WASHINGTON – The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, announced the lineup for Innovation Exchange, part of the association's Signature Events taking place Oct. 6–8 at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.
Selected by a steering committee of industry experts, the 2026 Innovation Exchange lineup showcases emerging science and technologies shaping the future of dietary supplements and functional foods, with presentations spanning women's health, microbiome science, metabolic wellness, sports nutrition, and ingredient innovation. This year's steering committee included representatives from Better Being Co., GNC Holdings, Kenvue/Zarbee's, Nature's Way, and the Unilever Wellbeing Collective, bringing cross-functional expertise to ensure selected presentations reflect scientific and technical rigor as well as real-world market relevance.
The lineup includes:
- OptiMSM & Performance in Female Athletes: Supporting Joint and Muscle Health During the Menstrual Cycle, presented by Balchem Nutrition’s Eric Ciappio, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Nutrition Science, with Jessica Arnaly, Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager.
- Beyond Bacteria: Advancing Fungal Probiotics with Pichia kluyveri PK88, presented by Biohm Technologies’ John Deaton, Ph.D., Vice President, Science and Technology and Diane Alexander, Ph.D., Vice President, Sales.
- Unlocking Higher-Dose Microalgal DHA for Maternal Health, presented by dsm-firmenich’s Sonia Hartunian-Sowa, Ph.D., Head of Science, Translation, and Advocacy, with Phillip Chea, Senior Manager, Marketing and Technical Business Development.
- Reframing Menopause: A Precision Probiotic Approach Targeting the Estrobolome, presented by Kaneka Probiotics’ Jordi Riera, Chief Business Officer.
- Dose, Delivery, and Design: What Peer-Reviewed Pharmacokinetics Reveals About Clinical Evidence Standards for Botanical and Nutraceutical Ingredients, presented by Nutriventia Private Limited’s Shefali Thanawala, Ph.D., Asst. Vice President, Medical Science & Research with Vishal Shah, Co-founder and Executive Director.
- LP299V: Clinically Validated Probiotic Support for Athletic Performance, Iron Absorption, and Exercise-Related Gut Protection, presented by Probi’s Brandy Webb, N.D., Scientific Affairs Manager.
- Reprogramming Sugar Metabolism: A GLP-1 Companion for Metabolic Health, presented by Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics’ Ankit Rathi, Ph.D., Director of Science.
“Some of the most important emerging research influencing the future of health and nutrition is represented in this year’s slate of selected Innovation Exchange presentations,” said Rachel Kreider, Vice President, Product Innovation, GNC. “We look forward to hearing from these innovative companies, executing with scientific rigor to deliver targeted health solutions addressing consumer needs. And we invite industry stakeholders to join us this fall for a firsthand look at the science and technologies shaping tomorrow's products.”
Access to Innovation Exchange is complimentary for registered attendees of CRN's Signature Events, including SciComms Connect and CONVERGENCE '26. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with presenting companies through tabletop exhibits and networking opportunities throughout the event.
For more information, and to register, visit: www.crnusa.org/2026events.
