AltProteins 25 speakers
AltProteins 25 isn’t just focused on what’s next in food — it’s focused on what’s necessary. This year’s program reflects a new level of ambition and refinement, bringing together bold thinkers and doers who aren’t afraid to ask hard questions and pursue transformative answers. AltProteins 25 is set to catalyse serious conversations, spark radical collaboration, and drive actionable outcomes.
This is your opportunity to connect with the trailblazers and disruptors who are pushing the boundaries of the alternative protein revolution. From Nik Gowing (Founder & Co-Director, Thinking the Unthinkable) to Cecilia Chang (Mission Barns), Amy Carter-James (Raaise), James Petrie (Nourish Ingredients), and Sonalie Figueiras (Green Queen), you’ll hear from the visionaries who are redefining the future of our 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 Chief Business Officer 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 Rohan Nelson
Dr Rohan Nelson is the Director of 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 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.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.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.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.Fiona May
Fiona is the Co-CEO of Essantis (formerly known as Unigrain) and has over 17 years 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. Fiona is passionate about providing customers with innovative, high-quality, sustainable Australian-grown ingredients and has been a key driver of Essantis' export marketing strategy within the APAC region. Before joining Essantis, Fiona worked as a Chartered Accountant for Ernst & Young and Protiviti, providing audit, risk and advisory services to various Australian and global organisations.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.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.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.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.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.Crispin Howitt
Crispin Howitt is the Future Protein Mission Lead 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 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.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.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.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 civilization 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.
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