KTH FOOD and IVL Showcase Sustainable Food Innovations 

The event kicked off with welcome remarks, followed by a series of presentations showcasing the work of KTH FOOD. The centre’s director Francisco Vilaplana and executive director Erica-Dawn Egan provided an overview of KTH FOOD’s initiatives, highlighting research efforts focused on systems biology for food production, value chain and consumption, food waste valorization, and functional foods and health. Additionally, there was interest in KTH FOOD’s work to increase the One Planet Plate initiative throughout Swedish universities. Participants also learned about IVL’s work on sustainable food systems and circularity, and collaborations between KTH FOOD and IVL on life cycle assessments and business perspectives on sustainable food production, presented by KTH FOOD faculty members Michael Martin and Maria Bustamante.  

The spotlight then shifted to Neiker, who shared their expertise in research within the primary sector including waste reuse, animal feed, and circular bioeconomy. The research center interacts with multiple stakeholders and also supports innovation through various initiatives, including engagement with start-ups, such as their advisory role with Sweden-based Ecobloom. Throughout the session attendees explored potential collaboration opportunities, which continued during a lively “walk and talk” of mixed teams from Neiker, Ecobloom, KTH, and IVL while heading to the Green & Growing container on KTH Campus. 

The afternoon concluded with an interactive discussion and tour of Green & Growing’s container led by Co-Founder Magnus Leydner providing participants with a closer look at an innovative project taking place on the KTH campus. The event successfully showcased the importance of collaboration in tackling the challenges of sustainable food production and underscored the vital role of research in driving innovation in this field.