Inauguration of the “Ferments du Futur” Innovation Centre

The “Ferments du Futur” Innovation Centre, dedicated to sustainable food research, was recently opened by INRAE in the Paris-Saclay science and innovation cluster, France. 

The Ferments du Futur Innovation Centre  officially opened in October on the Saclay Plateau, near Paris, in the presence of numerous public and private partners. Led by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), this unique centre in Europe aims to accelerate research on ferments and fermented foods, addressing the challenges of agroecological transition and food sovereignty. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, it features three platforms for screening, fermentation, physicochemical analysis, and food prototyping.

Refrigeration plays a critical role in the innovation efforts at the centre. Temperature control is essential during the fermentation process to ensure the optimal growth and activity of microorganisms, enabling the development of consistent and high-quality fermented products. Additionally, advanced refrigeration technologies are vital for the preservation of these products post-fermentation, maintaining their safety, nutritional value, and sensory properties. By integrating refrigeration solutions, the centre is also contributing to sustainable practices, reducing food waste and enhancing energy efficiency in food production and storage systems.

 

Launched in 2022, the “Ferments du Futur” program brings together 42 partners and is backed by a budget of 100 million euros over ten years, including 48.3 million euros from the “France 2030” investment plan. This initiative is part of a collective research effort to develop innovative solutions for the food industry, particularly in food bioprotection and the production of high-value-added ingredients.

 

INRAE has been a corporate member of the IIR since 1978.

Source

https://www.inrae.fr/actualites/inauguration-du-centre-dinnovation-ferments-du-futur-dispositif-unique-europe