Lambton College is launching a new Hub for Sustainable Food Innovation (HSFI) in an effort to strengthen Canada's food and beverage sector.
The recently announced initiative was made possible, in part, by a $225,000 donation from RBC Foundation over three years.
"Canada's food and beverage sector needs to attract and train nearly 142,000 new workers by 2030 - close to 50 per cent of its current workforce - and that urgency is exactly what makes this Hub so exciting,” said RBC Lambton Kent Market Regional Vice President Laura Hilton in a media release.
Lambton College said 600 students are expected to benefit through paid applied research positions and capstone projects, preparing them with job-ready skills.
The hub is also expected to advance research in areas such as artificial intelligence for food production, environmentally sustainable materials and packaging, automation and process optimization, and food safety and quality.
“Lambton College is committed to developing the talent and solutions needed to support Canada’s evolving food sector,” said Lambton College President and CEO Rob Kardas in a statement. “The Hub for Sustainable Food Innovation (HSFI), supported by RBC Foundation, creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage in applied research and capstone projects while working directly with industry.”
The school said HSFI will leverage Lambton College's advanced labs, facilities, and research expertise in bio-industrial technologies, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
