First ever AI for Food Global Summit explores transformative potential of artificial intelligence
The inaugural AI for Food Global Summit, held on August 14-15, 2024, at The Edelman Test Kitchen in Chicago, marked a watershed moment in the food and beverage industry’s technological evolution.
This ground-breaking event brought together visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across the entire food ecosystem.
The summit featured an illustrious line-up of keynote speakers, including Kevin Cook, president of Edelman Chicago; Hon. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India “India will catalyse AI innovation through strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
The IndiaAI Mission aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters AI innovation ”; Hon. Madeleine Féquière, consul general of Canada “Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and Canada is leading the way.”; and Hon. Yinam Cohen, consul general of Israel “Israeli innovations in AgTech, FoodTech, and Water Tech and how the integration of AI into these sectors is driving even faster progress to overcome global scarcity and sustainability challenges”.
Attendees were treated to exclusive insights from pioneering authors Michael Walton, president of BCD; Ravi Karkara, co-founder of the AI for Food Global Initiative; and Vinay Indraganti, founder and CEO of BCD, who unveiled their ground-breaking book, “The AI for Food Movement.”
Alison Borgmeyer, MS, RD, US chair of food & beverage at Edelman, emphasised the summit’s significance, stating, “This gathering represents a pivotal moment in our industry’s history, where we’re not just discussing the future of food – we’re actively shaping it through the power of AI.”
Vinay Indraganti captured the event’s spirit, declaring: “AI is not just poised to revolutionise our industry; it’s already reshaping every facet from R&D to sustainability. This summit has united the brightest minds to chart an exciting course for food’s AI-driven future.”
The summit’s agenda was a tour de force of innovation and insight, featuring seven expertly curated panels. The first panel on AI for Food R&D featured representatives from Synergy Flavors, Edelman, and Kraft Heinz. The second panel on AI and Food Manufacturing included experts from Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), Lexmark, and Microsoft. The third panel exploring AI for Food Research, Innovation, and Skills brought together leaders from Connected System Institute, McCain Foods, and BCD.
The fourth panel on AI for Food Investment and Opportunities featured insights from early-stage investors and representatives from Red Stick and Bluestein Ventures. The fifth panel highlighting Women Leading AI for Food showcased leaders from Thinking Forks, BCD, and Kadeya Waste-free Hydration. The sixth panel on AI and Food Safety included experts from Rockwell Automation, The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), and Composabl AI. The final panel on AI for Food Governance, Policy, and Ethics engaged participants with insights from AI Pallet, Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, and legal counsel.
Ravi Karkara, reflecting on the summit’s impact, noted how the event has “kindled a movement”.
“We’re not just talking about AI in food; we’re catalysing a revolution that will make our food system more nutritious, sustainable, and accessible to all,” Karkara said.
The AI for Food Global Summit has set the stage for a series of high-impact events, including book launches and webinars, ensuring that the momentum generated in Chicago continues to propel the industry forward.
For those eager to be part of this transformative journey, visit www.aiforfood.ai or follow #AIForFood for updates on future events and initiatives. The AI for Food Global Initiative stands ready to accelerate AI adoption, driving innovation and addressing critical challenges in the global food industry, with the goal of creating a more nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food future for all.
