Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Florida Polytechnic, IFF Lay Groundwork for Citrus Innovation Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/26/22

Representatives from Florida Polytechnic University and IFF recently gathered to celebrate laying the foundation for a new Citrus Innovation Center on the university’s campus in Lakeland, Fla. The 30,000-square-foot facility will play home to global citrus research and include amenities like research las, sensory and experience venues, analytical departments, a citrus garden, and more, according to a news release.

“What an honor to celebrate this beacon for innovation and excellence that is a perfect blend of science and creativity,” said IFF’s Nourish Division President, Nicolas Mirzayantz. “As we lay the foundation for a global citrus innovation center, we re-affirm IFF’s commitment to invest in R&D capabilities that unlock the development of innovative solutions for our customers, partners, and communities we operate in. This facility represents a significant milestone in our cross-divisional citrus strategy. Here, we will accelerate innovation by combining the expertise from our Nourish and Scent divisions with on-campus talent who are just as committed to pushing the boundaries of science and uplifting the citrus industry as a whole.”

The facility and its landscaping are scheduled for completion in late 2023, the news release reports. The university and IFF are partnering with Ryan Companies for the building’s design, engineering, and construction. Ryan will also maintain the building when it’s finished.

“We are proud that IFF recognized the strategic advantage in partnering with our university,” said Florida Polytechnic University President Randy K. Avent. “Our students and faculty are making real contributions in growing the tech industry by influencing the designs of pioneering technologies and real-world solutions. We’re excited about the cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for our students through this partnership in fields such as metabolomics, automation, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and biometric data capture and analysis, to name a few.”

IFF is the first company to build a facility on Florida Polytechnic’s campus, the news release reports. It will offer internships and jobs to students in fields like research and development, supply and operational coordination, customer experience, and entrepreneurship. It will also fund and collaborate with the university on faculty research, senior capstone projects and academic programs.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • UNH Marks Construction Milestone on Oceanic Exploration Facility

    The University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., recently celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a news release. The facility’s ultimate goal is to support research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.