Do you have a research finding with the potential to make a difference beyond academia? If so, Sarosh Ramachandra would love to hear about it. As an Innovation and Business Advisor at SLU Holding, he helps researchers explore how research findings can be transformed into innovations, new business opportunities and companies.
Within DeLiS, the focus is on the intersection of food and deep tech – technologies rooted in advanced research and scientific breakthroughs, with the potential to transform how we address complex societal challenges. The ambition is to help more research findings evolve into sustainable innovations and contribute to the food systems of the future.
“What excites me most about DeLiS is the opportunity to turn outstanding research in sustainable food into tangible benefits for society. We want to build a bridge between research, innovation and industry.”
So, what makes a research finding interesting from an innovation perspective? A good starting point is research that addresses a real-world problem or need. But you don’t need to have a finished product or business concept.
“Many of the most exciting innovations start with an observation, a research question or a promising result. You don’t need a fully developed business plan.”
When Sarosh and his colleagues identify an interesting research finding, the first step is to explore its potential. This may involve looking at possible applications, market opportunities, intellectual property rights and the resources needed to take the idea further. The right companies, investors and other potential partners can then be brought on board.
Sarosh’s own background as a researcher gives him a valuable understanding of the realities of academic research and the often lengthy journey from an initial idea to a research finding.
“I know how long the journey from an idea to a research result can be. My role is to meet researchers where they are and help translate the potential of their research into opportunities for the market and society.”
DeLiS is also built on bringing together different areas of expertise and networks. The project is run by SLU Holding and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), together with Örebro University, Örebro University Holding and Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC). Through the project, new opportunities are created to connect researchers with companies, innovation organisations and other relevant partners.
The combination of food research and advanced technology opens up a wide range of innovation opportunities. Examples include new protein sources and ingredients, advanced processing technologies, precision fermentation, AI-driven food development and smarter use of raw materials. DeLiS is currently working, among other things, to identify promising research findings at SLU and PAN Sweden.
“When food and deep tech come together, we can create entirely new solutions for the food systems of the future. These could involve new protein sources, advanced processing technologies, precision fermentation, AI-driven food development or smarter use of raw materials. This combination opens the door to innovations that can strengthen competitiveness while contributing to sustainability.
“SLU and Örebro University have strong research capabilities across the entire food value chain. I see enormous potential in turning more of these research findings into innovations and solutions for sustainable food systems of the future.”
The food systems of the future will most likely require new ways of thinking about both raw materials and technology. Sarosh sees great potential in combining different research disciplines and technological fields.
“I believe the combination of biological processes, digitalisation and advanced materials technology will play a greater role than many people realise today. We will likely see new ways of producing, processing and distributing food that are both more resource-efficient and sustainable. Transforming raw materials into high-value food products will become just as important as production itself.”
If you have a research finding and are wondering whether it could have potential beyond academia, you don’t need to have all the answers yourself.
“Get in touch anyway. The most important thing is not to let a good idea remain in a desk drawer. Together, we can explore its potential and identify the most relevant next steps.”
DeLiS is looking for researchers with ideas, research findings and technologies that could help shape the food systems of the future. Get in touch and let’s explore the possibilities together.
Sarosh Ramachandra
Email: sarosh.ramachandra@slu.se
Phone: +46 70 757 66 88
Sarosh Ranachandra, Senior Innovation & Business Advisor, SLU holding.
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