Dr. Elif Güngör-Reis shares insights on sustainable foodtech innovations, global challenges, and opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
As COP29 spotlights global sustainability efforts, Dr. Elif Güngör-Reis, a FoodTech pioneer from Türkiye, emerges as a key voice driving innovation in food safety and security. With a Ph.D. in clean-label food additives and her role as an Entrepreneurship Expert at Arel University, Dr. Elif leverages her expertise to champion sustainable solutions in food production and supply chains. She is also a mentor and ambassador for FoodHack Istanbul and Forward Fooding’s FoodTech 500 program, fostering innovation and collaboration globally.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Elif addressed pressing issues in food security, highlighting alternative proteins, AI-driven agriculture, and blockchain-enabled supply chain optimization as vital technologies to counter climate-induced pressures. She underscored the importance of investments in cell-cultured meats, plant-based proteins, and regenerative farming to scale innovations and improve food security.
Dr. Elif also shared her entrepreneurial journey, overcoming biases in a male-dominated industry and balancing scientific expertise with business acumen. Her experiences in navigating diverse markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East reveal the importance of cultural sensitivity, local partnerships, and aligning products with consumer needs such as affordability and halal compliance.
For aspiring foodtech entrepreneurs, Dr. Elif emphasized the need for market research, networking, and a commitment to sustainability. She encouraged resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry, offering invaluable advice to those entering the field.
As urbanization, rising incomes, and sustainability goals reshape Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Dr. Elif sees immense opportunities for foodtech innovation. From alternative proteins to water-efficient agri-tech solutions, these regions are poised to lead the way in sustainable food systems.
This exclusive interview underscores the critical role of foodtech in addressing global challenges and the importance of visionary leaders like Dr. Elif in shaping a sustainable future.
Solyh Ahmad
Solyh Ahmad is a MENAT correspondent and passionately writes on current affairs related to international trade and diplomacy in the region. He has helped and advised many companies looking to establish and internationalise into the MENAT regions. Connect with him via LinkedIn.
