Tim West is a Food Futurist, Gastronomic Diplomat, and Senior Commercialization Advisor at DARPA, renowned for his leadership in pioneering sustainable, equitable, and technologically advanced food systems. With a deep commitment to transforming global food production and consumption, Tim seamlessly integrates gastronomy, science, and policy to tackle pressing environmental and social challenges.

Inspired by the Slow Food movement, Tim has dedicated over two decades to reimagining food systems, championing regenerative practices that nourish communities while fostering ecological and social resilience. His forward-thinking approaches harness artificial intelligence, bioactive compounds, and permaculture principles to deliver scalable, inclusive solutions for a rapidly evolving world.

A 2005 Culinary Institute of America graduate, Tim briefly refined his culinary expertise in elite kitchens before shifting to systemic innovation. In 2010, he joined Facebook’s California headquarters to launch Cafe 6, where exposure to the hackathon model inspired him to co-found Food Hackathons. This global initiative unites entrepreneurs, technologists, and policymakers to co-create transformative food solutions, strengthening the international food innovation ecosystem.

Recognized as one of Zagat’s 30 Under 30 in 2013, Tim expanded his influence as a Fellow4Good at the Institute for the Future in 2015. Through True West Ventures, his consulting and educational events firm, he crafts immersive learning experiences, mentors food startups, and forges strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Tesla, Airbnb, Deloitte, General Mills, Nestlé, Mars, CIA, Singularity, and SwissNex. His efforts have accelerated advancements in plant-based foods, sustainable packaging, personalized nutrition, food as medicine, gut health, and microbiome science.

As Global Ambassador for the Future Food Institute, Tim drives community events and corporate innovation strategies, fostering collaboration to build resilient food systems. He focuses on leveraging AI to optimize food production, enhancing bioactive compounds for health, and scaling permaculture for climate adaptation.

Based in Bellingham, WA, Tim is developing a climate-resilient food hub, blending local agriculture with cutting-edge technology. He supports DARPA, guiding transformative initiatives, and serves as a Fellow at PolicyLink where he works to shape a future where food is sustainable, healthful, and accessible to all.