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

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • College of the Desert Hits Construction Milestone on New Campus

    College of the Desert recently announced that the construction of its new Palm Springs Campus in Palm Springs, Calif., recently reached a major construction milestone, according to a news release. The college is partnering with general contractor C.W. Driver Companies, which recently “topped out” the facility by placing the final beam in its structure.

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).