AgroFoodPark launches in Bern to support sustainable food innovation

A new public-private initiative in the canton of Bern is helping food entrepreneurs turn ideas into market-ready products. AgroFoodPark brings together academic expertise and industrial capabilities to support the development of sustainable, innovative food solutions.

Launched by the BFH-HAFL (Bern University of Applied Sciences), Sproudz, HACO Group, and RegioFood Hub, AgroFoodPark is a new network designed to assist agri-food start-ups and SMEs throughout the entire product development cycle, from idea to shelf. It provides access to scientific know-how, pilot facilities, shared infrastructure, and regional distribution channels.

Located in the Bern region, AgroFoodPark focuses on supporting the creation of sustainable food innovations, including plant-based alternatives, novel processing techniques, and clean-label products. The program is flexible and tailored to the specific needs of each participating company, providing support in areas such as R&D, prototyping, sensory testing, and scaling up production.

A recent example illustrates how the system works: a start-up aiming to produce lupin-based hummus encountered challenges linked to the bitter taste of the legume. Experts at BFH-HAFL developed validated processes to reduce bitterness, optimize production, and assess shelf life and sensory properties. With the help of the RegioFood Hub’s test kitchens and Sproudz’s facilities, small production runs were launched and tested in real market environments. The feedback gathered allowed the start-up to refine the product before moving to larger-scale manufacturing with the support of the HACO Group.

A collaborative model lowering barriers and boosting regional innovation

One of the unique features of AgroFoodPark is that intellectual property always remains with the creator, lowering barriers to entry for smaller businesses. By pooling resources across institutions, the initiative enables food entrepreneurs to develop, test, and produce without the need for large initial capital investments in infrastructure or equipment.

The AgroFoodPark is the first initiative of its kind in Switzerland, combining applied research, food industry expertise, and regional market access. The partnership is supported by the Bern Economic Development Agency and is expected to strengthen the region’s innovation capacity, generate jobs, and serve as a model for other regions.

With its collaborative approach and shared infrastructure, AgroFoodPark positions Bern, and Switzerland more broadly, as a key player in the future of sustainable food innovation.