Services
The BC Food and Beverage Innovation Centre at UBC (FBIC) offers a range of services to promote innovation and growth in the food industry. This includes leasing space and equipment for research purposes, providing technical assistance from expert teams, and facilitating collaborations between industries and academic experts for in-depth research projects.
Additionally, FBIC offers fee-based food testing services, internships for industrial projects, consultancy services in food production management. The FBIC also plans to establish entrepreneurship programs and develop Network Asset Maps to enhance knowledge sharing within the industry.
Next-generation food, materials, food packaging using upcycled ingredients
Our focus lies in developing cutting-edge packaging materials suitable for both food and bioproduct applications. By collaborating closely with local industries, we are dedicated to advancing plant-based food items, repurposing food waste through upcycling techniques, and crafting environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging solutions, ushering in a sustainable era for the food industry.
New product development and testing
We support our partners through the entire product creation journey, from initial idea generation to formulation, pilot testing, and eventual commercialization, all while meeting stringent safety and industry standards. We assist in identifying viable ingredient alternatives that maintain product quality and affordability. Our cutting-edge technology allows for scientific, technical and quality assurance tests to determine commercial-scale production feasibility.
Sensory expertise
Sensory science is crucial in food industry innovation. By using a host of advanced testing techniques, we assess product quality and consumer reactions throughout the development process, ensuring successful outcomes. In today’s health-conscious market, meeting consumer demand for healthier products without compromising taste is challenging, making sensory evaluation invaluable, particularly in developing healthier processed food products and alternative proteins.
Plant-based food innovation
Plant-based food is reshaping the food industry, with technology-driven solutions gaining widespread consumer approval. From alternative meats to non-dairy milk and beverages, precision and secondary processing of plant-based ingredients are creating new economic and sustainability opportunities. Our facilities support protein sourcing and optimization, formulation, processing and distribution strategies for next-generation plant ingredients.
Nanoencapsulation (bioactives, drugs)
There are millions of untapped bioactives – health-activating, plant-based compounds – in our diets. By encapsulating these compounds at the nanoscale, we can improve the nutritional quality of our food products and improve the targeted delivery of beneficial compounds, revolutionizing how we consume and benefit from nutrients and therapeutic agents in our diet.
Novel food preservation
Novel food preservation techniques ensure the safety, quality, and longevity of our food products. Best-in-class techniques help extend edible shelf life while retaining food’s nutritional value and freshness, meeting consumer demands for both convenience and health. Our facilities allow you to explore advanced food preservation methods to reduce waste, enhance supply chain efficiency, and provide consumers with a wider variety of high-quality, safe food choices.