In this Implementors episode, host Ted Wolf sits down with Karim Pichara, Co-Founder and CTO of NotCo, for a fascinating conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping one of humanity’s oldest industries: food. Dr. Pichara shares his journey from academic research in machine learning and astronomy to building Giuseppe, NotCo’s AI platform that analyzes hundreds of thousands of plant molecules to create plant-based foods that replicate the taste and texture of animal products. He explains how products like NotMilk, NotBurger, and NotChicken emerged from applying data-driven discovery to creative problem-solving. Ted and Karim explore what it takes to turn research into a global business—scaling a billion-dollar company backed by partners like Kraft Heinz, Bezos Expeditions, and Tiger Global—while navigating the emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Karim reflects on curiosity, experimentation, and why innovation succeeds when technology amplifies, rather than replaces, human intuition. As AI expands into every industry, this episode highlights a powerful lesson: the future of innovation belongs to leaders who combine scientific rigor with imagination and empathy. It’s an inspiring look at how data, discovery, and humanity can work together to design a more sustainable and creative future.
