The FaBA MakerSpace will reduce the cost and uncertainty associated with early-stage innovation for businesses Australia’s University of Queensland has opened a purpose-built facility to speed up food product development…

The FaBA MakerSpace will reduce the cost and uncertainty associated with early-stage innovation for businesses

Australia’s 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 business innovation. 

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.

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 businesses 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.”