Enabling Food System Transformation: Technology, Policy, and Innovation

Explore the future of our food system in this inspiring episode of Food Tech Junkies! Host Sharon Cittone sits down with Swedish innovator and investor Daniel Skaven Ruben to discuss his impactful journey in food and agriculture and his role in driving sustainable and nutritious practices worldwide. This conversation covers a broad spectrum of critical topics, including local food system improvements, policy collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR and food system digitalization.

Throughout this episode, Daniel and Sharon discuss the pressing need to support farmers, the transformative potential of True Cost Accounting, and the global pursuit to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. Tune in to understand how technology, policy, and collaboration shape an equitable and resilient food system. Don’t miss this chance to uncover new perspectives and join us toward a sustainable food future. For more thought-provoking discussions, like and follow!

Daniel Skavén Ruben helps advance the future of food in a number of ways. He's a 10x advisor to - and 30x angel investor in - global FoodTech and AgTech startups. He's a venture partner/operating advisor to VCs Mudcake (Sweden), Nordic FoodTech VC (Finland) and Blume Equity (UK). He mentors at accelerators Big Idea Ventures, Katapult, and Norrsken Accelerator. He's the Founding Editor of the newsletter FoodTech Weekly, and the Founding Partner of Solvable Syndicate, which invests in early-stage impact FoodTech and AgTech startups globally. He also co-founded the foodtech podcast The Appetizer. Daniel was a consultant to The Rockefeller Foundation Food Initiative during 2017-2021, supporting the Foundation’s work to advance a more nourishing and sustainable food system. Daniel has also worked as an expert for the World Bank in Washington D.C. (2015-2016) on issues around technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Prior to that, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in various roles in Stockholm and New York for more than half a decade, helping Danish tech companies to internationalize. Daniel holds a BSc in International Business (Copenhagen Business School), an LLM in Public International Law (Stockholm University), and an MSc in Foreign Service (Georgetown University).

Timestamp Highlights:

00:00 – Intro to True Cost Accounting

01:18 – Daniel’s Journey into Food & Agriculture

02:16 – The Rockefeller Foundation and Food Tech Innovations

03:20 – Advising Startups & Angel Investing

05:11 – Stockeld Dreamery: From Concept to Reality

06:59 – Returning to Sweden and Dual Citizenship

08:13 – Challenges and Opportunities in Food Systems

11:10 – The Complexity of Food Systems & Local Solutions

25:43 – The Role of Farmers & True Cost Accounting

28:39 – Consumer Expectations & Regulatory Standards

29:25 – Behavioral Changes and Local Shopping

30:49 – Nutritional Quality and Food Transportation

32:32 – Technological Innovations in Food

34:36 – Food System Challenges

36:34 – The Future of Food and Technology

38:50 – Sustainable Agriculture Innovations

44:28 – Alternative Proteins & Food Waste Solutions

48:56 – Consumer Behavior & True Cost Accounting

53:01 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action