NC Food Innovation Lab
Accelerating food research, product development and commercialization.
THE LAB
The NC Food Innovation Lab is 16,000 sq ft of cutting-edge R&D space, and the nation’s only facility with cGMP capabilities dedicated to supporting plant-based food innovators.
NCFIL offers the latest in food processing equipment, expert food scientists and partners from across the state to help food companies and entrepreneurs get their products to market quickly and effectively.
SERVICES
We bring food innovation ideas to market. Collaborate with us on one or all of the following:
- Product Research and Development
- Pilot Plant Production
- Training and Workshops
- Food Industry Consulting
HISTORY
In 2014, the General Assembly commissioned an economic feasibility study to evaluate food manufacturing’s potential in North Carolina. The study predicted that in less than 10 years, food manufacturing could contribute an additional 38,000 jobs and $10.3 billion boost to the state income annually, if key recommendations were realized. In 2015, Governor Pat McCrory formed a Food Manufacturing Task Force with 35 thought leaders representing various aspects of North Carolina’s food system to investigate how NC could seek economic opportunities in this area. NCFIL was one of the key recommendations of these leaders. The facility officially opened its doors in 2019.
From its inception, partnership has been a cornerstone of NCFIL. NCFIL partners include:
- NC State University, provides food science and food manufacturing expertise
- NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, promotes NC products, provides business services, and ensures food safety
- Economic Development Partnership of NC, provides corporate and entrepreneurial resources
- North Carolina Research Campus, brings synergy of disciplines.
Industry Partners
We are grateful for the investment from these industry partners whose essential support helps the NC Food Innovation Lab grow and reach new clients.
For more information about how your company may become an NCFIL industry partner, contact Celeste Brogdon, Director of Development.