Suzan Vellekoop

I’ve worked for 5 years in an international seaweed breeding company in the Netherlands as a lab intern, seeding tech lead, and finally, a project coordinator. I have an unconventional drive to work with food innovations that are complicated, capital intensive, challenging to scale yet transformative if successful. I am curious

Lab intern and Seeding tech lead at Hortimare (2021-01 – 2023-01)

I've independently managed experiment workflows to develop a novel seeding technique using (food grade) binders to glue microscopic seaweed seedlings to substrates. Selected suitable binders, mixing ratio, seeding technique, designed a prototype and led the first field trials before handing the project over to the technical team for compatible seeding machine development.

Project coordinator at Hortimare (2023-01 – 2026-01)

Worked alongside Managing Director to initiate, write and manage applied science projects on local, regional and EU level, as well as coordinate the team and administration. Towards the end of my period at Hortimare, I was managing 11 active projects, which gave me the opportunity to work on many different species, strains and global contexts.

Co-founder at Seaweed Valley (2025-04 – 2026-01)

Co-founding an applied research foundation dedicated to closing the gap between market and producers that leaves hundreds of tonnes of seaweed left without a client in Europe. Gathering market-led innovation challenges from established, medium sized innovative businesses active in several fields; cosmetics (including packaging), Agri (biostim) and food (bakery and high-end restaurants). Involving students, institutions and companies to develop bespoke solutions (Partners: NIOZ, TNO, WUR, InHolland, Vonk).

Creation of research subgroups to solve practical challenges in food science, applied mechanical engineering, bioprocessing and compound analysis.

Community Manager at Wavemakers United (2020-09 – 2022-01)

International NGO dedicated to clean, safe and enough water globally, inspiring young people to help solve water challenges.

Intern at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019-02 – 2020-07)

Supported Dutch economic diplomacy activities in the MENA region, with a focus on water–energy–food systems and sustainable food production. Conducted policy and market analysis on agricultural innovation and food security strategies in arid environments. Conducted an internal research to assess if the activities of our department match the SDGs.

Freelance festival catering staff at Various vegan food trucks (2022-05 – 2025-09)

• Dutch Weed burger
• Tres Hermanos Vegan burgers
• Karma kebab

Host at International diplomatic events (2019-01 – 2020-12)

• Dutch pavilion at World Expo 2020 - Theme: Uniting Water, Energy, Food.
• Dutch pavilion of the 2019 Beijing horticultural Expo - Theme: Growing Green Cities.

Surf Camp Manager at Surfana (2026-05 – 2026-09)

I oversee a crew of 15+ international volunteers that are changing every 3 weeks. Core values of my management style in this job are; fairness, clear onboarding, creating a safe and relaxed atmosphere, honesty and realism.

Chef at Yoga school (2026-01 – 2026-02)

Raising money for ALS research with fine-dining experiences (2024-2026)

MSc in Governance of Sustainability – Leiden University (2021-09 – 2023-09)

Bachelor in European Food Business – Aeres University of Applied Sciences (2016-09 – 2020-06)