6ᵗʰ Innovation for the Future Summit

Manja Klopp is a German autocross driver competing at national level, known for her controlled and fair driving style, strong race intelligence, and excellent performance in wet conditions. She began her career in the Junior Class with the Citroën AX (2014–2017), competing in the NAX Cup and German Championship, where she was named Best Girl in Junior Category in both 2016 and 2017. Since 2018, she has raced in the Senior Class Crosscar (2WD) in the NAX Cup and German Championship, becoming Crosscar Champion in North Germany in 2022, and in 2025 she steps up to the Senior Class Buggy 1600 (PAS Buggy 4WD). She holds an International Permit C and a National C Trainer License.

Florian is a runner, coach, and passionate supporter of people striving to achieve their goals, driven by his motto: “The deeper you fall, the higher you can climb.” Raised close to nature, he developed strong values around freedom, respect, and resilience. From ice hockey player and coach to endurance runner, Florian has completed challenges ranging from half marathons to ultramarathons, including a 108 km ultra, a 218 km charity run, and 485 km in seven days. Shaped by personal and mental health challenges, he now uses his experiences to inspire others to find strength and growth through adversity.

Frank Behnam is CEO and shareholder of AQUANOVA AG, a FSSC 22000 certified German B2B manufacturer of colloidal ingredient formulas for the food, healthcare and cosmetics industry based on its awarded and patented NovaSOL® technology. He furthermore manages the daughter company AQUANOVA NA CORP. located in New York as its president. Frank is closely connected to both industry associations in the food and health segment (such as the Food Association Germany) as well as to various research institutions. In his function as Senator at the Berlin based Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade he underlines his dedication and expertise in business management. He made his university degree with focus on industrial management and marketing and has acquired broad application and technology expertise through his commercial practice which he began as a management consultant in Frankfurt. Since his entry in AQUANOVA AG in 2005 he is managing the company’s business development. He is member of the Executive Board since 2014 and got appointed as CEO in 2018.

Akhil Eashwar Aiyar is a Senior Consultant at Innova Market Insights, a global market intelligence and research firm that monitors innovations and trends in the FMCG sector. By leveraging his expertise and analytical abilities together with his experience in market research consulting, he delivers tangible and actionable insights that assist companies in driving innovation within the food and beverage industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Food Technology (Product Design) from Wageningen University.

As a skilled Product Manager in the nutrition and health sector, Yuxin brings extensive expertise in developing and managing a diverse product portfolio across Sirio’s manufacturing sites in Germany and China. Specializing in softgel formulations and pioneering innovative dosage format like gel tablets and fizzy instant tablets within the EU, she works closely with cross-functional teams to effectively drive product lifecycle management. With a solid foundation in market insights research, Yuxin has a deep understanding of consumer behavior, allowing her to deliver tailored, consumer-focused solutions that empower clients to drive business growth and expand into new markets.

Philipp initially started his career in the process and packaging machinery industry, where he provided invaluable support to clients in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. In 2023, he transitioned to Sirio, assuming the role of a senior sales professional overseeing the DACH region. Drawing from his background, Philipp is an adept expert in facilitating the development of innovative products for clients.

Dominik Mattern is a seasoned global leader in health and nutrition, currently serving as Vice President of Marketing, Science & Business Development at Balchem Corporation. With more than 25 years at the intersection of healthcare, innovation, and evidence‑based nutrition, he is known for building high‑performing teams and driving strategic growth across continents and market segments.

A trained food chemist from FAU Germany, Dominik began his career in R&D at Swiss Caps, developing next‑generation dietary supplement and pharmaceutical delivery systems. He later advanced to lead Business Development for Europe at Capsugel, shaping new market segments in active lifestyle nutrition, healthy ageing, and clean‑label solutions for major consumer healthcare brands.

At Lonza, Dominik played a pivotal role in steering global marketing for a multi‑billion‑dollar organization operating in more than 100 countries. His tenure deepened his expertise in science‑backed positioning and category‑building innovation. This journey continued at Kappa Bioscience, where he championed the global rise of the all‑trans vitamin K2 MK‑7 ingredient K2VITAL® and established a strong advocacy platform around vitamin K2.

Since 2022, Dominik has been shaping the future of Balchem’s Human Nutrition & Health division by uniting marketing excellence, scientific leadership, and business development under one strategic vision. He has built a world‑class B2B marketing and science organization, architected impactful brand platforms, and driven initiatives that strengthen Balchem’s position as a leader in science‑led nutrition.

Dominik is recognized for his innovative thinking and his bold, transformative approach to strategy. He brings determination, courage, and a willingness to challenge convention — turning scientific insight and market intuition into powerful, lasting business impact.