Kristi Lember is a Global Business Developer at ÄIO, an Estonian deep-tech startup commercialising fermentation-based oils and fats as sustainable alternatives to conventional raw materials. She works at the intersection of science, business development and regulation, translating academic research into scalable products, partnerships and market-ready business models. Kristi has extensive experience in building collaborations between researchers, startups, corporates and public institutions, drawing on her background in government, international diplomacy and innovation policy. Prior to joining ÄIO, she held senior roles at the Republic of Estonia Ministry of Rural Affairs and worked as a diplomat at the Estonian Embassy in Paris, engaging with the OECD on science-based policy, risk management and sustainable food systems. With a foundation in biological sciences and public administration, she brings a pragmatic perspective to how scientific knowledge can be translated into practical, real-world impact.