FoodTech Junkies

In this episode, we talk to someone who has turned his childhood passions into a groundbreaking career. Hailing from rural Ecuador, Martin Zorilla has always been captivated by the world of insects and the importance of environmental conservation. Today, he serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Nutrition Technologies, a rapidly scaling company that is revolutionizing the way we think about agriculture, climate, and environmental sustainability—all through the lens of insects. In this episode, we're going to delve deep into a range of compelling topics. We'll explore the intricate balance of land use between human food production and animal feed, scrutinize the inefficiencies in our current resource utilization, and discuss how Martin and his team are leveraging insects to create sustainable solutions for some of the world's most pressing challenges. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be enlightened as we journey into the world of insects, innovation, and impact for a better food system. About Martin Zorilla Martin is the CTO at Nutrition Technologies where he oversees R&D, technology, and intellectual property. Martin is a lifelong insect enthusiast, starting from his childhood in Ecuador where his family were caretakers of a biodiverse cloud forest reserve. Martin went on to study agricultural science and entomology at Cornell University in the United States. After graduation, he founded a social enterprise program at Cornell which linked teams of students with community-run enterprises in rural Ecuador.  Martin joined Nutrition Technologies in 2016 when he moved to Vietnam. Martin was the 4th team member to join the fledgling enterprise when it was based out of an agricultural university in Ho Chi Minh City. Martin has since helped the company move operations to Malaysia and scale to become a regional leader in the emerging insects-as-feed industry. In addition to his role at Nutrition Technologies, Martin is one of the organizers of a major insect conference Insects to Feed the World which will be held in Singapore in June of 2024. Martin is now based in Singapore where, in his free time, he enjoys gardening, hiking with his family in the city's spectacular natural parks.  About Nutrition Technologies: Nutrition Technologies is a Malaysia-based biotechnology company that specializes in the production of sustainable animal feed ingredients and biofertilizers. The company uses a unique combination of biotechnology and Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) to recycle nutrients from agricultural and factory-grade food waste. Their production system includes a fermentation step that allows for the use of sustainable waste material while improving rearing and nutrition outcomes. This innovative approach not only produces high-value protein ingredients that enhance animal health and performance, but also generates beneficial environmental impacts, such as reducing the demand for overfishing, upcycling organic waste, and returning organic carbon to the soil. Nutrition Technologies is committed to supporting global population growth by disrupting the global food supply chain through the production of insect products as agricultural raw materials.

In this riveting episode of FoodTech Junkies, we sit down with Anja Leissner, a pioneer in the foodtech industry with a diverse background in biotechnology, microbiology, and nutrition. Anja is the founder of Stockeld Dreamery, a company that's redefining plant-based cheese, and Anjas Adventures, a consultancy that empowers foodtech founders and impact investors. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the urgent need for restoring our food systems. We explore how alternative proteins, when combined with regenerative agriculture, can add unprecedented value to both the industry and the planet. Anja sheds light on the concept of food justice and the imperative of making healthy nutrition accessible to all. We also discuss the far-reaching impact of our current food systems on both human and planetary health. Anja shares invaluable insights from her own journey, detailing how she took her company from a mere idea to securing multi-million-dollar investments. Join us for an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is impactful, covering everything from sustainable food systems to entrepreneurial journeys. About Anja Leissner Anja Leissner calls herself a big nerd who turned entrepreneur. A background of 10+ years in the food industry working with innovative projects at big corporations, as well as universities and startups, has summed up to a diverse experience that she loves to use in the most impactful way possible! Her strong technical background (in biotechnology, microbiology, nutrition, immunotechnology etc) and a patent on functionalising plant proteins, combined with leadership and strategic skills, paved the way to founding Stockeld Dreamery in 2019, followed by her newest company Anjas Adventures in 2022. Stockeld Dreamery is developing and producing plant based cheese based on her invention and Anjas Adventures offers her unique services to foodtech founders and impact investors around the world. She also has a serious sweet spot for sharing her learnings to new entrepreneurs and is an active mentor in several incubators and accelerators within the impact space.  Anja over-consumes tea and kombucha, loves fermented foods and is passionate about how our lifestyle choices not only impact our health and wellbeing, but also have the power to change the planetary health and future. She is addicted to sailing and her mission in life is to contribute to all of us thriving on this beautiful planet of ours.  Linkedin and Instagram

