On World Food Day 2026, the global community unites around a critical mandate: ‘Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.’ But what does that look like in practice for the scientists, product developers, and food security leaders of tomorrow?
At NRI, MSc students are combining their studies, research, and personal experiences to address global food challenges.
Below, some of the MSc Food Innovation and MSc Food Innovation with Industrial Practice students share what "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow" means to them, their research, and their vision for the future of food.
Jahnavi Bommali
As an MSc Food Innovation student, I believe innovation plays a vital role in building a sustainable and food-secure future. My background in agriculture and rural development has helped me understand the challenges farmers face, while my current studies are teaching me how science and technology can improve food quality, safety and sustainability.
My research on chitosan-based edible coatings enriched with rosemary essential oil to extend strawberry shelf life has strengthened my interest in reducing post-harvest losses through natural preservation methods. I believe that developing sustainable packaging, improving food processing techniques and reducing food waste can help make nutritious food more accessible while protecting our environment.
In the future, I aspire to contribute to the food industry by developing innovative, affordable and environmentally responsible food products and preservation technologies. I believe meaningful innovation comes from combining scientific research with traditional knowledge and practical solutions. By working towards reducing food waste, supporting sustainable food production and improving food quality, I hope to contribute to a future where everyone has access to safe, nutritious and sustainable food.
Innovating today means taking responsibility for the food security of tomorrow.
Ketharany Jegarajan
Food is essential for life, yet a growing global population and limited resources are creating significant challenges for future food security. I believe innovation is key to addressing issues such as protein demand, malnutrition, and maximising the potential of underutilised crops. As an MSc Food Innovation with Industrial Practice student, modules such as Food Product Development, Alternative Proteins, Food Nutrition and Public Health, and Food Marketing have strengthened my understanding of sustainable food systems.
My research project focuses on exploring methods to increase alternative protein content from an underutilised pulse crop. I have also gained experience developing novel food products to meet nutritional claims, which has great potential to provide nutritious and sustainable food solutions. The growing market for plant-based protein highlights how innovation can support both human health and environmental sustainability. In the future, I aspire to develop innovative food products that improve nutrition and contribute to global food security. By innovating today, we can nourish future generations and protect our planet for tomorrow.
Jeevana Padamuthum
Coming from India, food has always meant more than eating. It carries memories, care, culture and sometimes a quiet worry: Will this be enough? Is it safe? Is it loved? It is why Amma (mum) says, ‘Have a little more,’ even when we are full.
One evening after college while enjoying street food with friends, I saw bags of food thrown out in front of a big restaurant, while a short distance away people were struggling to find a proper meal. I still remember how helpless I felt. I had sat through lectures on nutrition, safety and food systems, but in that moment, I could do nothing.
That memory taught me that food waste is not only a preservation problem; It is a distribution problem. Through my MSc Food Innovation, I understand how better storage, packaging and preservation can stop food spoiling too soon, how food-rescue systems can move safe surplus to community kitchens and food banks, and how by-products like peels and pulp can become new ingredients.
In my future career, I hope to develop sustainable food products and processes that reduce waste and improve access to safe, nutritious food. Our grandmothers wasted nothing; innovation can help us to do the same at scale.
For me, "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow" means creating practical, humane solutions, ensuring the care and love we put into food never ends up as waste but reaches the people who need it most.
Building the future of food
As these students look towards their future careers, their perspectives are a reminder that nourishing tomorrow begins with the questions, research and choices we make today. Not only are they bridging academic rigour with real-world application, they are also actively building the future of food.
Explore how NRI’s MSc Food Innovation and MSc Food Innovation with Industrial Practice can help you advance your career and drive meaningful change in global food systems.