Pre-Conference Day

Tuesday, September 26

08:30 – 10:30 am
Workshop A

Building a Workforce Equipped with the Technical Skills to Scale Up Downstream Processing for Alternative Proteins & Cellular Agriculture Products

Synopsis

The exponential increase in demand for alternative food products requires the bioprocessing labor force to grow at a similar rate, and therefore the demand for companies to attract in-demand talent must be met in order to keep up with the industry.

This hands-on workshop will cover:

  • Attracting the right bioprocessing and engineering talent for the requirements of your downstream processing
  • Examining how downstream processing specialists with a pharma/ biotech background can transition into food tech
  • Developing bioprocessing skills from R&D to commercial scale within your workforce to avoid innovation bottlenecks 

10:30 – 11:00 am
Morning Break & Networking

11:00 – 1:00 pm
Workshop B

Feeding the Future: Navigating the Path to Commercializing Sustainable Proteins from R&D Scale

Synopsis

In silico modelling tools to assess the variable parameters of different downstream processing approaches and view outputs can often only be implemented at a larger scale. To minimize unnecessary expenditure, it is useful to run less formal process modelling in-house.

This interactive session will explore:

  • Describing precision fermentation and how companies navigate the path to commercialization
  • Assessing downstream processing from R&D scale for success
  • Developing a scalable process and being disciplined with feasibility

01:00 – 02:00 pm
Networking Lunch

02:00 – 04:00 pm
Workshop C

Deciding Whether to Partner with Contract Manufacturing Facilities or Set Up a Pilot Plant for Commercial Longevity

  • John Gibson Director Manufacturing Operations, TurtleTree

Synopsis

Scale-up reaches a critical point where either long-term investment into a external manufacturer is needed, or a pilot plant needs to be built – but what should guide this decision making process?

Dive deep into:

  • Discussing the pilot process economics required by contract manufacturing companies to demonstrate a process’ commercial viability
  • Determining the return on investment for building a pilot plant versus outsourcing bioprocessing
  • Identifying the current and future supply chain ecosystem between alternative food developers, contract manufacturers, and equipment providers to overcome long waitlists