For over a decade, Andrew Shakman has been a leading figure in the battle to reduce food waste in the food service sector. As the founder and CEO of Leanpath, he has dedicated himself to creating innovative solutions that bring about a positive impact on our planet and businesses alike. Throughout this episode, we'll delve into the fascinating world of food waste prevention, exploring the incredible measures Andrew and his team have taken to tackle this pressing global issue. We'll gain insights into the current state of food waste on a global scale and the far-reaching consequences it has on our climate and environment. From restaurants to large-scale food suppliers, the food service industry is no stranger to the challenges posed by food waste. Andrew will share with us how his company has been working tirelessly to implement sustainable practices that not only save resources but also improve businesses' bottom lines. But Andrew's journey doesn't stop there! We'll get an exclusive look into the invaluable lessons he's learned during his mission to curb food waste and how these experiences have shaped his innovative strategies for a greener future. Moreover, we'll uncover the inspiring ways Andrew is driving change beyond the everyday work of his company. Through education and outreach initiatives, he's empowering individuals and businesses to take a stand against food waste and make a positive impact in their communities. So, join us as we embark on an enlightening conversation with Andrew Shakman, learning from his wealth of expertise and discovering the transformative power of his dedication to a more sustainable world. About Andrew Shakman LeanPath President and CEO Andrew Shakman co-founded the company to help the foodservice industry address food waste. In 2012, Shakman was named one of FoodService Director Magazine’s “Most Influential” in the foodservice industry. Previously, Shakman was president and CEO of Nine Dots, a technology firm that serves food clients including Nestle, Quaker Oats, Dole Food Company and Molson Canada. He speaks frequently on food waste management. Shakman is co-inventor of US Patent #7,415,375, “Systems & Methods for Food Waste Monitoring.” He served on the technical advisory committee for the development of Green Seal’s GS-46 Standard for Green Foodservice & Restaurant Operations. He is a member of the Industry Advisory Board of the Association of Healthcare Foodservice. Shakman has a bachelor of arts from Stanford University and a master's in fine arts from the University of Southern California. About Leanpath Leanpath is the global leader and pioneer in food waste measurement and prevention, transforming kitchen culture to one where food waste, its cost, and its environmental impact are understood and prevented. Since 2014 alone, in 38 countries with over 2,500 deployments, Leanpath, together with foodservice teams around the world, have prevented over 50 million pounds /// 23 million kilos of food waste–an average 50% reduction per site. Our clients typically see 5-15X ROI and cut food purchases by 2-8 percent.

