and the University of Kentucky.  \n\n\n\nDr. Zhao’ research focuses on the development\, characterization (functionalities\, flavor)\, and utilization of sustainable food proteins\, such as plant\, algae\, and edible insect proteins. Dr. Zhao is an editorial board member of the Journal of Food Science and past chair of IFT Protein Division. She has been a grant awardee from USDA\, NSF\, NASA\, and GFI. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/proposal-writing-workshop-tips-and-tricks-for-securing-alternative-protein-funding/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCI26011_Proposal-writing-workshop-graphics_header-featured.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T135500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T141000 DTSTAMP:20260406T151813Z CREATED:20260406T151812Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T151813Z UID:10000777-1777989300-1777990200@gfi.org SUMMARY:SynBioBeta 2026 DESCRIPTION:SynBioBeta 2026Past\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich joins SynBioBeta to make the case for a new way of producing meat—one grounded in science\, built for scale\, and critical to the future of food. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThis year at SynBioBeta 2026\, Bruce Friedrich\, founder and president of the Good Food Institute\, will explore how advances in biology and engineering are opening the door to more efficient meat production. Bruce’s talk\, “Using Science to Remake Meat: The Next Agricultural Revolution\,” connects the rapid progress in alternative proteins to a broader shift across the bioeconomy. \n\n\n\nDrawing from his new book\, Meat\, Bruce will reflect on the past decade of innovation—from the first plant-based burgers to the rise of cultivated meat—and what it will take to scale these technologies. The opportunity is clear: produce the foods people love with fewer resources\, strengthen food security\, and build more resilient supply chains. \n\n\n\nSet within SynBioBeta’s global gathering of leaders in synthetic biology\, this session highlights how programmable biology is moving from breakthrough to real-world application—including in how we make meat. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER \n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich serves as GFI’s chief thought leader and relationship-builder\, working in close partnership with GFI’s global teams and food system stakeholders around the world. \n\n\n\nBruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, Nature Food\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, CNN\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, the Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, and a variety of other podcasts and TV programs. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. \n\n\n\nPublishers Weekly selected Bruce’s book Meat as a top 10 new release in science\, writing: “This packed account makes food science feel like an urgent and essential undertaking.” The book has also received praise from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer\, former UNFCCC head Christiana Figueres\, and CSIS director of global food and water security Caitlin Welsh\, who penned the foreword. Says Welsh: “This book explains the imperative to transform our food systems\, and lays out a game plan to get us there…. Meat is as important as it is enjoyable.” Find out more on the book’s website\, MeatBook.org. \n\n\n\nBruce graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University\, the London School of Economics\, and Grinnell College. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/synbiobeta-2026/ LOCATION:San Jose McEnery Convention Center\, 150 W San Carlos St\, San Jose\, California\, 95113\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/COM24004_featured-events_climate-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T130000 DTSTAMP:20260514T131050Z CREATED:20260504T191510Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T131050Z UID:10000780-1779364800-1779368400@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: What founders need to know about M&A for mission-driven companies DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: What founders need to know about M&A for mission-driven companiesPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI for a Business of Alt Protein webinar featuring a presentation from Tuck Advisors on mergers and acquisitions for mission-driven companies. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJames MarcianoCEO\, Tuck Adivsors \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nMergers and acquisitions can be an effective pathway for purpose-led companies to scale\, realize their value\, or transition their legacy. As M&A becomes increasingly relevant in the alternative protein sector\, founders need to understand if and when this path makes strategic sense. Join James Marciano\, Founder and CEO of Tuck Advisors\, to find out whether M&A is the right path for your company\, now or in the future. