A new deep tech center is set to launch at Nestlé’s System Technology Center in Orbe, Switzerland, enhancing the food and nutrition giant’s capabilities in cutting-edge areas such as robotics, smart coffee machines, and precision nutrition. This center is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026, signaling a pivotal move towards advancing digital innovation in the food industry.
Expanding Digital Transformation
Nestlé’s new center will leverage existing expertise in sensor systems, remote control solutions, and product recognition. The company aims to accelerate its digital transformation and transition into a fully connected enterprise driven by data and artificial intelligence. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and innovation across various sectors.
Investment in Innovative Products
Under the leadership of CEO Laurent Freixe, who took over from Mark Schneider last fall, Nestlé is channeling investments into ambitious innovations referred to as “big bets.” Notable projects include Nescafé Espresso Concentrate, which allows consumers to easily create café-style cold espresso beverages at home. The company is also focused on building new growth platforms in nutrition, particularly targeted at women’s health.
Enhancing AI Capabilities
Nestlé has made significant strides in enhancing its AI capabilities, particularly in e-commerce. The integration of advanced technology enables the company to optimize digital shelves and deliver personalized content to consumers, thereby improving overall customer experiences and engagement.
Development of Smart Coffee Machines
The upcoming deep tech center will focus on screening, testing, and developing innovative technologies, including sensors, robotics, and virtual/mixed reality solutions. These advancements are anticipated to boost efficiency in various research and operational domains while leading to the creation of smart coffee machines and dynamic quality assurance systems.
Advancements in Nutritional Solutions
Nestlé plans to strengthen its R&D expertise in cutting-edge biotechnology and clinical research, paving the way for next-generation nutritional solutions. This approach aims to cater to maternal, early-life, and medical nutrition, while also venturing into new growth areas like healthy longevity and weight management, ultimately enhancing consumer-centric innovation pipelines.
Focus on Bioactives and Biotics
The new deep tech center will prioritize the development of highly effective bioactives and biotics, including post- and synbiotics. Enhanced capabilities in precision fermentation and robust clinical research programs will significantly advance the field of precision nutrition for both people and pets, ensuring long-term health benefits.
Resource Allocation for Future Growth
While specifics about funding and resources for the center have not been disclosed, Nestlé indicated that existing resources would likely be reallocated to support this initiative. By streamlining its R&D organization and adopting more agile operational methodologies, the company aims to maximize innovation and efficiency moving forward.
Nestlé Unveils New Deep Tech Center for Food Innovation
Nestlé is set to launch a cutting-edge deep tech center at its System Technology Center in Orbe, Switzerland, in the first half of 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the global leader in food and nutrition’s capabilities in advanced technologies, ranging from robotics to intelligent coffee machines, and tailored nutrition solutions.
Focus on Technological Advancements
The forthcoming center will build upon Nestlé’s established expertise, such as sensor systems and product recognition technologies. The company’s commitment to digital transformation seeks to create a fully connected enterprise driven by data analytics and artificial intelligence, positioning itself for a rapidly evolving market.
Strategic Innovations Under New Leadership
Under the leadership of CEO Laurent Freixe, who succeeded Mark Schneider last year, Nestlé is prioritizing investments in groundbreaking innovations. These “big bets” consist of products like Nescafé Espresso Concentrate, allowing consumers to craft café-quality cold espresso drinks at home, while also focusing on growth sectors encompassing maternal and women’s health.
Enhancing AI and E-Commerce Capabilities
Nestlé is also expanding its artificial intelligence applications, particularly in e-commerce. Through advanced technology, the company aims to refine its digital product offerings and enhance customer interaction, thereby setting a new standard in personalization within the digital marketplace.
Innovative Solutions for Consumer Needs
The new tech center will be instrumental in developing advanced generations of sensors, robots, coding solutions, and virtual reality applications. These innovations are expected to boost efficiency across various domains like research, innovation, and operational processes, enabling the creation of intelligent coffee machines and systems for precision nutrition.
Cutting-Edge Biotechnology in Nutrition
Enhanced research and development capabilities will focus on biotechnology and clinical studies to unveil novel nutritional solutions. This effort aims to further strengthen Nestlé’s consumer-oriented innovation pipelines, which emphasize healthy longevity and weight management, ultimately benefiting diverse customer demographics, including mothers and infants.
Future of Nutrition: Bioactives and Biotics
The center will focus on advanced screening assays and precision fermentation techniques, fostering the development of bioactives and biotics, including prebiotics and probiotics. According to Nestlé’s Chief Technology Officer, these groundbreaking biotechnology advancements will provide clinically validated ingredients to enhance nutrition for both humans and pets throughout their lives.
Resource Optimization for Sustainable Growth
While details regarding funding and resource allocation remain undisclosed, Nestlé indicated that a more streamlined R&D structure will facilitate these investments. By redeploying existing resources and adopting agile methodologies, Nestlé aims to sustainably support this ambitious project and maintain its position at the forefront of food innovation.
