Dr Natalja Ivanova

With a PhD in Food Science, her background spans sensory and consumer science, product development, research translation, innovation management, and industry engagement.
Throughout her career, Natalja has worked on a range of food and beverage innovation projects, including functional foods, alternative proteins, low and no alcohol beverages, sustainable ingredients, and emerging food technologies. Her experience includes collaborating with researchers, industry partners, and government stakeholders to support the development and application of new products, processes, and technologies.
Prior to joining Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), Natalja held roles with the Queensland's Department of Primary Industries, HelloFresh, and Food Retail Group, where she worked across innovation, product development, and commercial initiatives. These experiences provided her with insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the food and beverage sector, from research and government programs through to commercial product development and market delivery.
In her role with FaBA, Natalja works with businesses and researchers to identify opportunities for collaboration and accelerate the translation of research into industry outcomes. She supports the development of partnerships, innovation projects, and commercial pathways that help organisations access new capabilities and advance their growth objectives. She brings a practical, evidence-based approach to stakeholder engagement, project development, and innovation, with a focus on delivering outcomes that are relevant to industry needs.