Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Education has launched the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) at the University of Queensland.
FaBA is supported by the Australian Government’s $369.3 million Trailblazer Universities Program which aims to build new research capabilities, drive commercialisation outcomes and invest in new industry engagement opportunities.
This funding includes $45 million for universities involved in the Trailblazer program to partner with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO.
The program will deliver approximately $1.3 billion in Australian Government, university and partner co-investment and create thousands of new jobs and manufacturing opportunities for Australian businesses and universities.
The University of Queensland is leading the project in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology, and the University of Southern Queensland.
The project is also supported by several industry partners including, Eden Brew, All G Foods and Nourish Ingredients, and aims to shape Australia’s reputation as a sustainable producer, as well as creating global opportunities in the food and beverage industry.
Senator Chisholm said FaBA will create more efficient ways of manufacturing food and beverages and build on Australia’s infrastructure and resources to develop processes, products and markets that will benefit us all.
“FaBA will contribute to doubling the value of Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector by 2030 through generating over 1,700 skilled jobs, 30 new products and ingredients, and 20 new startups,” Senator Chisholm said.
Photo L-R: Dr Chris Downs – Director Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA); Professor Deborah Terry AO - Vice Chancellor and President, University of Queensland, Senator Chisholm, and Dr Peter Riddles AM - Chair, FaBA Board.
Through this project, FaBA will train the next generation of industry-engaged, highly skilled workers and researchers across food science, biotechnology, and engineering to build industry-related capabilities.
The University of Queensland is one of six universities to receive $50 million in funding over four years through the Trailblazer Universities Program. Curtin University, Deakin University, The University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales, and University of Southern Queensland have also received funding under the program.
Learn more about the Trailblazers Universities Program and FaBA.