Challenge Bringing new food products to market often involves high levels of risk and capital investment, which can hinder innovation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. The lack of accessible, advanced facilities for product development and testing creates a significant barrier to commercialisation, limiting the ability of food companies to innovate and compete effectively.
Solution The Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre (formerly known as the Food Technology Facility) was built and established through a strategic partnership between the WA State Government, Future Food Systems CRC, and Murdoch University. Designed as an open-access facility, SIFT will provide food companies with state-of-the-art infrastructure to conduct research, trial new processes, and develop innovative products. By offering shared access to high-quality equipment and expertise, the Centre aims to lower the barriers to entry for product development and reduce the risks associated with scaling up to commercial production.
Impact SIFT is set to play a pivotal role in driving food innovation in Western Australia and beyond. By supporting early-stage R&D in a cost-effective and collaborative environment, the facility enables companies to explore new ideas, refine formulations, and prepare for market entry with reduced financial burden. This initiative strengthens the region’s food innovation ecosystem and empowers companies to bring novel, high-quality products to consumers more efficiently and sustainably.
