Join us as we explore how DES’s Clay with Your Food event brings together over 200 professionals to blend creativity, cuisine, and tech entrepreneurship.

Introduction

In the vibrant landscape of tech festivals, few events manage to seamlessly blend culinary artistry with technological entrepreneurship. The Clay with Your Food event, organized by DES, stands as a testament to this unique fusion, gathering over 200 professionals to celebrate culinary innovation in tech. Hosted at Jered’s Pottery in Emeryville, this event transcended traditional networking mixers, offering a multi-sensory experience where creativity, cuisine, and technology converged.

The Vision Behind the Event

Bridging Creativity and Technology

Spearheaded by Kevin D. Norman, Managing Principal of DES’s San Francisco office, and Kirsten Fordyce-Wheeler, Former Director of Interiors, Clay with Your Food aimed to spotlight the burgeoning Food Tech industry. Their vision was to create a platform where sustainable protein innovations could be showcased, addressing global food supply challenges driven by climate change and population growth.

Supporting Local Innovation

With DES’s ongoing projects like the adaptive reuse of SteelWave into theLAB Emeryville, the firm was already deeply embedded in supporting life sciences in the area. This event was a natural extension of their commitment to fostering innovation within the community, particularly in the intersection of real estate and Food Tech.

Kilns, Cooking, and Creative Challenges

An Unconventional Venue

Jered’s Pottery provided an ideal setting with its private outdoor lot and functioning kilns, setting the stage for an evening that was anything but ordinary. The event featured a judged cooking competition where top Bay Area chefs utilized Food Tech ingredients and pottery kilns to craft innovative dishes on-site.

Engaging Activities

Cooking Competition: Chefs like Ryan McIlwraith of Alora and Sarah Rich of Rich Table created dishes using alternative proteins from companies such as The Better Meat Co., SCiFi Foods, and unClassic Foods.
Pottery Challenge: Scientist-entrepreneurs took on the potter’s wheel, crafting ceramic vessels in a spirited contest that added a hands-on creative dimension to the event.
Panel Discussions: Moderated by Gordon Zagar, the panel delved into the science and mission behind the represented Food Tech companies, offering valuable insights to attendees.

Key Takeaways and Insights

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

One of the evening’s highlights was Luiza Villela, CEO of unClassic Foods, who emphasized the importance of shared physical spaces in fostering inspiration and emotional support among entrepreneurs. Her presentation underscored how collaboration across different fields can lead to groundbreaking innovations in culinary technology.

Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

Kevin Norman highlighted the significance of embracing new experiences, whether it was scientists sculpting clay or chefs experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients. This spirit of innovation and open-mindedness was a cornerstone of the event’s success, demonstrating how diverse disciplines can come together to drive forward the tech community.

Looking Ahead: Food Tech’s Future in the Bay Area

Growing Demand for Supportive Spaces

As Food Tech companies move closer to large-scale production, the need for tailored spaces such as labs, shared kitchens, and production facilities becomes increasingly critical. The conversations sparked at Clay with Your Food highlight the essential role that the real estate community plays in supporting these startups.

Building a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem

The event not only celebrated current achievements but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations. By fostering an environment grounded in creativity and hospitality, DES and the Leeds Digital Festival Innovation Hub are positioning Leeds as a leading tech city in the UK, ready to support the next wave of culinary innovations.

Conclusion

Clay with Your Food by DES exemplifies how culinary innovation in tech can create memorable and impactful experiences. By bringing together chefs, scientists, and entrepreneurs, the event has set a new standard for cross-sector collaboration, driving both industry advancement and community engagement.

Join the Innovation Hub at the Leeds Digital Festival and be part of a thriving community dedicated to fostering creativity and technological entrepreneurship. Learn more and get involved today!