
Transforming the Food & Ag System through Shared Facilities
Insights by Emmanuel Anom
A Personal Journey into Shared Facilities
I remember visiting a Shared Facility for the first time. Walking through the doors, I was struck by the energy and diversity of the space. In one corner, a startup was testing a new plant-based protein formulation. In another, a team was optimising the process to remove blueberry extract from the sidestreams of blueberries, and in a third, researchers from a major food company were collaborating with scientists on a sustainable packaging solution. It was a microcosm of innovation, and I could sense? The potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the air.
This visit was more than just an eye-opener; it was transformative. Witnessing firsthand how diverse teams could come together to innovate and solve complex problems inspired me to delve deeper into the world of Shared Facilities. I decided then that I wanted to be a part of this collaborative revolution, to help drive the food and agriculture sector towards a more sustainable and innovative future.

The Shared Facilities Concept: A Game-Changer
Shared Facilities is more than just a buzzword; it’s a collaborative model that’s reshaping how we approach innovation and scaling in the food and ag system. At its core, this concept involves spaces where diverse partners can come together, share resources, and work towards common goals. This is not just theory; it’s a practical, thriving ecosystem that I’ve seen in action.
The Ecosystem: A Melting Pot of Innovation
What makes Shared Facilities truly powerful is the ecosystem they foster. This collaborative model brings together innovative startups and scale-ups, R&D and innovation teams from established firms, academic researchers and institutions pushing the boundaries of knowledge, policymakers and government agencies shaping the regulatory landscape, investors and industry stakeholders providing the financial backbone to fuel innovation, equipment manufacturers and technology providers. Each partner brings unique perspectives, resources and expertise to the table. This diversity is the secret sauce that fuels innovation and accelerates the scaling of solutions.
Witnessing firsthand how diverse teams could come together to innovate and solve complex problems inspired me to delve deeper into the world of Shared Facilities.

Benefits for All: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
The benefits of this collaborative approach are numerous and include:
- Cost Efficiency: Startups can access state-of-the-art facilities and equipment without the prohibitive costs.
- Accelerated Innovation: Shared knowledge and resources speed up the development process.
- Risk Mitigation: Collaborative projects distribute risk, making it easier to take bold steps.
- Networking: Being part of a Shared Facility opens doors to valuable connections and partnerships.
- Enhanced Visibility: The collective success of the facility attracts attention from investors and customers alike.
Take, for example, the startup optimising the process to remove blueberry extract. By leveraging the shared resources and expertise available at the facility, they were able to refine their extraction process, significantly reduce costs, and improve the quality of their product. This collaborative environment not only accelerated their development but also opened doors to partnerships with major food companies, leading to the successful commercialisation of their extract.
The Sweet and Sour: Challenges and Learnings
However, the path to successful collaboration is not without its hurdles. Here are some challenges and lessons I’ve learned:
- Intellectual Property Concerns: Balancing openness with protecting proprietary information is tricky. Clear agreements and trust are crucial.
- Cultural Differences: Startups, corporates and academics often have different working styles and priorities. Bridging these gaps requires patience and understanding.
- Resource Allocation: Ensuring fair access to shared resources can be contentious. Transparent scheduling and usage policies help mitigate conflicts.
- Competing Interests: Partners may have conflicting goals. Open communication and finding common ground are key.
- Governance and Decision-Making: Establishing clear protocols for decision-making ensures smooth operations.
Most times, the tension is obvious, but through open communication and mediation, one eventually finds a way to collaborate rather than compete. This highlights the importance of transparency and conflict resolution in collaborative spaces.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Collaboration
Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that Shared Facilities represent the future of innovation in the food and ag system. As we face global challenges like climate change, food security and sustainable production, collaboration will be our most powerful tool.
Reflecting on my first visit to that Shared Facility, I realise how pivotal that moment was. It inspired me to pursue a career in the food industry focused on entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration and innovation. Today, the startup that was working on blueberry extract has not only perfected their extraction process but has also partnered with major food companies to incorporate their extract into a range of products, contributing to a more sustainable food system. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Just as that startup turned blueberry sidestreams into a successful product, we too can turn our collective efforts into groundbreaking innovations. Let’s embrace the Shared Facilities model, harness the diverse expertise within these collaborative spaces, and transform the food and agriculture system for a sustainable future. Together, we can create a ripple effect of innovation that benefits us all.
