Nebraska Innovation Campus | Food Innovation Center

Authors

University Communication

Date of this Version

12-5-2019

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Description

The NIC Food Innovation Center is a 178,000 square foot complex that houses the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Food Science and Technology Department, ConAgra Foods, Inc. and other private companies. http://innovate.unl.edu/food-innovation-center

Searchable Transcript

• [0:00] (mellow guitar music)
• [0:04] The Food Processing Center is focused on providing
• [0:08] tools and services, and expertise for the food industry.
• [0:12] And not only do we serve the food industry
• [0:15] here in the state of Nebraska,
• [0:17] but we feel that our programs have a global reach.
• [0:21] Our clients range from startup food companies
• [0:24] who are just getting off the ground,
• [0:26] all the way to the biggest of food companies
• [0:29] who are looking at new technology, or pieces of equipment,
• [0:32] or services that they don't have in-house.
• [0:35] We started working in this facility back in 2006,
• [0:40] for developing this low-sodium salt.
• [0:43] That process we developed here in the Food Innovation Center
• [0:46] helped us to go into the market.
• [0:48] This facility has seven different pilot plants
• [0:51] that set it apart from many of it's competitors
• [0:54] around the country.
• [0:55] So we have over 18,000 square feet
• [0:58] of pilot plant capability, and that includes
• [1:01] a general plant that has kettles,
• [1:04] and baking, and dough sheeting and mixing.
• [1:08] We also have retort and spray dryers.
• [1:11] We have a dedicated extrusion plant that is world class.
• [1:15] We have a high-pressure pasteurizing plant.
• [1:18] A good thing is, with the pilot plant is,
• [1:21] we can work with the small quantities
• [1:24] before we go into bulk capacity for testing that.
• [1:28] We have the Department of Food Science and Technology,
• [1:31] their academic program, that's here on Innovation Campus.
• [1:36] We also have the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.
• [1:41] And then we have the other research and extension,
• [1:44] the outreach, other programs that are typically found
• [1:47] with an academic program at a land grant university.
• [1:51] This is an excellent opportunity for us,
• [1:53] and it's excellent facilities.
• [1:55] And we work with the different faculties
• [1:57] here in the department, and across the university as well.
• [2:02] One of our main goals is to help Nebraska
• [2:05] elevate itself economically.
• [2:07] Create more jobs by having food companies locate here,
• [2:11] grow here, expand here.
• [2:14] The campus is new and vibrant,
• [2:16] it is excellent opportunity for us, being here.
• [2:19] (upbeat guitar music)