Nestlé To Launch Deep Tech Centre To Boost Innovation

The centre for deep tech will be a first-of-its-kind in the food and nutrition industry and boost Nestlé’s innovation pipeline and increase efficiency in research, innovation and operations, according to the company.

Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé S.A. stated, “These new capabilities in bio tech and deep tech 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.”

Nestlé will build on existing expertise in sensor systems, solutions for product recognition, remote control and display solutions, it noted.

The deep tech facility 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.

The food giant will develop smart coffee machines, innovative solutions for precision nutrition, self-controlling equipment and new solutions for dynamic quality assurance.

Deep Tech Centre

The centre is expected to open in the first half of 2026, at the existing facilities of the Nestlé System Technology Center in Orbe, Switzerland.

Stefan Palzer, CTO of Nestlé, added, “We continue to transform our R&D organisation 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 is key to maximise efficiency in innovation and operations. And all of this is powered by a leaner and more agile R&D organisation.”

The facility will lead to the development of new nutritional solutions, boosting Nestlé’s consumer-centric innovation pipelines for maternal, early life and medical nutrition.

It will also 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, the company noted.

The company expects to drive the next generation of screening assays, enhanced capabilities in precision fermentation, as well as a reinforced clinical research programme through this centre.