About the Summit

Transforming the Future of Food Protein through Protein Diversification

Future Food-Tech Alternative Proteins 2024 took center stage for the first time in Chicago, the vibrant, food-tech epicenter of the US on June 17-18. 400+ senior leaders from international food brands, active investors, visionary start-ups, and pioneering technology providers united to explore how the diversification of protein can help mitigate the climate crisis, whilst delivering affordable, nutrient-rich food for all.

As the sector settles after dramatic market shifts, expert speakers addressed the actions that are needed to propel the industry forward. Critical conversations explored new investment avenues, from VC and growth equity to government funding, how to navigate the labyrinth of regulatory landscapes and successful strategies for scaling up production.

Alongside an action-packed main-stage agenda, and energetic pitching sessions, the summit featured interactive workshops and a front row seat for exclusive live cooking demos and tastings.

Who Will You Meet?

400+ senior leaders from international food brands, active investors, visionary start-ups, and pioneering technology providers convened at the 2024 summit in Chicago. Here is a snapshot of some of the companies that were in attendance:

Key Themes

  • Consumer-Centric Strategies: Fostering Acceptance and Increasing Adoption of Alt Proteins
  • Navigating Regulatory Pathways: Expediting Product Entry and Approval
  • Boosting Investor Confidence: Overcoming the Trough of Disillusionment
  • Hybrid and Blended: Optimising Blend Ratios for Next-Generation, Nutrient Dense Protein
  • Attracting Facility Finance: De-Risking Production and Improving Unit Economics
  • Leveraging AI in Plant-Based: Optimising Product Development with Data-Driven Insights
  • Elevating the Sensory Experience: Prioritising Formulations to Enhance Taste and Texture
  • Positioning Fungi Centreplate: Accelerating the Mycofood Revolution
  • Cost Effective Cell-Based Proteins: Streamlining Cell Culture Development and Media Production
  • Accelerating R&D in Fermentation: Enhancing Recombinant Protein and Lipid Production
  • Enhancing Alt Dairy: Boosting Nutrition Through Calcium and Protein Fortification
  • Closing the Price Gap: Achieving Price Parity to Compete with Conventional Product

Advisory Board

Attending Media

The summit attracts huge interest from international media. Here are some titles that have joined in the past:

About Rethink Events

Rethink summits are created by experts in food-tech, agri-tech, water-tech and materials innovation to address the issues most crucial to investors and developers in these sectors. Through our global network of industry advisors, we produce highly-focused, topical summits. They gather all the right people together in one room to share ideas, find solutions and identify new business opportunities.

We are committed to providing the world-leading platforms for knowledge-sharing, debate and networking for business leaders. The summits feature leading experts and gamechangers from across the global ecosystem. Our goal is to promote diversity and inclusion, with particular effort to phase out all-male speaker panels to ensure balanced representation and promotion of women in technology and business.

For more information about Rethink Events, visit www.rethinkevents.com