The newly established incubator, named ‘Gastronomica’, is a strategic collaboration between Pioneer and Unilever, with its grand opening slated for Q1 2025.
Located at Colworth Science Park in Bedford, this facility is right at the heart of one of Unilever’s Global R&D Innovation Centres. Moreover, it is surrounded by other leading companies making strides in future food and beverage innovations, including DSM-Firmenich, Symrise, and IRCA Group.
Spanning 16,000 square feet, the ground floor of the Magniac building at Colworth is currently undergoing substantial renovations. This transformation will create a shared laboratory space equipped with cutting-edge technology donated by Unilever. Noteworthy features will include advanced microbiology and innovation suites, alongside centrifugation, imaging, chromatography, and drying systems, as well as a utility room tailored for start-up use.
Gastronomica marks Pioneer’s inaugural specialist incubator dedicated to the food and drink sector.
Keith Purdie, the commercial director at Colworth Science Park, remarked on the advantages of the new site, emphasizing its strategic position within a robust food and drink ecosystem. He noted that this venture would further enhance Colworth Science Park’s standing as the premier destination for burgeoning food and agri-tech enterprises.
He elaborated: “The facility provides the ideal opportunity for food and drink start-ups to engage with Unilever, with the potential to become part of their supply chain, as well as benefit from our close links with Cranfield University and the University of Northampton and access to the Midlands Food Alliance. Gastronomica will provide a central UK hub for businesses looking to grow, test new food items, and develop local supply chains. We are already exploring plans to install additional specialist equipment to support advanced food innovation, with input from industry partners and site users.”
Pioneer envisions Gastronomica as the epicenter for groundbreaking food and drink innovations. The facility will host a variety of events and initiatives designed for all tenant businesses. Simon Hoad, the company’s executive director, expressed: “Gastronomica is grounded in nature but rooted in the future. The facility will be more than just a lab – it will be abuzz with inspiring lectures and workshops from industry experts and thought leaders, hands-on sensory experiences, demos using new techniques and ingredients, and showcases and tours across Colworth Science Park.”
“We also plan to award ambitious businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs with prizes of recognition, tenancy, mentoring, incubation, and investment. It is an exciting time to be innovating in this sector and we encourage all food and beverage start-ups and entrepreneurs to come and explore what Gastronomica has to offer.”
Julie Merrick, the Unilever R&D site leader at Colworth, added: “We are excited to support the launch of Gastronomica, a pioneering venture that embodies our commitment to innovation in the food and drink sector. This new facility will not only provide excellent resources for start-ups but also foster collaboration and creativity among emerging and growing businesses. Together with Pioneer Group, we are creating a vibrant hub that will drive the future of food and drink innovation and broaden the eco-system right here at Colworth Science Park.”
