Next Bite 2025 Speakers
Explore the tracks below to discover the speakers featured in each session.
Discover the thought leaders, experts, and inspiring voices who will take the stage at this year’s Next Bite. Each speaker brings unique insights and experiences to share, offering fresh perspectives, practical knowledge, and meaningful dialogue. Explore their profiles to learn more about their backgrounds, expertise, and session topics.
Next Bite 2025 Opening Session | Plenary Session – Richard Zaltzman
Chief Executive, EIT Food
Richard Zaltzman is Chief Executive of EIT Food, Europe’s largest food innovation community, leading efforts to tackle environmental and societal challenges in the global food system. With extensive experience in business transformation and innovation, he has worked across technology and sustainability, including a decade at Microsoft and senior roles in the European innovation ecosystem. Richard also mentors startups, has run his own business, and serves on the board of Sussex University.
Next Bite 2025 Opening Session | Plenary Session – Gijs Schilthuis
Director of Directorate B - Sustainability (AGRI.B) in DG AGRI
Next Bite 2025 Opening Session | Plenary Session – Michiel Scheffe
President, the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board
Michiel Scheffer is President of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board and a Dutch national with over 30 years of experience in business, academia, and public policy. He served as regional minister for economy, education, and Europe in Gelderland (2015–2019) and as a member of the European Committee of the Regions. With a PhD in geography, Michiel has worked extensively across research and innovation, focusing on breakthrough technologies, disruptive innovation, and impact investment. He has been involved in founding nearly ten companies and maintains strong ties with leading universities including Utrecht, Wageningen, and Hochschule Rhein-Waal.
In the Age of Outrage, the Best Story Wins – Jack Bobo
Executive Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
Jack Bobo is Executive Director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies and a leading voice on global food systems. He has held senior roles at the University of Nottingham, The Nature Conservancy, Futurity, and the U.S. Department of State. Author of Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices, Jack is a sought-after speaker who has delivered 500+ keynotes in 50 countries on food security, sustainability, and innovation. With degrees in law, environmental science, biology, psychology, and chemistry, he brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective to reshaping food policy.
Bringing Regenerative Agriculture to Life: Official Launch of the Future Farm Lab – Dr Maarten van der Kamp
Director of Education, EIT Food
Dr. Maarten van der Kamp leads Education at EIT Food, working with 280+ partners to deliver innovative programmes that transform the food system workforce. He developed the sector’s leading Competency Framework for agrifood innovation skills and advises policymakers in Europe and the MENA region on skills development. Maarten is also President of Ecotrophelia Europe, the continent’s largest and longest-running food innovation competition.
Innovation and the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) – Kerstin Rosenow
Head of Unit ‘Research & Innovation’, DG AGRI
Innovation and the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) – Michiel de Ruiter
Chairperson Supervisory Board, EIT Food