Naishad Dalal is an accomplished food scientist with a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology from RMIT University. With over a decade of technical and manufacturing experience in Australia’s dairy industry, Mr. Dalal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His areas of specialization include powdered beverages, infant formula, Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages, child nutrition, and plant-based products.

As the founder of the Food Entrepreneurship Academy established in 2021, Mr. Dalal leads the Academy as the Academy Director and Principal Food Technologist. Under his leadership, the Academy has successfully launched more than 110 products for 35 startups. Mr. Dalal is also a co-founder of Pipan Foods, a children’s health supplements and snack company established in 2018, where he currently holds the position of Technical Director.

Mr. Dalal’s passion lies in food entrepreneurship, food innovation, human nutrition, and bringing concept ideas to life as real food products. His diverse background and expertise make him a valuable asset to any food start-up looking to launch innovative products.

Dr. Raphaëlle O’Connor is a senior consultant in research and development and new product development. She holds a Ph.D. in food science and technology and has more than 25 years’ experience as a food product developer and innovator for companies like Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Pfizer, and Wyeth Nutritional’s. Her extensive professional experience at regional and global levels ranges across several product categories such as infant formula, probiotics, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, and cosmeceuticals.

Combining a unique set of technical skills with a business mindset, Raphaëlle can bring together investors, manufacturers, scientists, and academics to create innovative products with structure, speed, and precision. She is passionate about developing products for conscientious consumers, in line with the latest developments in new ingredients, scientific evidence, and sustainability principles.

Hii Wen Suog is a dedicated Food Technologist with over two years of comprehensive experience in food product development. Specializing in beverage new product development, his expertise spans children’s nutritional beverages, sauces, and Asian seasonings. Renowned for his meticulous and technically driven approach, Hii integrates scientific precision with creative culinary insights to develop innovative formulations that cater to diverse consumer needs. His work reflects a commitment to sustainability and excellence in food innovation, ensuring that every product not only meets rigorous quality standards but also enhances consumer well-being. Passionate about advancing the future of food development, Hii continues to contribute to solutions that satisfy both the nutritional needs and the palates of his customers.

With extensive experience at Pan Pacific, Dhruv Khanna is a seasoned culinary professional who masterfully integrates chef expertise with advanced food science. His hands-on kitchen experience and deep understanding of ingredient functionality have been instrumental in pioneering our high-protein product lines. Dhruv has played a key role in developing innovative products—from high-protein noodles and cookies to protein-enriched condiments—that not only delight the palate but also meet stringent nutritional standards. By marrying traditional culinary techniques with modern research and development practices, he transforms creative concepts into market-leading products. Passionate about culinary innovation, Dhruv consistently pushes the boundaries of food creation, setting new benchmarks in product excellence and consumer satisfaction.