Anjan Contractor, BeeHex

The Ohio State University

While working for Systems and Materials Research Consultancy, Anjan Contractor, CEO and co-founder of BeeHex, invented NASA’s 3D food printer system for deep space missions.The system can "print" dishes using layers of food powders that will have a shelf life of three decades.For the first time, astronauts mayenjoy space pizza while meetingthe agency’s strict nutritional and sustainability requirements. Anjan founded BeeHex and further developed his 3D food printer system to accommodate a variety of food consistencies and developed a no-drip extrusion platform for chocolate and pizza printing.Then he hit the road to print pizza at multiple events, winningawardssuch as “Best New Tech” by Vice Magazine, “Best Tech in Silicon Valley”and “Best New Technology” atTaste Talks Food and Drink Awards. He ultimately partnered with Donatos Pizza and relocated to Columbus. This is not his first time in the city, as he received his master’s degree in materials science and engineering and bachelors in mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University. Key Topics include: technology and food manufacturing, 3D printed foods, personalized information