Riding the AI Wave, The Iron Man Speaks

0:00 0:00

Omnivore

Episode Description

The AI era is unquestionably here, and it’s advancing at lightning speed. In this episode, AI “futurist” and IFT FIRST keynote speaker Steve Brown discusses the unprecedented opportunities that AI offers, its benefits for the global food system, and why it’s important to embrace its new technologies with a mindset of curiosity instead of fear. Nicknamed The Iron Man by the media, University of Toronto professor emeritus Levente Diosady is best known for creating double-fortified salt, or DFS—a simple but powerful innovation designed to fight iron and iodine deficiencies. In this episode, Omnivore talks with Diosady, IFT’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Nicolas Appert recipient, about turning an everyday product into a lifesaving tool that now supports the health of millions.

This episode is brought to you by IFT FIRST—the food industry's can't-miss event coming to Chicago's McCormick Place July 13-16. This year, IFT FIRST is exclusively unveiling a groundbreaking AI solution that taps into 85 years of scientific data. It's not just another tech tool—it's a virtual co-developer designed WITH food scientists, FOR food scientists. Experience breakthrough technologies, connect with global leaders, and be part of the conversations that matter. Register now.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Featured Guests

Steve Brown Author and Former Executive

Steve Brown is a former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel and the best-selling author of The Innovation Ultimatum: How Six Strategic Technologies will Reshape Every Business in the 2020s. A seasoned leader with deep experience working at tech giants, leading world-changing startups, and as a consultant to Fortune 100 companies, Brown is known for making complex tech accessible and inspiring.
Levente L. Diasody PhD.

Levente L. Diasody, PhD, P.Eng, is professor emeritus, food engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His research interests include oilseed processing, membrane processes, extrusion, advanced separation processes, and micronutrient fortification of food. He is the recipient of the 2025 IFT Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Nicolas Appert.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

Subscribe All Omnivore

Recent Podcasts

All Episodes

Pink blueberry smoothies surrounded by scattered blueberries and leaves

Mar 23, 2026

2026 Consumer Food Trends, Why Alt-Meat Is a Long Game

Dr. Liz Sloan shares her take on the defining consumer trends of 2026. And John Ruff draws on decades of product development experience to explain why alternative meat is a long game.

Podcasts