Anja Leissner

Anja Leissner is a biotechnology innovator and food-tech leader specialising in dairy technology, fermentation, and alternative proteins. With two decades of experience spanning research, startup founding, and scale-up support, she helps founders turn scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions.

As Innovation Lead at UC ANR The Plant, Anja supports ventures working at the frontiers of biomanufacturing, food, health, and novel ingredients. She also advises and invests, guiding early-stage teams across the Nordic and Baltic ecosystems. Previously, Anja founded and led R&D at Stockeld Dreamery and has mentored dozens of food-tech startups via Norrsken, Rockstart, Techstars, and the University of Helsinki’s Nexus Accelerator.

Driven by a mission to advance sustainable and scalable food systems, Anja brings deep expertise in microbiology, protein design, functional ingredients, and product development.

Experience

Innovation Lead, UCANR

Advisory Specialist, Mudcake

Venture Partner, Marvelous

CEO, Spring Food System

Founder, Anja's Adventures

Founder and Head of R&D, Stockeld Dreamery

Founder, Proteins For The Future

Technology Consultant, SOLVE

Research and Consultancy Consultant, The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University

Deputy Manager Laboratory, Skånemejerier