Justin Siegel
Associate Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and the Genome Center;
Faculty Director, Innovation Institute for Food and Health
Food Valley Big Idea
My passion for this Big Idea
“I became interested in biotech when I was just 10 years old. I knew I wanted to do something with computers, biology and genetics. Later on in my career, I realized biotechnology can be very applicable for major issues we're having in the food system, which is underserved, underutilized and ripe for innovation.
“The Food Valley Big Idea will set up a pipeline of industry leaders in food innovation, with the ability to incubate new companies and grow them here locally”
Many of the health issues facing the world today — and throughout history even — can be boiled down to the food that we eat. The world needs a revolution in food, and now it is possible. The goal of this initiative isn’t more food — it’s better food. Food that tastes good, nourishes our bodies and promotes healthy living.
The Food Valley Big Idea will set up a pipeline of industry leaders in food innovation, with the ability to incubate new companies and grow them here locally in the Greater Sacramento region — solidifying UC Davis as the national hub for food innovations. ”