The way we produce and consume protein is changing. With the global demand for meat at an all-time high and set to double by 2050, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. Alternative proteins—whether plant-based, cultivated, or fermentation-derived—offer a way to feed more people with fewer resources, reduce environmental impact, and build a more resilient food system.

In this episode, we explore the future of food with Devika Suresh, a champion for alternative proteins in India. Passionate about the intersection of technology and sustainability, Devika has been instrumental in advancing smart protein education, research, and innovation. She works to build pathways for young Indians to shape this growing industry and drive meaningful change in how we think about food.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• The Basics of Smart Protein: What exactly is alternative or smart protein, and why should anyone care? Devika breaks down the essentials and explains the impact on food security, climate change, and planetary health.
• India's Path to Net Zero: Can India realistically achieve its 2047 Net Zero target, and how have policies like BioE3 contributed to the positive momentum?
• The Bioeconomy Movement: With terms like "Bioeconomy" gaining traction globally, Devika explains what this means for India and the world.
• Consumer Perceptions: We tackle common misconceptions around alternative proteins and explore strategies to shift the narrative from niche to mainstream.
• Cultural Nuances and Market Dynamics: Why is India strategically positioned to lead in this sector? Devika discusses cultural factors, market drivers, and setbacks, and how to avoid another "organic" déjà vu.
• Regulatory Landscape: How has the FSSAI’s framework supported this industry, and what lessons can be drawn from other countries?
• The Role of Big Brands: With major corporations entering the space, why is mass acceptance still a challenge, and when can we expect a shift in consumer attitudes towards taste, price, and process?
• Future Predictions: What innovations and products could be game changers in the next 10-20 years?

We also explore Devika's vision for the future—what food we want on our plates by 2050, and how India can play a pivotal role in feeding a growing global population sustainably.

Tune in to hear her insights, predictions, and her passion for reshaping the future of food. Whether you're curious about sustainable eating or looking to understand the business of alternative proteins, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of food, technology, and climate action.

For episode 9, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neha Vyaso and Kanak Garg – Founders of Brave Spaces • Intimacy Coordinators • Actors • Creators.

Titled 'Building Boundaries & Breaking Barriers' - this is one of our most powerful, heartfelt and intense episodes.

We uncover a wide range of topics, as highlighted below:

• What is the story behind brave spaces?
• What does an intimacy coordinate facilitate? What does a day in your work look like?
• What does creating a 'Culture of consent', mean?
• Does it exist in India?
• How are brave spaces created?
• What are the values that guide you?
• How is a workshop conducted?
• How can we think of gender, sexuality and sex in an inclusive, simplistic manner?
• Why are pronouns so confusing for everyone?
• Is social media helping or dividing?
• Why is everyone so scared about cancel culture?
• How can we create brave and not just safe spaces?
• What is the future you imagine for a more inclusive tomorrow?

Barriers are things that are holding you back from living a wholesome life - being the human you are. Boundaries must empower you - knowing about your boundaries, knowing what works for you, what doesn’t and understanding that those boundaries also evolve.”

Tune in to this episode to hear more such empowering and insightful snippets and of course, to hear - what makes them a work in progress?

Mikhil Innani is the Managing Director at Apollo Finvest, a public listed internet first transactional NBFC. He has 8+ years experience of building products from scratch to an unprecedented scale of 100+ million monthly active users. He is currently building the "AWS for Lending" platform which helps fintech's start lending in a matter of hours

Prior to Apollo Finvest, Mikhil headed consumer products at Hotstar (India’s largest OTT platform) and CouponDunia (Acquired by Times Internet) and co-founded PharmEasy (India’s largest, series C funded, online medicine delivery startup) Mikhil holds a Master's degree in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor's degree from Mumbai University