Lab-to-Launch Lounge

About the series:

The Lab-to-Launch Lounge (LLL) series spotlights scientific researchers who have founded companies that solve pressing challenges through real world use cases.

The speakers will share:

* Their path from lab bench to creating a company

* What would they do differently

* Answers to your most pressing questions

Grab a bite, join the discussion, meet people working on exciting projects, and leave with new insights. Open to the Harvard community.

Speakers and company profiles:

Grant Gonzalez is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Tender Food, a company modernizing food production through a breakthrough manufacturing platform. Grant holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where his undergraduate research in Professor Kit Parker's lab became the foundation for Tender's innovative approach. Inspired by the modernist cuisne movement in resturants, Grant adapted cotton candy machines to spin protein and fiber into delicious foods, translating cutting-edge academic research into practical solutions for sustainable food production.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Boston, MA, Tender Food researching and developing a manufacuring platform to modernize food production to meet the growing and ever chaning needs of consumers. The company's platform builds food ingredents into delicious and nutrious products including protein bars, pet food, chips, and more. Tender's first market applications of plant-based meats are already outselling Impossible burgers 2:1 in Boston restaurants, delivering 8+g of protein per serving with zero cholesterol. Go find Tender's Chicken at any of the Clover locations! The company is backed by notable investors including Lowercarbon Capital, MCJ Collective, and actress Natalie Portman. With this investment, Tender Foods is tackling the challenge of how do we sustainably feed the next 8 billion people wolrdwide while tailoring food to local supply chain and prefrences. 

Yudong Cao is is an accomplished technology leader and the Head of Quantum at BCG X, where he drives innovative solutions at the heart of quantum computing. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Cao has a proven track record in developing advanced quantum algorithms and applications across various industries, including national security and pharmaceuticals. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University and has held prominent positions, including Chief Technology Officer at Zapata AI. Recognized for his contributions to the field, he was named to the Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2024.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE

Seating at all events is on a first come, first serve basis. RSVPs are encouraged so we have an accurate headcount for classroom size and catering purposes. Be sure to have your Harvard ID with you for event entry.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Harvard Grid welcomes attendees of all abilities to our events. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact grid@harvard.edu in advance of the event.

FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS

Please note: By registering, you agree to receive emails about this event and future communications from the Harvard Grid.