UQ accelerates food innovation with new FaBA MakerSpace
The FaBA MakerSpace can replicate all stages of food production including modified atmosphere packaging. (L-R) Geethi Eshani Ilukpitiya, Justin Nugent, Dr Bhaskar Adhikari and Charlotte Duniam.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )
The University of Queensland has opened a purpose-built facility to speed up food product development and strengthen industry collaboration.
Professor Nidhi Bansal from Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator said the FaBA MakerSpace will provide rapid prototyping, unique research collaboration opportunities and access to advanced equipment.
“By giving industry partners access to a food grade space equipped for fast, low risk prototyping, we are enabling them to innovate more quickly while drawing on UQ’s research expertise to codesign practical and commercially focused solutions,” Professor Bansal said.
“This facility is designed to help businesses test ideas, refine food and beverage formulations and explore new technologies in a way that is agile, efficient and directly connected to commercial business needs.”
The FaBA MakerSpace will reduce the cost and uncertainty associated with early-stage innovation for business.
It offers capabilities including beverage and liquid processing, powder development, filtration and separation technologies, advanced sterilisation and packaging systems and multiple drying platforms including spray drying and freeze drying.
Companies will be able to create multiple prototypes in a single session, trial emerging technologies and assess feasibility before investing in commercial equipment.
The FaBA MakerSpace will host industry partners and students of UQ's food science and technology courses.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )
Charlotte Duniam with a commercial oven used in the development of baked and dried products.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )
Professor Nidhi Bansal setting up a rheometer which is used to determine the textural properties of a food product by analysing how liquids, gels and pastes flow and change shape.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )
Geethi Eshani Ilukpitiya (left) Charlotte Duniam (right) prepare a microwave extractor, a machine that extracts flavour compounds from natural sources such as leaves, fruits and berries.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )
Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Resources, Regional Development and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – who officially opened the FaBA MakerSpace – said the facility would provide Australian business with a competitive R&D advantage.
“This is a nationally significant facility that will support food innovation, industry collaboration and workforce development,” Senator Chisholm said.
“As one of 6 projects funded under the Albanese Government’s $370 million Trailblazer Universities Program, the Food and Beverage Accelerator plays a huge role in bolstering research and commercial capability in Australia’s priority sectors.
““The new facility here in the heart of UQ provides a perfect example of the goals and possibilities set out in our plan for a Future Made in Australia.”
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the FaBA MakerSpace enables UQ to engage nationally for food and beverage industry innovation.
“This facility gives Australian companies access to capabilities that would otherwise be out of reach for many early stage or fast-growing businesses, helping them turn ideas into market ready products more efficiently,” Professor Terry said.
“The FaBA MakerSpace is a central hub in UQ’s network of innovation facilities designed to support new product development, scale-up readiness and undertake industry-led research across the food and beverage sector.”
The FaBA MakerSpace supports UQ teaching and learning by ensuring students and emerging entrepreneurs gain hands-on experience with contemporary product development, food engineering and applied industry projects.
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