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJames Marciano\n\n\n\nCEO\, TUCK ADVISORS \n\n\n\nJames Marciano is a (nearly) lifelong entrepreneur. After working as a management consultant for 5 years\, James sold everything he owned in 1995\, moved onto his brother’s floor in NYC\, and started TheSquare\, the first social network on the web. In 1997\, he went on to found Refer-it\, the first directory of affiliate/associate programs for e-commerce companies\, which was acquired by internet.com in 1999. He then founded Return Path\, a global email solution services company acquired by a private equity firm in 2019. \n\n\n\nIn 2001\, James became a hands-on angel investor and funded a dozen startups from 2001-2015. Disappointed with the Silicon Valley M&A advisors he’d hired\, James actively managed the sale of two of his portfolio companies\, HurryDate and GigMasters\, to public companies (Spark Networks and XO Group\, respectively). \n\n\n\nIn 2016\, he decided to use his experience selling companies to help other entrepreneurs by forming Tuck Advisors — an M&A Advisory firm which prioritizes working with mission-driven companies on both the sell side and buy side. Tuck Advisors distinguishes itself by its entrepreneurial spirit and technical innovation. \n\n\n\nJames graduated from Harvard College and Dartmouth Business School. He’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times\, and has spoken at the country’s top business schools\, including Harvard\, Tuck\, Wharton\, and Columbia. He enjoys life in New Hope\, PA\, with his wife\, two children\, two convertibles\, and three BMW motorcycles. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLisa Bowers\n\n\n\nADVISOR\, TUCK ADVISORS \n\n\n\nLisa Bowers brings an integrated background in sustainability and business to Tuck Advisors. She is committed to scaling solutions that address climate-related health impacts\, regenerate the biodiversity of valuable ecosystems\, and provide food system resilience. \n\n\n\nDrawing on two decades of experience in marketing\, product management\, and partnerships—including roles at National Geographic\, Nabisco\, and the U.S. Green Building Council—Lisa analyzes growth sectors and strategic opportunities where positive environmental impacts align with business value. \n\n\n\nHer sustainability work spans supplier engagement\, packaging\, certifications\, and decarbonization. At Tuck Advisors\, Lisa helps purpose-driven companies achieve growth and sustainable impact through strategic M&A opportunities. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-what-founders-need-to-know-about-m-and-a-for-mission-driven-companies/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/COR26010_webinar-graphics-BOAP-May_header-feature.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T141500 DTSTAMP:20260422T220621Z CREATED:20260420T182203Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T220621Z UID:10000779-1779973200-1779977700@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Nature and nurture—Cell lines and media DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Nature and nurture—Cell lines and mediaPast\n\n\n\n\nDiscover opportunities for the convergent development of both cell lines and media for cultivated meat. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Bluesky\n \n Share on Bluesky\n\n\n Share this page on Threads\n \n Share on Threads\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrew Stout\, PhDTufts University \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nWhile cell lines and media are frequently discussed as separate and distinct development areas for cultivated meat\, real world experience reveals that these two inputs are inextricably tied\, and that a focus on one without consideration of the other is unlikely to create optimal systems. In other words\, maximally efficient cell culture systems depend on both the “nature” of the cells and the “nurture” of their media environment. \n\n\n\nJoin us on May 28th to hear Andrew Stout\, PhD\, Assistant Professor at Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture and GFI grantee\, discuss opportunities for convergent development of both cell lines and media for cultivated meat\, as well as possible pitfalls that come from mismatches between the two. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrew Stout\, PhD\n\n\n\nASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERINGTUFTS UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CELLULAR AGRICULTURE \n\n\n\nAndrew Stout is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA)\, where his research group focuses on cell line and media development for cultivated meat applications. Prior to joining the Tufts faculty in 2025\, Andrew served as Co-Founder and CSO of Deco Labs\, Inc.\, a company working to commercialize low-cost media ingredients for cell culture. He obtained his Ph.D. from Tufts University in 2022 through a New Harvest Fellowship\, before which he obtained a B.S. in Materials Science from Rice University and performed cultivated meat and precision fermentation research at Maastricht University and Geltor\, Inc. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-nature-and-nurture-cell-lines-and-media/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCI26016_webinar-graphics-SOAP-2nd-May_header-featured.jpg LOCATION: END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR