AltProteins 25 speakers
AltProteins 25 wasn’t just focused on what’s next in food — it was focused on what’s necessary. The 2025 program delivered a new level of ambition and refinement, bringing together bold thinkers and doers who weren’t afraid to ask hard questions and pursue transformative answers.
Our AltProteins 25 speakers catalysed serious conversations, sparked radical collaboration, and drove actionable outcomes.
This was an opportunity to connect with the trailblazers and disruptors pushing the boundaries of the ‘unthinkable’ in the future food revolution. From Nik Gowing (Founder & Co-Director, Thinking the Unthinkable) to Cecilia Chang (Mission Barns), Amy Carter-James (Raaise), Dr James Petrie (Nourish Ingredients), and Sonalie Figueiras (Green Queen), attendees heard from visionaries from around the world who are redefining our future food systems.
Julie Hirsch
Julie Hirsch is an award-winning social entrepreneur recognised as Telstra’s Victorian Business Woman of the Year and named on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list. She is the Co-Founder of Eloments Vitamin Teas, the world’s first natural vitamin tea: a patent-pending innovation that partners directly with Fairtrade farmers and raised Series A funding to become part of the only 2.7% of equity capital that goes to female founders. As the Entrepreneur in Residence at AGL Energy, Julie co-founded Electrify Now—an ML-powered platform helping Australians electrify their homes. She is also an industry partner with Monash University’s Innovation Guarantee and a four-term Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. A sought-after speaker, Julie shares insights on embedding innovation, social impact, and entrepreneurship across sectors. Her work has been featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Herald Sun.Prof Hugh Durrant-Whyte
Hugh Durrant-Whyte is the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer. He has been the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Ministry of Defence, CEO of National ICT Australia, and the Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems. Hugh is an ARC Federation Fellow and the founding Director of the Australian Centre for Field Robotics at the University of Sydney. Hugh is an honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of the IEEE, of the Australian Academy of Science, of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and of the Royal Society of London.
Nik Gowing
Nik founded the ongoing Thinking the Unthinkable project in 2014. It examines both the vulnerabilities and opportunities for leaders in the new times of acute disruption. Nik was a main presenter for BBC World News 1996-2014. He presented The Hub with Nik Gowing, BBC World Debates, Dateline London. During 18 years at ITN Nik was bureau chief in Rome and Warsaw, then Diplomatic Editor for Channel Four News (1988-1996). He was on the councils of Chatham House (1998–2004), the Royal United Services Institute (2005–2021), the Overseas Development Institute (2007-2014), the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (1996-2005). Nik was been a Visiting Professor at Kings College, London and Nanyang University (NTU), Singapore. In 2018 he advised the President of the UN General Assembly on leadership challenges.Sonalie Figueiras
Social entrepreneur and trends forecaster Sonalie Figueiras is a sustainability expert, food futurist and eco-powerhouse who has been inspiring global audiences for more than 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. Sonalie has been recognised as 2021 Women of Power, 2019 GEN T Honoree, V Label Global Hero and has twice been a TEDx Speaker. 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 start-ups and NGOs, and a venture partner to several VC funds.Cecilia Chang
Cecilia Chang is the CEO of Mission Barns, a leading cultivated fat company based out of San Francisco. Prior to this, Cecilia was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company working across a range of industries including telecommunications, banking and mining. Her passion for working to create a more sustainable food system, led her to consult for various alternative-protein companies (plant-based, precision fermentation, cultivated etc.) before joining Mission Barns.Dr James Petrie
Dr James Petrie is an experienced crop metabolic engineer who spent 13 years working at CSIRO as a research scientist as part of the oils engineering group before co-founding Nourish Ingredients. During his time at CSIRO, Dr Petrie was part of the team that spearheaded the creation of omega-3 canola, the world’s first plant-based and sustainable source of long-chain omega-3 fats usually found in fish oil. As Chief Executive of Nourish, Dr Petrie is turning his expertise in synthetic biology to the plant-based meat and dairy space. He is passionate about making animal-free fats and oils for the next generation of tastier alternative proteins–the foods of the future that our planet depends on.Dr Ingrid Appelqvist
Dr Ingrid Appelqvist is a senior principal food material scientist at CSIRO with strong multidisciplinary interests in reformulating food to develop a healthier food supply for the food industry and consumers. Her research has focused on healthy ageing and designing food breakdown during eating to deliver desired sensory properties. Ingrid leads the CSIRO Food Innovation Centre developing bespoke solutions for new products and processes.Dr Leif Lundin
Leif Lundin is a food scientist and Chief Scientist in the Food Research Program at CSIRO. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Biopolymer Physical Chemistry. Leif’s research focuses on the structure–function relationships of biopolymers and how scientific insights can be translated into innovative food solutions. He is passionate about bridging fundamental science with real-world applications to create sustainable and value-added food products.Dr Rohan Nelson
Dr Rohan Nelson is an Agricultural & Food System Economist with CSIRO. Rohan also leads Food System Horizons–a joint initiative of the University of Queensland and CSIRO–bringing significant expertise in science-policy engagement to this role. His other expertise includes the institutional design and management of public sector innovation and forecasting systems, and deep knowledge of competition, climate and natural resource management policy.Ben van Delden
Ben van Delden is the Founder and Managing Director of Delco AgriFood. Ben brings 28 years of international experience across agribusiness, food systems, natural capital, climate adaptation, biosolutions, and decarbonisation. Previously a Partner at Deloitte, he led the AgriFood Transformation & Circularity consulting team, was National AgriFood Sector Leader, and Client Lead Partner for major food companies. Before that, Ben was a senior partner at KPMG, holding roles including Head of Markets, Agrifood Tech and Circular Economy Sector Leader, and Audit Partner. He has advised public and private sector clients on strategy, regional growth, operational excellence, and technology enablement, and has led industry tours and roadmap development for emissions and circularity. One of the founders of the Bega Circular Valley program and a founding partner of We 3 AI, Ben is also a regular speaker and a member of the Australian Food and Ag Industry Taskforce, which published “Land of Plenty: Transforming Australia into a Food Superpower” in late 2024.Andrew Henderson
Andrew Henderson is a leading strategic policy specialist with a passion for building the sustainability and prosperity of rural and regional Australia and enhancing the recognition of its role in the economy and its place in national security. He is an experienced independent chair and member of several national policy and implementation committees focused on traceability and biosecurity systems, research and development, service delivery, food safety and regulatory systems. Andrew has also been involved in developing, advocating for, and implementing policy to reform Australia’s red meat and livestock integrity systems. He is the Founder & Principal of Agsecure, a Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and a non-executive director at End Food Waste Australia and Sheep Producers Australia. He has advised the Commonwealth government on policy areas of biosecurity, red meat and livestock, live animal exports, Northern Australian development, and climate change. Andrew is a published author on biosecurity, food security, national security, and agricultural supply chains.Amy Carter-James
Amy Carter-James is a pioneering impact entrepreneur dedicated to driving pro-planet solutions and creating meaningful change. At 22, she developed a hotel in Mozambique that lifted over 60,000 people out of poverty, earning a spot among the top 100 hotels in the world and being named the UK’s Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Today, as Co-Founder and CEO of Raaise, Amy is tackling one of the biggest barriers holding back climate and pro-planet innovation: access to capital. Raaise is building the fundraising infrastructure for pro-planet startups — helping founders connect with aligned investors, streamline their raise, and scale faster. With 500+ pro-planet startups already using the platform and partnerships with leading funds, accelerators, and investor groups, Amy is on a mission to ensure critical solutions don’t stall for lack of funding.Jim Fader
Jim Fader, Co-Founder and CEO of Eden Brew, an animal-free dairy B2C company, is a purpose-driven business leader with more than 20 years in retail across multiple sectors and countries and more than five years in business turnarounds and restructures. Jim has chased innovation throughout his career, from fresh food product development and award-winning duty-free store concepts to turning car tyres into printer ink in a waste-to-energy startup. Jim builds entrepreneurial cultures with an authentic leadership style focusing on people, pace and collaboration.Terry Paule
Terry Paule is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Findex, Founder and Executive Director of My Co (makers of My Life BioCheese), Co-Founder and CEO of Botanical Water Technologies Ltd (UK) #leaveitbetter, Founder and CEO of Botanical Water Foundation, Director of APP, Co-Founder and Director of TorchT Productions, Non-Executive Director of Agtuary, Non-Executive Director of SproutX and, famously, Co-Founder and former Managing Director of Mediterranean lifestyle pioneers Lemnos Foods #justaddlemnos. Terry has amassed 35+ years of experience as a serial entrepreneur with a hands-on approach to building startups and their brands both in Australia and internationally. He has an impressive track record of having founded and funded several successful business ventures. Paule believes in establishing strong operational frameworks and a positive cultural environment to support and manage the implementation process essential for success. As an impact investor, he has established My Co to focus on new idea and startup opportunities in the health and wellbeing, and global food and beverage sectors with a particular emphasis on plant-based food and beverage and renewable and sustainable ideas. Driving some of Australia’s most exciting and revolutionary startups, he mentors many aspiring entrepreneurs through strategic guidance and public speaking, and dedicates time and resources to philanthropy. He is an inspiring leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a contagious passion for life.Dr James Ryall
Dr James Ryall is a distinguished biotech consultant and Venture Builder with over 20 years of expertise in cell biology, biomanufacturing, agrifood-tech and regenerative medicine. After an illustrious academic career, James transitioned to the biomanufacturing sector, serving as the Chief Scientific Officer at Vow, where he spearheaded cultured meat innovations. Equipped with a profound understanding of science and business, he now advises a diverse array of biotech companies employing biomanufacturing technologies to tackle some of today's most pressing challenges. He recently joined Beanstalk Agtech as a Venture Builder, his specialties include crafting and implementing strategies for scientific research, market engagement, and partnership development. James’ deep technical background, coupled with his experience advising founders and innovators have positioned him as a pivotal figure in the advancement of biotechnological applications across a broad range of industries.Andrew May
Andrew is Co-CEO of Essantis (formerly known as Unigrain) and has over a decade of experience in the food manufacturing industry. Essantis is one of Australia’s leading producers of plant-based food and beverage ingredients, specialising in oat cereal, pulse-based and animal nutrition products. Andrew has been heavily involved in driving Essantis' continuing evolution, through its recent strategic investments in building large-scale alternate protein and oat milk supply chains in Australia. Andrew’s original background is within the finance sector where he worked in a range of corporate advisory roles within Australia and the UK.Maddi Easterbrook
Maddi Easterbrook is the Founder of Future Swirl, the company behind Australia’s first oat milk soft-serve and a premium range of frozen dessert tubs that hero Australian-grown oats. A former journalist and strategic communications adviser, Maddi combines nearly a decade of experience in media and government with a mission to accelerate the transition away from animal-based agriculture through trusted, joyful food brands. Since launching Future Swirl, Maddi has scaled the brand from a Canberra food trailer to stocking independent grocers and serving soft-serve at major events and festivals across NSW, ACT and VIC, including the Canberra Enlighten Festival and a headline invitation to serve thousands of swirls at Billie Eilish’s sold-out Melbourne concerts at Rod Laver Arena. Maddi’s leadership has been recognised with multiple honours, including 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards finalist in Sustainability, highly commended for Innovation Excellence at the 2024 ACT Climate Choices Awards, and 2024 finalist for ACT Young Business Woman of the Year and Environmental Sustainability Business Woman of the Year. A participant in the Seedlab Australia’s Cultivate program, she is now preparing Future Swirl for national retail expansion and partnerships that will help make climate-positive food the mainstream choice. Since launching Future Swirl, Maddi has scaled the brand from a Canberra food trailer to stocking independent grocers and serving soft-serve at major events and festivals across NSW, ACT and VIC, including the Canberra Enlighten Festival and a headline invitation to serve thousands of swirls at Billie Eilish’s sold-out Melbourne concerts at Rod Laver Arena. Maddi’s leadership has been recognised with multiple honours, including 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards finalist in Sustainability, highly commended for Innovation Excellence at the 2024 ACT Climate Choices Awards, and 2024 finalist for ACT Young Business Woman of the Year and Environmental Sustainability Business Woman of the Year. A graduate of Seedlab Australia’s Cultivate program, she is now preparing Future Swirl for national retail expansion and partnerships that will help make climate-positive food the mainstream choice.Jimmy Elias
Jimmy Elias is the Co-Founder of First Press Coffee, an Australian company pioneering cold drip and plant-based iced coffee. First Press Coffee is now available across major and independent retailers nationwide and is being exported into markets across South East Asia and the Middle East. With a focus on quality and accessibility, Jimmy has helped First Press carve out a space at the intersection of specialty coffee, plant based milk and ready-to-drink convenience.Glen Jacob
Glen has over 25 years’ experience helping food and beverage processors make their manufacturing operations more productive and sustainable through the application of automation and OT/IT technology solutions. He is motivated by the goals of sustainable growth for the food industry in Australia and great customer outcomes. In the Alternative Proteins space, Glen is part of a global Rockwell Automation team that is collaborating with customers and partners to design and construct alternative protein and biomanufacturing facilities in North America and Asia Pacific.Darren Irwin
Darren Irwin brings over 25 years of experience in the food and dairy industry, working closely with manufacturers to optimise processing operations and develop innovative products and technologies. His diverse background spans manufacturing, R&D, consulting, and engineering, supported by a strong network of local and global industry connections. At GEA, Darren is actively engaged in advancing the New Food processing sector. He is excited to collaborate with GEA’s global team to integrate food and biotechnology expertise in the development of next-generation biomanufacturing facilities for novel proteins and food ingredients.Tom Reddecliffe
Tom Reddecliffe is the CEO of Integra Foods and a Director of its parent company, Australian Grain Export (AGE), which has a long and proud history of helping Australian farmers export their crops to international markets. Integra Foods was established by AGE to build on that foundation – adding value to Australian grains and pulses by producing high-quality protein, starch, and flour ingredients for food, beverage, and pet food manufacturers globally. As CEO, Tom leads the company’s strategy, operations, and growth, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and long-term partnerships with global brands and distributors.Sam Perkins
Sam is the CEO of Cellular Agriculture Australia and has over 15 years of experience across the academic, not-for-profit and private sectors. He has deep expertise in participatory approaches and innovation management that marry well with his experience in strategic leadership and change management. This has allowed him to consistently support teams create and deliver novel, strategically aligned, and impactful solutions. Sam is motivated by the role appropriate technology can play in delivering sustainable, scalable, and meaningful solutions to complex challenges. He believes cellular agriculture will play a critical role in moving towards an accessible, ethical and sustainable food future.Raelene Lockhorst
Raelene Lockhorst is Deputy Director of the National Security Programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Her work focuses on critical infrastructure, fuel and energy security, and national resilience - particularly in Northern Australia. With a background spanning Defence, industry, Army Reserves and international peacekeeping, she brings expertise in geopolitics, supply chains, and strategic planning. Raelene regularly contributes to The Strategist and has been an editor and contributing author on numerous ASPI Special Reports including the National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper.Dr Jason Whitfield
Dr Jason Whitfield is an Investment Manager with Main Sequence Ventures (MSV), Australia’s largest deeptech fund. As a former post doctoral researcher in Synthetic Biology, he led Australia's first SynBio accelerator program SynBio10x at UNSW and has advised and supported startups across a range of sectors including alternative proteins, precision fermentation, circular economy platforms, and biomanufacturing. In his role at MSV, he is particularly focused on the feed 10 billion, humanity scale health and decarbonization challenge areas.Kylie Porter
Kylie Porter is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3). GW3 is the peak independent, economic development organisation for the Greater Whitsunday region, a true regional economic powerhouse. Leading the economic transformation of the Greater Whitsunday region and securing long term prosperity for the region’s 185,000 plus residents is at the nexus of what GW3 does. Embedding the bioeconomy into the regional economy will be key in this economic transformation. Kylie is an experienced company director and is also a founding director of C-Res, a procurement-to-pay local content portal which delivers the Local Buying Program across regional Australia.Dr Jaclyn Aldenhoven
Dr Jaclyn Aldenhoven is the Director, Strategy and Programs (Future Industries) in the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer. Jaclyn has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a PhD in Animal Genetics from the University of Sydney. Following postdoctoral research at the University of Utah, she joined the NSW Government. Jaclyn has over 14 years’ experience in developing science policy, implementing science programs to drive economic and industry development, and providing high level advice to Ministers, agencies and other stakeholders. Jaclyn currently leads innovation-based programs to drive research, economic and industry development, such as the Biosciences Fund.A/Prof Mathieu Pernice
Mathieu, originally from France, earned his PhD in Marine Biology from the University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris in 2006. His trajectory into algal biotechnology began when the European Commission awarded him a prestigious Marie Curie fellowship to move to Australia and research climate change impacts on coral reefs and algae at the University of Queensland. Since 2014, Mathieu has been based at the University of Technology Sydney where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Climate Change Cluster (C3) and Associate Professor, leading groundbreaking research in Algae Biotechnology. His work focuses specifically on developing algae-based feed and alternative proteins to address the twin challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. His research involves developing bioprocessing methods to enhance algae's nutritional profile, digestibility, and sensory qualities, supporting their potential as alternative protein sources. Mathieu co-developed an innovative process utilizing microalgae as a pigment source for plant-based meat colour applications. This technology is patent-protected and maintained by v2food for competitive positioning. With over 100 publications in international journals and significant industry partnerships, Mathieu bridges the gap between fundamental research and commercial application. His work has contributed to advancing algal biotechnology in Australia, producing patents and methods that have found applications in the food and aquaculture industries. Mathieu is committed to transforming our food systems through biomanufacturing, positioning algae as a cornerstone of Australia's emerging bioeconomy and a sustainable solution to global protein demand. His vision combines climate action with innovation to create scalable, carbon-negative protein production systems that can help feed a growing world population while reducing environmental impact.Prof Esteban Marcellin
Professor Esteban Marcellin's research is focused on advance biomanufacturing and systems and synthetic biology. Systems biology is a powerful tool to guide the improvement of fermentation processes. It is an important tool used to identify targets for metabolic engineering and to develop new microbial and mammalian production strains. Systems Biology is a knowledge driven approach that takes advantage of the growth in high throughput ‘-omics, (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) and uses mathematical models to accelerate learning. The models are functional annotations that can be probed to suggest potential metabolic engineering strategies (e.g. gene targets for knock out/up-regulation) to improve yield and productivity using synthetic biology. The models are refined and validated using biological ‘–omics data, leading to further iterative rounds of metabolic engineering to enhance production.Prof Tony Bacic
Professor Tony Bacic is Director of the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture & Food (LISAF), La Trobe University, and the recently awarded Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Protected Cropping. He is a current board member of the Gene Technology Access Centre, and a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Internationally recognised as a leader in plant biotechnology, his research is focused on the structure, function and biosynthesis of plant cell walls and their biotechnological application, medicinal agriculture, as well as the application of functional genomics tools in biological systems.Prof Brent Kaiser
Professor Brent Kaiser is Professor of Legume Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Sydney. Originally from Canada, he completed his BSc and MSc at the University of Guelph before migrating to Australia in 1994 to undertake a PhD at the Australian National University. He later held postdoctoral positions in France, Canada, and Australia, and was a teaching and research academic at the University of Adelaide before joining Sydney in 2015. His research centers on nitrogen nutrition in plants, focusing on the genetic and biochemical processes that govern nitrogen uptake, assimilation, and redistribution. Working across legumes (chickpea, soybean, Medicago) and cereals (maize, wheat), his team develops traits to improve nitrogen-use efficiency, crop health, and sustainable productivity. He has led major initiatives including the ARC Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture Hub (2016–2020) and the Sydney Institute of Agriculture (2022–2024). Current activities span plant-protein innovation and fibre-based cropping systems (agave, kenaf), alongside co-founding Cobbedee, a farmer owned cooperative commercialising hybrid wheat. He also co-directs the International Joint Centre for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture with Peking University and leads the new Tech Central Alternative Protein Research Centre in Sydney.Dr Cassandra Walker
Dr Cassandra Walker is the Research Leader of the Crop Quality team at Agriculture Victoria Research, DEECA. Based at the Horsham SmartFarm her team develops a range of high-throughput solutions that advance crop breeding and national research in crop quality. Cassandra is committed to building strong relationships and delivering world-leading research and innovation with a wide range of stakeholders. Her passion lies in extending industry solutions across the value chain from growers to food manufacturers, aiming to maximise the value of grain both nationally and internationally. She is focussed on encouraging Australians to eat more whole grains. By promoting the health benefits and provenance of Australian-grown grains, Cassandra supports sustainable food systems and circular economies that benefit both producers and consumers.Alexandra Lobb
Alexandra Lobb is a Director in ACIL Allen’s Sydney office. With twenty-five years of experience, she brings a powerful combination of expertise and innovation, delivering comprehensive and impactful research and recommendations. Passionate about all things agriculture, her work spans food production systems, rural innovation, and the natural environment, with a focus on sustainability, climate resilience, biosecurity, and regional development. She works with the Research and Development Corporations, Universities and State Government Departments including a recent project for Agriculture Victoria Services and La Trobe University on the pulse protein industry supply chain gaps and opportunities. Alexandra excels in reviewing and analysing economic impacts, regulation, policy, and programs. She also profiles regions and markets and develops industry plans, including business cases and strategies. Her unique combination of breadth and depth of expertise across numerous sectors and services allows her to bring a novel approach to her clients.Will Schmitt
Will Schmitt is an Australian-American innovation strategy expert, international business advisor and Board Director. He is currently Director - Innovation Programs, Partnerships & Precincts at Investment NSW (Premier's Department), where he led development of the recently-launched State whole-of-government innovation strategy (Innovation Blueprint 2035) and leads the team responsible for implementing it. Will has deep expertise in and a particular passion for food systems innovation and currently maintains an academic fellowship at the ANU's Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII). He is also the immediate past co-founder of two Australian organisations. The Innovation Mission Pty Ltd (formerly Open2Innovate) is a global innovation services consultancy specialising in innovation services for the food, agriculture and nutrition sectors, entrepreneurial ecosystems design and business in emerging markets. He also co-founded FoodShot APAC, which was a non-profit innovation and collaboration 'platform' that convened 20 venture investor, academic, R&D and government partners across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore in support of collaborative investment in a better food future. He has significant experience in curriculum design, teaching and coaching related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups, including teaching/lecturing roles at Swinburne University and Georgetown University. He has lived and worked in Australia, the United States, France, Kenya, South Sudan and Nigeria.Andrew Fillery
Andrew Fillery is the Head of Liquid & Powder Technologies at GEA Process Engineering Australia. A seasoned engineer with extensive experience in process engineering, Andrew has built a distinguished career at GEA, holding diverse roles across multiple locations. He currently leads a team of around 65 specialists, driving innovation and delivering complex solutions in liquid and powder processing. Andrew’s leadership is grounded in technical excellence, operational insight, and a deep understanding of engineering systems that support some of the most advanced industrial processes in the region.Crispin Howitt
Crispin Howitt is the Senior Principal Research Scientist - Food Program at CSIRO. He completed his PhD at the Australian National University, and his first postdoc was at Arizona State University. Since joining CSIRO in 2000, he has studied how manipulating protein content and composition affects end-product functionality, the genetics of end-product quality in wheat, and the modification of grain composition for health benefits. In 2019, his research focus shifted to pulses and legumes and strategies for value addition to create functional foods. He led the Plant Protein activities in CSIRO's Future Protein Mission until 2023 when he assumed his current role.
