Food Pilot (ILVO – Flanders’ FOOD)

The Food Pilot supports companies, laboratories and governments with agri-food challenges related to product development, process optimization and technical troubleshooting. Within a co-creative process they bring solutions in the form of confidential advice, lab analyses or pilot trials performed on semi-industrial processing equipment.

Process & Engagement

Food Pilot engages a broad group of stakeholders, including food companies, industry, academia, government and civil society. Engagement is based on a clear code of conduct covering safety, integrity and intellectual property, ensuring confidential and trusted collaboration with companies of all sizes. Interaction takes place via pilot trials, lab analyses, workshops, discussion groups and personalized consultations. Innovative engagement is achieved through the combination of semi-industrial pilot infrastructure and active participation in networks such as Flanders’ FOOD Pilots Network.

Success Story

A major success factor is the ‘one-stop-shop’ model, offering easy access to a very broad domain of expertise and equipment. This approach enables companies to address complex food processing challenges efficiently through co-creation with experts.

Impact & Results

Food Pilot has contributed to more sustainable food processing, improved product quality and faster innovation cycles for many companies over the years and stills performs at highest standards. Its extensive pilot infrastructure and in-house expertise have resulted in strong uptake by both SMEs and large companies.

Challenges & Lessons

Continuous investment in communication, infrastructure maintenance and technological updates remains a challenge, as does the high cost of maintaining a large pilot facility in a fast-evolving innovation landscape.

Looking Ahead

Future focus lies on maintaining state-of-the-art infrastructure, strengthening data-driven and AI-supported food processing, and continuing to serve as a central hub for food innovation in Flanders and beyond and by embedding the pilot in national and international living lab networks.

Key Message

Accessible pilot infrastructure combined with deep expertise is a powerful catalyst for co-creative food innovation.