TEAM

Isha Datar, a pioneer in cellular agriculture since 2009, coined the term "cellular agriculture" and co-founded Perfect Day Foods and The Every Company. She donated her equity to New Harvest for cell ag research and now works to advance cultured meat for the public good. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, she holds degrees in cell and molecular biology and biotechnology.

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Yadira Tejeda-Saldana, with 10+ years of experience in food industry, academia, and non-profit sector, is a co-founder and former Executive Director of Cellular Agriculture Canada. As a food scientist trained in multiple countries, she is passionate about the intersection of science, policy, and communication. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, she aims to create a transparent, safe, and equitable cell ag ecosystem at New Harvest.

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Simon Ongom

Financial Controller, New Harvest Canada

A chartered professional accountant by training, Simon has previously worked at multiple charities and in hospitality. At New Harvest Canada, Simon is responsible for overseeing New Harvest's day-to-day financial operations as well as ensuring that we are compliant with government regulations and tax laws in the countries and regions in which we operate. Simon is based in Cochrane, Alberta.

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Lejjy, co-founder and former CEO of a YCombinator-backed Cell Ag company, now leads CULT Food Science as CEO. He prioritizes complex system design and understanding to shape ecosystems that align with cultural and societal patterns influenced by technological advancements. With a multidisciplinary background in human-centered design, research, enterprise architecture, and biotechnology, Lejjy drives iterative product development and strategic innovation.

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Tarika, an altprotein specialist, brings a decade of scientific research experience to Trove Biosciences. With expertise in cellular agriculture and precision fermentation, she supports investors, non-profits, and startups in the food technology landscape. Tarika holds a Ph.D. in Anatomy and Developmental Biology and an MSc in Biochemistry. She is also a FoodHack Ambassador for Toronto, Canada where she resides.

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STRATEGIC ADVISORS

Geoff is the CEO of the Consecon Foundation, an environment-focused charitable foundation supporting NGOs addressing climate and biodiversity crises. Previously, he was the Executive Director of a think tank specializing in global security and conflict issues, and co-founder of a consulting firm supporting governments and international organizations. Geoff holds an MBA from Schulich School of Business and an MA in International Relations.

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Miranda has extensive experience in the innovation ecosystem, facilitating technology commercialization and connecting it with the right stakeholders. She has successfully supported the development of major funding applications (CFI-MSIs, Genome Canada's Large Scale Applied Research Program, and several tri-council applications) and now focuses on science communications and knowledge translation. With a background in Cell Biology and Chemical Engineering, she helps SMEs and nonprofits effectively communicate their objectives.

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Dr. Gerson, a distinguished biotechnology expert, holds a Ph.D. from McGill University. With a remarkable career spanning academia and industry, he has made significant contributions in vaccine development, biophysics, and biochemical engineering. As a leader in renowned institutions, he has published extensively and holds multiple patents in the field.

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Dr Storms is a scientist turned entrepreneur who founded Startup TNT, an environment that creates a safe space for like-minded entrepreneurs to make positive impacts. With his catchphrase "Have fun, make friends, build companies," he nurtures innovators in Edmonton, bringing people together and turning technologies into impactful businesses.

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Dr. Bruce, Chair of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, excels in teaching and research. With $14M in funding, 70+ scientific manuscripts, and supervision of 20 graduate students, she's a leading expert in carcass and meat science. Her impressive background includes roles at Nutreco Canada Agresearch and CSIRO Australia.

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Dr Fraser, Director of Arrell Food Institute and Geography professor at the University of Guelph, leads diverse teams to create sustainable food strategies. With extensive op-ed contributions and two acclaimed books, he bridges academia, government, and industry. Evan's expertise in food systems is showcased through his web series and self-published graphic novel and card game. He advises boards, influences policy, and promotes positive change in food and agriculture.

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