Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Claire Kinlaw

Then:  In July 27, I had been consulting with small businesses in  Oakland, CA, brushing up on my calculus skills and finishing an online statistics course in preparation for beginning an MBA program at UC Berkeley.

Now: During the last decade, I finished my MBA.  Having focused on entrepreneurship at Haas, I met the founder of TerViva.  Upon graduation, I  joined the TerViva team to lead commercialization of our tree varieties and exploration of post harvest markets of oil and protein seedcake.

During my time in operations at TerViva, I met the Larta Institute when we were working on a commercialization plan for an National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant.  A year ago, I joined Larta to lead their agriculture practice.  My unit serves 100+ early stage food and agriculture companies managing virtual commercialization assistance programs and organizing an annual showcase for food, ag, and bio-based products, the Ag Innovation Showcase.

Inspirations: I like most that I can combine my scientific and business education and experience from within and without endeavors that seek to change the world for the better:  solving problems in feeding, housing, and clothing the world’s population in environmentally sustainable ways.

Challenges: I find most challenging the entrenchment of incumbents, large agriculture and energy industries, that slows the rate of change along with the herd mentality of investors.