Investing in the Future of Human and Planetary Health: A collaborative effort to advance science-based innovations that improve lives and reshape industries.

The recent event, Investing in the Future of Human and Planetary Health, was co-hosted by the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS), the Innovation Institute for Food and Health (IIFH), and Summit Trail Advisors. This collaboration brought together an inspiring and diverse group of stakeholders, from startup executives to early- and late-stage venture capitalists, institutional investors, academic researchers, and global food companies. Discussions throughout the day focused on the critical role of research and innovation in advancing human and planetary health, emphasizing how UC Davis research is driving transformative change across multiple industries, including food, agriculture, wine, and health.

Startup executives had the opportunity to share their company stories, all born from cutting-edge UC Davis research. 

• Rivalz is an innovative new snack food company using AI to create low-glycemic, craveable snacks that tackle obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition, doing so exponentially faster, better and cheaper.
• amplifye, a pioneering UC Davis food biotech startup, leverages computational enzyme discovery, precision fermentation, and AI to develop innovative digestive enzymes that enhance the nutritional value of food and make protein healthier for everyone.
• ​​VinZymes, Inc. is a UC Davis spinout and leader in the field of enzyme-driven solutions for the wine industry. 
• Caffree, a recent UC Davis and Barnstorm Foundry spinnout, is the new gold standard for decaffeination delivering full flavors with greater convenience, health, and sustainability.

These companies are now leading the charge to create solutions with far-reaching impacts. Their innovations are not only revolutionizing their respective industries but are also serving as a testament to the power of academic-industry collaboration to address pressing global challenges. The passion and vision shared by these entrepreneurs resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the potential of scientific breakthroughs when combined with entrepreneurial spirit.

The event also featured a robust discussion on the vital role of investors in propelling research forward. The panel of early- and late-stage venture capitalists and institutional investors underscored the importance of investing in research that has commercial potential.

• Jonathan Lewis, Head of Sustainable Investing and Chief Portfolio Strategist, Summit Trail Advisors
• Aryeh Ganz, Founder and Managing Partner, Cornucopian Capital and Barnstorm Foundry
• Andrés Rodas, Biochemistry Unit Director, Magdalena
• Harold Schmitz, Founding Partner, The March Group
• Steve Sterman, Senior Managing Director, University of California Investments

The conversation centered around how to successfully translate innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, ensuring these advancements have a meaningful impact on society. The dialogue provided valuable insights for both innovators and investors on how to navigate the journey from idea to commercial success.

The event concluded on a delightful note with a tasting of Vine to Bar chocolates paired with WindRacer Wines, yet another example of the power of industry-academic collaborations with UC Davis at the helm. The tasting session provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on how they could become engaged with such a vibrant, collaborative innovation ecosystem.

As the evening reception unfolded, the energy of the event continued, with participants building on the relationships they had forged throughout the day. The connections made at this event have the potential to drive significant advancements in food and health innovation, with a shared commitment to developing solutions that improve both human and planetary health. We are excited to continue fostering these connections and collaborating on impactful projects that will shape the future of our food systems.

We look forward to the future of this dynamic community, where ideas, passion, and collaboration lead the way to a healthier, more sustainable world.