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

  • Miami University Approves New $242M Multipurpose Arena

    Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, recently announced that its Board of Trustees has approved construction of a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field, according to university news. The $242-million project will serve as a new centralized hub for student life and create space for economic development on campus.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part I

    We asked, you answered, and the results are in! Last year, we put out a call for submissions to collect our readership’s opinion on trends and predictions for K–12 and higher education facilities in 2026.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.