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.
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GUESTS
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. He will deliver a fast-paced and visually dynamic keynote at IFT FIRST titled “AI Now and Next: Getting Ready for the Future of AI.”
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 Podcast
Join the award-winning editors of Food Technology magazine every other Monday for Omnivore, the podcast that intersects the business of food and the science of food, through lively discussion and interviews with product innovators, leading researchers, policy makers, and thought leaders from across the world of food.
