Our Motivation

Given the urgency of the problem, we cannot afford to wait for academic research or the next wave of venture-backed startups.

The Action Lab is a focused, results-oriented response inspired by other ambitious technological endeavors, including the Human Genome Project and Apollo 11 Space Program.

We need to accelerate the highest-impact research right now by bringing together dedicated scientists & entrepreneurs to rapidly develop and commercialize next-gen alternative protein technologies.

Our Vision

We will fuel high-impact innovation in the alt-protein space through a network of collaborative research centers that bring together a unique combination of focused execution and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Focused Execution

  • Vertically integrated R&D stack, enabling operational scale planning & validation during the research stage

  • Time-bound, stage-gate processes that prioritize commercially-viable solutions that are operationally & economically scalable

  • Ruthless focus on solving the critical bottlenecks in alt-protein innovation & adoption that won’t be solved by others

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  • Multiple teams of scientists & entrepreneurs work together across disciplines, tackling priorities with different approaches toward a common goal

  • Bring plant-based, fermentation, cultivated, and any other emerging technologies together — promoting interdisciplinary discovery across protein production methods

  • Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) are involved early to validate commercial viability and forge relationships with external investors & partners.

Our Team

Scientific Advisory Council

⦿ Dr. Adam Leman: Principal Scientist @ The Good Food Institute

⦿ Dr. Aryé Elfenbein: Co-Founder @ Wildtype

⦿ Dr. Chris Gregson: CEO @ Paragon Pure | Founder @ Greenstalk Food Consulting

⦿ Dr. David Welch: Co-Founder @ Synthesis Capital | Former Director of Science @ The Good Food Institute

⦿ Dr. Erin Rees Clayton: Senior Scientific Research Advisor @ The Good Food Institute

⦿ Dr. Faraz Harsini: Senior Scientist @ The Good Food Institute

⦿ Dr. George Engelmayr: Founder @ Vasavance | Former CSO @ Mission Barns

⦿ Dr. Gilad Kaufman: VP of R&D @ Tofurky | Former Senior Scientist @ Beyond Meat

⦿ Dr. Harshal Kshirsagar: Former VP of Alternative Protein R&D @ Tyson Foods

⦿ Dr. Maya Benami: Co-Founder @ Taste Like

⦿ Dr. Nick Ouzounov: Co-Founder & CTO @ Geltor

Commercial Advisory Council

⦿ Aleh Manchuliantsau: CEO @ Planetarians

⦿ Chris Bryson: CEO @ New School Foods

⦿ Collin Walter: Managing Director @ The Action Lab

⦿ David Meyer: CEO @ Food System Innovations (FSI)

⦿ Eitan Fischer: CEO @ Mission Barns

⦿ Justin Kolback: CEO @ Wildtype

⦿ Magi Richani: CEO @ Alpine Bio

⦿ Max Elder: Managing Director @ FSI | Former CEO @ Nowadays

⦿ Paul Shapiro: CEO @ The Better Meat Co.