Nestlé has announced the strengthening of its R&D in biotechnology and the creation of a new centre for deeptech, to boost its innovation pipeline and increase efficiency in research, innovation and operations.
The investments will be unlocked by a leaner R&D organization, more agile ways of working, a focused project portfolio and the redeployment of existing R&D resources.
Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé S.A. said: “These new capabilities in biotech and deeptech will fuel growth by meeting changing consumer needs and accelerating the digital transformation of Nestlé. This is about putting the Nestlé Virtuous Circle in action: unlocking investment through efficiencies to drive more focused and impactful innovation and growth.”
Enhanced R&D expertise in biotechnology and clinical research will lead to new nutritional solutions, the company said. Nestlé hopes this will boost its innovation pipelines for maternal, early life and medical nutrition, and support new growth platforms such as healthy longevity, women’s health and weight management. Science-based solutions will also be leveraged for Nestlé’s pet care business, including pet therapeutics. New capabilities include the development of the next generation of screening assays, enhanced capabilities in precision fermentation, as well as a re-enforced clinical research programme. The company aims to drive significant advances in precision nutrition and the development of new generations of highly effective bio-actives and biotics including post- and synbiotics.
The creation of a centre for deeptech will be a first-of-its-kind in the food and nutrition industry. Nestlé will build on existing expertise in sensor systems, solutions for product recognition, remote control and display solutions. The new centre will screen, test and develop new generations of sensors, robots, coding systems, high-performing AI and virtual/mixed reality solutions to increase efficiency in research, innovation and operations.
New technologies will enable the development of smart coffee machines, innovative solutions for precision nutrition, self-controlling equipment and new solutions for dynamic quality assurance. The center will be officially opened in the first half of 2026, at the existing facilities of the Nestlé System Technology Center in Orbe, Switzerland.
Stefan Palzer, CTO of Nestlé S.A. said: “We continue to transform our R&D organization to embrace science and technology trends and to seize current and future growth opportunities. The industry-leading biotechnology capabilities will deliver new ingredients with clinically proven bio-efficacy for precision nutrition for people and pets along their entire lifespan. The upscaling of our unique capabilities in deep tech are key to maximise efficiency in innovation and operations. And all of this is powered by a leaner and more agile R&D organization.”
Jim Cornall is editor of Deeptech Digest and publisher at Ayr Coastal Media. He is an award-winning writer, editor, photographer, broadcaster, designer and author. Contact Jim here.
