HS Alliance
Expect more delicious, premium Australian food in refrigerators around the world, with the founding of the University of Queensland Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.
The soon-to-be-formed group is part of a two-year pilot program, linking UQ’s research and education in agri-food sciences with agribusiness companies in Queensland with $ 2.5 million in funding from the government. Australian Strategic Fund for University Reform.
Associate Dean for Research Partnerships at the Faculty of Sciences of UQ, Professor Melissa Fitzgerald, said the pilot project would reduce barriers to collaboration with industry, build strong links between academics, students and local industry, and improve the commercialization of research.
“UQ’s Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will work hand-in-hand with local agri-food companies, transforming ideas into sustainable production methods, delicious and commercially viable new foods and cybersecure supply chains.” , said Professor Fitzgerald.
“Expect new Australian foods to light up taste buds in domestic and international markets.
“The project will bring together cutting-edge science, education and entrepreneurship – it will be the Wonka plant in South East Queensland for new and emerging Australian food and drink.
“UQ has a solid history of promoting food inventions – from juices rich in probiotics, To 3d printed chocolate, To native australian sweets – we are therefore delighted to invest in the development of a whole series of new collaborative creations with ready-to-use graduates.
The project will see UQ working with food producers of all sizes and building relationships within the sector.
“We are especially excited to be working with small businesses and have seed grants ready to go,” said Professor Fitzgerald.
“These range from new animal feed supplements to the development of new food products from camel milk, new gelatin processing methods, sustainable packaging and the development of a digital twin for agri-food supply chains. Australian.
“These companies will also have access to the research translation facilities planned for Food Connection AATLIS the enclosure, Toowoomba, where UQ researchers and students will work with industrial infrastructure and pilot equipment.
“UQ is well positioned to add value to these businesses, providing Australian businesses with the expertise and support they need to reach new or more distant markets.
“And we aim to attract multinational companies to the region, so it’s really an investment that will continue to support the local economy and its development.
Further announcements will be made closer to the completion of the installation.
UQ is the only University of the Group of Eight to have succeeded in this round of financing via the Strategic Fund for University Reform.
UQ’s images of agricultural innovation and technology are available for download.