2025 Annual
Festival Recap

At A Glance

Field Visits

Attendees took part in in-person tours of some of Boston’s leading food systems reform programs. From the cutting-edge cellular agriculture research at the Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture, to hands-on culinary education at the Boston Medical Center Teaching Kitchen, to community-driven sustainability at Eastie Farm, each visit offered an inside look at the diverse and dynamic efforts reshaping how we grow, cook, and share food.

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Interactive Workshops

This year's workshops were led by pioneering athletes, entrepreneurs, and academics who hosted hands-on, high-energy sessions that sparked conversation and action. Highlights included a venture capital deep dive led by Heather Courtney of Alwyn Capital and a fitness class with Ale Rubio—Nike Ambassador and CEO of Birdman, a plant-based protein company.

Expert Speakers

Our speaker panels brought together thought leaders from across the food system to tackle urgent issues and emerging trends. Topics ranged from plant-based child nutrition to strategies for combating food insecurity on college campuses. We had the honor of featuring powerful keynotes from Bruce Friedrich of the Good Food Institute, who spoke on the future of alternative proteins, and Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary, who offered a visionary perspective on ethical food systems and compassionate advocacy.

Next Gen Food Expo

The Next Gen Food Expo spotlighted some of the most exciting innovations in plant-based and alternative protein products, proving that ethical eating can be absolutely delicious. Attendees tried cutting-edge foods from leading brands and emerging startups, all showcasing how ethics and flavor can go hand in hand.

Student Project Challenges

Research Poster Showcase

Meat the Future Pitch Competition

AquaBites Consulting Challenge

Over 30 students gathered to present their research on alternative proteins, food systems, and related topics. This event highlighted the innovative work of students, recognizing outstanding presentations at our closing awards ceremony.

Hosted in collaboration with the Culley Carlson Foundation, this pitch competition highlighted innovative student research in the field of cultivated meat. Finalists pitched their projects utilizing components from the IntegriCulture Starter Kit, competing for over $10,000 of funding and resources to bring their visions to life.

Teams analyzed a real-world challenge in food systems and presented their solutions to a panel of industry experts. This competition provided an opportunity to apply problem-solving skills, think critically, and gain insights into consulting and strategy.

What People Are Saying

"The festival provided connections to student leaders at peer schools, discussions with experienced changemakers, and — above all — a sense that we're making progress on these challenges together. I cannot wait to return next year!"

Daniel Wang, Brown University

"I so appreciated the enthusiasm of the student attendees and organizers alike at this conference. Students asked me questions for more than 1 hour after my panel and asked such thoughtful questions."

Christina Badaracco, Rewire Health

"Food 4 Thought was a refreshing mix of science, creativity, and community. As a researcher, it made me step back and reflect on the bigger picture of why this work truly matters."

Prerana Balasubramanian, University of Massachusetts

"The Food 4 Thought Festival was simply amazing. A space where science, innovation, and purpose truly came together... I had the chance to exchange ideas with brilliant minds, reconnect with long-time partners, and discover initiatives that prove another food system is not only possible—it’s already being built."

Gabriel Mendes, Federal University of Parana

Collaborators

The Food 4 Thought Festival would not be possible without the help of our wonderful collaborators. From pioneering student organizations to delicious restaurants, we were honored to work together with the following groups!