Women in FoodTech Leadership Program Tackles Gender Gaps in Alternative Protein Industry

Tel Aviv, Nov. 22, 2024 – As the global alternative protein sector continues its rapid growth, one crucial issue demands attention: the gender gap. The Women Leading FoodTech Leadership Program, backed by the Israel Innovation Authority, is stepping up to address this disparity by empowering women with the skills, networks, and leadership training needed to shape the future of FoodTech.

While Israel’s high-tech industry has earned its reputation as a global leader, it remains far from achieving gender equality. Women are still underrepresented in both senior management roles and advanced technical positions, even though numerous studies show that female leadership brings proven benefits. A Catalyst study revealed that companies with a higher proportion of women in top management positions had a 34% higher return on equity and 42% higher return on invested capital than those with fewer women in leadership. Similarly, a First Round Capital report found that female-led startups performed 63% better than their all-male counterparts and generated 35% higher returns on investment.

This is why the Women Leading FoodTech Leadership Program is focused on nurturing female leadership, particularly in the fast-growing alternative protein sector. A 2023 report from RISE Israel (formerly SNPI) showed that while 44% of employees in the alternative protein industry are women, men still dominate senior management roles. Only 31% of companies in this sector have a woman in a senior position, and just 25% are led by women.

The Women Leading FoodTech Leadership Program aims to close this gap. Its mission? To equip women with the skills, tools, and networks they need to advance into leadership positions, demand equal pay, and seize larger opportunities within the entrepreneurial tech space. By offering targeted upskilling, leadership training, and access to experienced mentors, the program helps women tap into the growing opportunities in alternative proteins, a sector that appeals to many due to its strong focus on sustainability, social impact, and global food security.

“We’re seeing a shift. Women are drawn to FoodTech not only because it’s a field ripe with opportunity, but also because it aligns with their values. This sector is about more than just business—it’s about creating solutions for a healthier planet,” said the COO of the Modern Agriculture Foundation.

“The alternative protein industry is still in its early stages, which means the barriers that exist in more established sectors, like male-dominated networks, haven’t fully taken hold yet. This is our moment to make sure women are part of the conversation and driving the change,” added Levana, CEO of the Modern Agriculture Foundation.

The Women Leading FoodTech Leadership Program doesn’t just train women to be future leaders—it creates immediate impact by fostering a community of female professionals who are already pushing the boundaries of innovation in FoodTech. This initiative is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive, diverse, and ultimately more innovative and competitive alternative proteins industry.

One participant summed up the program by saying: “The course is enriching and boosts motivation. It gives inspiration and a small yet important taste of fields we don’t usually touch. I left each lecture with a new tool or valuable knowledge. Meeting other talented, strong women who serve as impressive examples helped build my confidence and drive. This course is crucial—I’m already an ambassador for it!”

The success is clear: 90% of participants said they would recommend the program to a friend.

The alternative protein sector presents a unique opportunity to get this right from the start, and the Women Leading FoodTech Leadership Program is leading the charge.

About the Modern Agriculture Foundation The Modern Agriculture Foundation is a key player in Israel’s FoodTech ecosystem, dedicated to nurturing innovation and developing talent. Through initiatives like the Women Leading FoodTech Leadership Program, the organization is helping to shape the future of food.