Swiss food and drink processing conglomerate Nestlé has announced the opening of its new R&D Accelerator centre in Konolfingen, Switzerland.

The new facility will focus on fast-tracking innovation in sustainable milk and plant-based dairy products from idea generation to marketing.

It will serve as a platform for start-ups, students and scientists to develop products using Nestlé’s expertise in dairy and plant protein segments.

Nestlé global product and technology development head Thomas Hauser said: “Our goal is to provide start-ups, students and Nestlé scientists with key resources to quickly explore new ideas through a six-month test and learn approach.

“By tapping into our expertise in food science, food safety, regulatory, manufacturing processes, and packaging, they can rapidly upscale and test new products in real market conditions.”

Nestlé’s Konolfingen facility is claimed to be the company’s largest research and development centre built for milk products and plant-based dairy substitutes.

The R&D Accelerator centre is part of Nestlé’s global R&D Accelerator initiative and will concentrate on the development of new product concepts for the company.

It features a fully equipped test kitchen and a co-working office space.

Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said: “Innovation in milk products and plant-based dairy alternatives is core to Nestlé’s portfolio strategy, as well as our sustainability agenda.

“As a company, we have set ambitious climate goals. This is part of our promise to develop products that are good for you and good for the planet.”