Today, we have a very special guest joining us, Nicola Tagliaferro an extraordinary individual, deeply committed to driving positive change in the world. As the head of Sustainability for EnelX and responsible for Worldwide Strategies, Circular Economy Portfolio acceleration, and Environmental Solution Development, Nicola's expertise lies at the intersection of energy, circularity and sustainability. Throughout his remarkable career, Nicola has dedicated himself to identifying and implementing groundbreaking solutions that foster environmental conservation and create a more sustainable future for all of us. With his extensive knowledge and passion for sustainability, Nicola has become a leading voice in the field, inspiring individuals, and organizations alike to take meaningful action. In today's episode, we dive deep into the profound impact that energy and agriculture have on our planet. Nicola sheds light on the interconnectedness of these two critical sectors and explores how their practices influence our environment, ecosystems, and climate. But it doesn't stop there. Nicola shares with us his wealth of knowledge and experience in developing innovative solutions that can steer us towards a more sustainable path. From cutting-edge technologies to circular economy strategies, his insights will leave you inspired and hopeful for a greener future. About Nicola Tagliaferro Nicola Tagliafierro Head of Sustainability for Enel X. In this role, he is responsible for Sustainability Worldwide Strategies, Circular Economy Portfolio Acceleration and Environmental Solution Development. He is the first Italian to be accepted, thanks to his strong commitment to Sustainability and Circular Economy innovative research, at the prestigious Aspen Institute USA within the First Movers Program. In 2000 he graduated in Economics and Business Management in Naples (Italy) with a master’s degree in Energy in 2003. He started his experience in London where he lived for 4 years working in corporate finance for American company Utility Corp United and energy forecasting for Mott McDonald Group. In 2004 he joined Eni Group where he oversaw different roles devoted to launching the power business (EniPower) to the Strategy and Panning for the entire Gas & Power global division. He joined Enel Group at the end of 2010 working in the Global Trading unit where he was in charge of Energy Trading with a focus on long-term renewable contracts. He is also the founder of an innovative start-up (Ecosost.it), winner of several acknowledgments (Wind Green Award, Timwithyouwedo and Lazio Innova best start-up) which aims to create a green product and services marketplace with a focus on sustainable communities and gamification mechanisms. Nicola is also the Author of the book Circular Economy Manager. About EnelX Enel X is the largest provider of demand response⁠⁠ worldwide and products and services aimed at energy transformation at home, city, and industrial levels. By applying solutions resulting from the digital transformation to the energy sector, Enel X is dedicated to the fields of electric public transport, smart homes, and smart cities, intelligent public lighting, integration of renewables, and energy efficiency for businesses and public administrations. Its offer includes services and products for the Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, and Business-to-Government segments.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of Agtech and Foodtech with Narjis, the dynamic leader of the EIT Food RisingFoodStars program in Europe. As an advocate for transformative change in the agrifood industry, Narjis is on a mission to create an inclusive future of food. With a wealth of experience in food and innovation, Narjis understands the power of meaningful connections and collaboration. In her role, she brings together a network of over 50 aspiring scale-ups in the Agtech and Foodtech spaces across Europe, fostering opportunities for startups, investors, corporates, universities, research centers, and public institutions to work together towards a common goal. Narjis holds an engineering degree and an MBA with a major in innovation and entrepreneurship, and she has worked in various marketing and innovation roles in leading agrifood FMCGs. Her expertise and passion for systemic impact drive her to reshape the future of our food system. In this episode, Narjis shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Agtech and Foodtech sectors, the importance of collaboration in scaling impact, and the role of innovation in driving meaningful change. Prepare to be inspired as we explore the incredible potential for innovation and growth in the European agrifood industry. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable knowledge and learn about the visionary work of Narjis as she leads the charge in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking future of food. About Narjis Chakir Narjis is leading the EIT Food RisingFoodStars programme, a network of 50+ aspiring scale-ups across Europe's Agtech and Foodtech spaces. As an advocate for transformative change in the agrifood industry, she is driven by a mission to create an inclusive future of food. With a background in food and innovation and a passion for systemic impact, she believes in the importance of meaningful connections, creating opportunities for scale-ups and facilitating the collaboration between the whole ecosystem, including startups, investors, corporates, universities, research centers and public institutions as a core driver to scale impact and reshape the future of our food system. Narjis holds an engineering degree and an MBA with major in innovation and entrepreneurship and has been working in various marketing and innovation roles in leading agrifood FMCGs.

In today's episode, we speak to the brilliant mind behind Helaina, an innovative ingredients platform that aims to revolutionize the very core of our food industry, starting with an unexpected yet crucial focus: breast milk. Laura's unwavering commitment to transforming the way we approach ingredients has not only caught our attention but also garnered widespread acclaim. She envisions a world where the quality and safety of ingredients are at the forefront of every product, addressing also the pressing issue of malnutrition, particularly in children, in developing countries. In this insightful conversation, we delve into Laura's journey as an entrepreneur, her motivations, and the challenges she has faced while spearheading this ambitious initiative. We explore the profound impact Helaina can have on the lives of those most in need, and how Laura's vision extends beyond breast milk to revolutionize the very fabric of protein-based, healthy ingredients. About Laura Katz, Founder & CEO Laura Katz, a food scientist, is the Founder and CEO of Helaina, a New York City-based biotech company pushing the boundaries of what food can do for health. With its immune-nourishing glycoproteins, Helaina is the first company to bring the immunity properties of breast milk proteins to food for all stages of life -- bridging the gap between food and health.  Disrupting the stagnant infant formula category, and meeting booming consumer demand for food with immunity power, Helaina has raised more than $25 million from leading investors. Helaina’s new category of infant formula will support parents who, in the U.S., often have insufficient parental leave policies.  Laura became NYU’s youngest-ever adjunct professor in Food Science & Technology in 2017 and was featured in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in 2022. She has presented at Collision, Food Hack, Fortune Most Powerful Women NextGen, Future Food Tech, Harvard Business School and Web Summit. Prior to Helaina, Laura developed food products for NUGGS, Plated, and Dylan’s Candy Bar. Laura has reached viral success as a food scientist, generating $60M+ views via an 11-episode stint as the expert food scientist for Epicurious’ 4-Levels video series. She earned a Master’s in Food Studies from NYU and a Bachelor of Sciences in Food Science and Technology from Western University. In her free time, she can be found hanging out with her husband, son Leo, and their Italian Water Dog, Fontina Prosciutto, and writing recipes in hopes of one day publishing a cookbook. About Helaina Founded in 2019, Helaina is a biotech company pushing the boundaries of what food can do for health. With its immune-nourishing glycoproteins, Helaina is the first company to bring the immunity properties of breast milk proteins to food for all stages of life – bridging the gap between food and health.  A new category of infant formula will empower and equip parents with the freedom of choice, better access, and crucial immunity support for feeding their babies. As a high-value ingredient in functional foods, from nutritional bars to supplements, Helaina’s glycoproteins will provide immune benefits for all ages. Based in New York City, Helaina has raised more than $25 million from leading investors. 

In today's episode, we learn more about Sam Dennigan's ambition to shake up the frozen food industry and make healthier options accessible to all. Through his company Strong Roots, he has created a global food brand that promotes a healthy lifestyle and gives back to the community by partnering with food banks. We also discussed how this past year this B-Corp achieved net zero, launched a report, and created a truly impact-driven company that looks equally at people, and the planet and makes a positive impact on so many lives. Sam Dennigan's insights and experiences will make the Foodtech Junkies podcast interview an informative and motivating listen for anyone looking to make a positive impact in the food industry. About Sam Dennigan Samuel Dennigan is CEO and founder of Strong Roots and is focused on fixing food from production to product. He was raised on his family farm and learned the ins and outs of the agri sector. In just 5 years, Sam went from veg patch to a global hundred million dollar business, with sustainability always at the forefront. About Strong Roots Strong Roots is a leading global plant-based frozen food brand on a mission to fix the freezer aisle. The company was founded in 2015 with the vision that food can be better. A certified B Corp, Strong Roots is a leader in providing a range of delicious plant-based options, that are sustainably farmed, shipped and sold, better for people and the planet. Working directly with farmers and agronomists, Strong Roots ensures a sustainable supply chain and uses only whole plant vegan ingredients– real, simple, clean. Strong Roots is enjoyed by consumers globally in over 10,000 stores including  Tesco, Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart, and Target. Sam also recently closed one of the biggest deals seen in plant-based with a mission to expand the company’s global footprint.

Meet Phnam Bagley, a space architect and industrial designer who is changing how we view space travel, food tech, and environmental sustainability on Earth. But, Phnam's achievements don't end there - she is also an accomplished creative director, adjunct professor of industrial design, co-host, educator, and board advisor. In this episode, we'll learn about her latest project, the Space Culinary Lab, which gives astronauts access to various foods, ensuring they can enjoy nutritious, flavorful meals on their deep space journeys. We'll also dive into the possibilities space innovation can provide to our current food system and her views on our current challenges and solutions. About Phnam Bagley Phnam designs the future of everything, on and off planet Earth. She is a French industrial designer, futurist and aerospace architect creating cutting-edge hardware and experiences in Wearables, Healthcare and Wellness, Education, Robotics, Transportation, and Aerospace. She specializes in turning groundbreaking technologies into attainable, intuitive, and beautiful products and experiences that help humans become the best versions of themselves.Her work is exclusively focused on projects that support the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and create a positive impact on humanity, the environment and innovation.Phnam works with a variety of companies, from startups to Fortune 500 and government agencies, covering 4 continents. Clients include NASA, Intel, Facebook, Atari, Philips, Alpine, Mistletoe, Halo Neuroscience, and more.She speaks internationally on the subject of “Designing the Future of Everything”, covering stories of sustainability, design, space exploration, education and human flourishing. With her partner Mardis Bagley, she co-hosts an educational video series called Future Future, sharing tools and insights about design and the future of everything.‍ About NonfictionNonfiction is an award-winning creative studio specializing in industrial design, branding, user experience design, space architecture, engineering and strategy.We turn science fiction into reality for a better future.We engage consumers through the design of unique and sophisticated products with rich backstories. Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies to funded startups all over the world. We leverage our relationships with manufacturing partners to execute your ideas on time and on budget.

In this episode, we explored our current food system, the role of technology, policy, and future trends with Sonalie Figueiras. This conversation reminds us that our relationship with food is not just about sustenance but it also encompasses a much wider societal framework. With rapid advancements in technology and increasing awareness around sustainability issues, we are witnessing a massive food system transformation all over the world. It's clear that a bright new era for food tech has dawned. As well as exploring these cutting-edge solutions, however, we also took a more holistic approach to understand what needs to be done on a macro level to ensure sustainability and equity within our current model. Sonalie's journey is a true inspiration for those who strive to make a difference in the world by serving a higher purpose, don't miss this! About Sonalie Figueiras Founder & CEO at Green Queen, Ekowarehouse & Source Green2021 Women of Power, 2019 GEN T Honoree, V Label Global Hero, 2 x TEDx Speaker: Serial social entrepreneur & trends forecaster Sonalie Figueiras is a sustainability expert, food futurist and eco-powerhouse who has been inspiring global audiences for over a decade with practical steps on how to fight climate change. Known as the Green Queen of Asia, she is the founder and Editor in Chief of the award-winning Green Queen - the region’s first impact media platform that educates millions of readers on the connection between health, sustainability and the environment and showcases future solutions. She is also the co-founder and CEO of organic sourcing platform Ekowarehouse and climate tech SaaS Source Green, which helps consumer brands quit plastic packaging thanks to proprietary plastic reduction software In addition, Sonalie is a global keynote speaker and an advisor to multiple mission-driven startups and NGOs, and a venture partner to several VC funds.   About Green Queen Founded by serial social entrepreneur and eco activist Sonalie Figueiras in 2011 and based in Hong Kong with a global outlook and an international audience, Green Queen is an award-winning impact media platform advocating for social & environmental change, the leading sustainability news outlet in the Asian region and a global reference for the alternative protein industry, one of the most important consumer products and investment opportunities of our time.

Food waste is a global challenge that is not going away any time soon, but there are solutions out there that can help us reduce its impact on our communities and the environment. This is where Tessa's work with Olio comes in. By providing locals with an accessible way to share food goods that would otherwise go to waste, Olio is making a tangible impact on the world one share at a time. It's inspiring to see the positive numbers speak for themselves, but the real impact is felt by those empowered to make a difference. Together, we can create a more sustainable future and reduce our impact on the planet for future generations. About Tessa Clarke & OLIO Tessa’s childhood was spent on her parents’ farm in the UK. As a result of this rural upbringing she developed a keen appreciation for the value of hard work, the power of nature, and the preciousness of food. Having no idea what she wanted to do when she grew up, she studied Social & Political Sciences at Cambridge University, before taking on a variety of leadership positions in digital businesses. Tessa then had a life changing experience when moving country which led her to co-found Olio, an app that connects people with their local community so that surplus food and other household items can be given away, rather than thrown away; and everyday things can be lent and borrowed, instead of bought brand new. Olio exists to combat the throwaway culture at scale, and has grown its community to over 7 million people so far. It also has over 80,000 trained volunteers who collect unsold food from local businesses, and redistribute it to the local community via the Olio app. In parallel to growing Olio into a global movement, Tessa and her family have been on a personal journey to live more sustainably. As a result of this Tessa firmly believes that sustainable living is about being healthier, wealthier and happier, not sacrifice. She is also passionate about the sharing economy as a solution for a sustainable world, and about ‘profit with purpose’ as the next business paradigm.