The Innovation Institute for Food & Health (IIFH) at the University of California, Davis, has partnered with Nestlé Health Science to accelerate the development of innovative nutritional solutions. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and market readiness by providing scientists and entrepreneurs with the necessary support and expertise to bring their discoveries to life. The collaboration will focus on areas such as healthy aging, women’s health, metabolic health, and gastrointestinal issues, with the goal of creating science-backed products that can improve nutrition and well-being.
According to Eugenia Oton, head of the Nestlé Product Technology Center, the partnership will combine UC Davis’s leadership in food and health research with Nestlé Health Science’s global expertise in scaling innovation and understanding consumer needs. Dr. Justin Siegel, IIFH faculty director, adds that the partnership will strengthen the foundation for early-stage technologies by combining academic rigor, leadership development, and industry insight.
The partnership will provide support for start-ups emerging from the UC Davis ecosystem, including scientific validation, technical expertise, and strategic insight. Kim Fisher, IIFH director of programs, notes that the university has some of the brightest minds working at the intersection of food and health, and the partnership will help researchers think entrepreneurially and take their discoveries out of the lab and into venture-ready start-ups.
One example of a start-up that will benefit from the partnership is Amplifye, which is developing an enzyme to double protein absorption. Another example is PrismBio, which is working to identify natural colors to replace synthetic counterparts. The partnership will also support research on novel ingredients, optimizing nutrition for longevity, and empowering entrepreneurs to bring science-based solutions to market.
The collaboration will create a shared platform to bridge the translation gap between academic research and market readiness, providing practical support and expertise to help start-ups navigate the complexities of product development and connect with consumers. Oton notes that Nestlé Health Science will bring deep technical expertise in product development and consumer health, as well as a global perspective on market trends and regulatory pathways.
Overall, the partnership between IIFH and Nestlé Health Science has the potential to bring about transformative discoveries and innovations in the field of nutrition and health. By combining academic rigor with industry expertise and support, the partnership aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people around the world. As Siegel notes, “We’re excited to see how the partnership with Nestlé Health Science can help these innovations reach people faster and more effectively.”