Mark Baczynski
Mark Baczynski has an Honours Degree in Science and Chemical Engineering. He commenced his career at Defiance Quality Foods as a Process Engineer and has progressed through various roles in R&D and quality for both Bunge and Goodman Fielder. Mark joined Manildra Group in 2000 as Product Development Manager and since 2012 has led a multi-functional team responsible for product innovation, process development and optimisation and quality. Mark is a Churchill Fellow and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland. He has lectured at several universities and has had numerous technical articles published in Baking and Snack, Cereal Foods World and Food Product Design.Helen Chen
Helen has over 20 years of trade, investment, and industry development experience across both the private and public sectors. Helen worked across diversified industrial sectors spanning agribusiness, biotechnology, education and training, financial services, information and communication technology businesses, manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, telecommunications, and others.Pia Winberg
Pia Winberg is a marine systems ecologist, entrepreneur, and advocate for action-driven change in sustainability. With over 25 years bridging academia and industry, she founded Venus Shell Systems and PhycoHealth to turn overlooked environmental challenges—like nitrogen pollution—into real-world solutions. By integrating marine ecology with food and health innovation, she demonstrates that change isn’t just conceptual; it must be embodied in tangible systems. From research to regenerative supply chains, Pia connects the dots between science, society, and the economy—ensuring sustainability is not just an idea, but something we eat, use, and live by.Megan Redmond
Meg leads Food Frontier’s political, policy and legislative advocacy and engagements with the Australian and New Zealand governments. She authored the 2024 position paper to governments Alternative Proteins and Australian Food Systems Transformation which advocates for the need to adopt a whole-of-government systems approach to transform how Australia produces, distributes, and consumes food as a climate change and health imperative. Meg has a background in corporate government relations consulting and a Master of Science in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science.Kat Dunn
Kat Dunn is a lawyer turned social entrepreneur tackling broken systems across human health, banking & finance, poverty and climate. Kat started her career at Clayton Utz Sydney and has held senior roles at Perpetual Corporate Trust, Perpetual Group and Serco Australia. As CEO of Grameen Australia - the local arm of Nobel Peace Prize winning Grameen Bank - Kat's strategic mandate was to transform an overseas aid fund with projects in Cambodia and the Philippines into a local microfinance pilot. A multidisciplinary operator at heart, Kat is a fractional CEO, COO, Chief Sustainability & Strategy Officer and board member. Her current roles include Co-Founder of Talk2View (the medical viewer you can talk to), Board Member at large WA community services non-profit Chorus & Director at A2B Technology Corporation Pty Ltd. Kat is also the founder of impact advisory Aviatrix SDG and F-OFF: the Fear of Failure Forum. If Kat could redesign civilisation she would do so with human and planetary dignity as the key organising principles. She has been a board member of Food Frontier since 2018.Hannah Andersen
Hannah is Executive Director at Food Frontier, where she leads strategic and operational initiatives to advance sustainable food systems transformation. With over 15 years' experience spanning international development, agribusiness and systems change, Hannah brings a unique perspective to the alternative proteins sector. Her career has consistently focused on connecting global food systems with sustainability outcomes. She has managed transformation programmes within major agribusiness and served as Global Head of Communications and Brand at Fairtrade International, connecting farmers across developing countries with retailers and brands to promote fairer trade. Hannah also led inter-agency programmes with the United Nations in Papua New Guinea, driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. As a strategic leader, Hannah is passionate about catalysing the complex systems change required to build resilient, sustainable food systems.David Bucca
For the first 13 years of his career, David worked in the aerospace industry for Boeing, Airbus and Pilatus Aircraft, covering a variety of technical and leadership roles in engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Following a career change motivated by his passion for more sustainable and innovative food systems, David left Boeing and became COO of Hemple, an Australian hemp foods startup, and subsequently the APAC Regional Manager for Hungry Planet, a U.S. premium plant based meat company. In mid-2019, he founded Change Foods which is recreating dairy products using microbial biotechnology, and whose mission is to develop sustainable, healthier, and more ethical food supplies for the future. He is a graduate of Melbourne Business School in Business Administration, and holds bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Science from RMIT University, as well as a Commercial Pilot Licence for aircraft.
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