From Ideas to Impact: Scaling Food System Transformation Through Ecosystems

How do we move from promising ideas to real-world impact across the global food system? In this FlavorWiki Webcast, Daniel Protz sits down with Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO of Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, for a conversation on why transforming food systems requires more than breakthrough technologies — it requires ecosystems, collaboration, and collective action. Together, they explore the complex challenges shaping the future of food: climate impact, nutrition, resource constraints, and the growing need to create scalable solutions that work across industries, supply chains, and societies. Topics explored in this discussion include: • Why innovation alone is not enough without collaboration • Food systems as a critical part of the climate and health solution • Moving from blame to shared responsibility • Why defining the right problem matters as much as building the solution • Switzerland's role as a global innovation and scale-up hub • How startups, corporates, researchers, and investors can create impact together • The role each of us plays — as professionals and as citizens About Christina Senn-Jakobsen A passionate believer in the positive power of collaboration and innovation and the importance of scaling, Christina’s work centers on solving some of the most pressing global issues related to food. With a background in food science and nutrition, Christina is convinced food system transformation is a team sport. In her current role as CEO at Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley she brings the Swiss food ecosystem together to co-create innovations and relationships that shape more future-focused food systems and aims to put Switzerland firmly on the map as a food innovation nation. In 2024 Christina joined the list of "The Magnificent 99+1 shaping Global FoodTech". Christina holds a Master’s in Food Science & Technology from the University of Copenhagen and a Master’s in European Food Studies from Wageningen University. She spent the first twelve years of her career at Mondelez in roles spanning R&D, innovation management, marketing and strategy before she moved on to work with entrepreneurs and startup collaborations. In 2024 Christina’s contribution to food innovation was recognised in the "The Magnificent 99+1 shaping Global FoodTech" list. Danish by birth, Christina studied and worked in fourteen different countries before making Switzerland home in 2007, when her love of the mountains made it impossible for her to leave. About Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley (SFNV) is a leading innovation ecosystem driving the transition toward sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems. Based in Switzerland, SFNV connects startups, corporates, research institutions, farmers, investors, and policymakers to accelerate innovation from farm to fork. By fostering collaboration, piloting breakthrough solutions, and shaping global dialogue, SFNV helps turn science and entrepreneurship into real-world impact, strengthening Switzerland’s position as a global hub for food and nutrition innovation while contributing to planetary and human health. SFNV is a non-profit association funded by its partners and was founded in 2020. Learn more: https://swissfoodnutritionvalley.com Follow FlavorWiki for more conversations with innovators, researchers, and leaders shaping the future of food and consumer insights. #FoodInnovation #FoodTech #Sustainability #FoodSystems #Innovation #ClimateTech #FutureOfFood #SwissFoodNutritionValley #FlavorWiki