Unilever and Pioneer launch food and drink incubator lab at Colworth

In addition to the Gastronomica incubator, Colworth already hosts one of Unilever’s Global R&D Innovation Centres, as well as key firms involved in food and drink developments including DSM-Firmenich, Symrise, and IRCA Group.

Colworth commercial director Keith Purdie said: “We are thrilled to be unveiling our plans for Pioneer’s first ever specialist incubator in food and drink. Gastronomica will bolster Colworth Science Park’s position as the top location for new and growing food and agri-tech businesses, which all benefit from being in the same community as Unilever - one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.” 

Unilever has donated high-tech equipment to fit out the 16,000 sq ft ground floor of the Magniac building on the Colworth site.  It is due to open in the first quarter of this year, includes state-of-the-art microbiology and innovation suites, featuring centrifugation, imaging, chromatography and drying systems, and a utility room available for use by start-ups.

Purdie added that the venture would allow food and drink start-ups to engage with Unilever, with the potential to become part of the firm’s supply chain and benefit from the science park’s links to Cranfield and Northampton universities and the Midlands Food Alliance.

“We are already exploring plans to install additional specialist equipment to support advanced food innovation, with input from industry partners and site users,” he added.

Pioneer’s executive director Simon Hoad said the facility would include lectures and workshops from industry experts and thought leaders, as well as sensory experiences and demos using new techniques and ingredients. 

Colworth Unilever R&D site leader Julie Merrick commented: “Together with Pioneer Group, we are creating a vibrant hub that will drive the future of food and drink innovation and broaden the eco-system right here at Colworth Science Park.”