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To me, innovation is the courage to explore new possibilities, while collaboration is the alchemy that brings those ideas to life. At the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement, we’re fortunate to work with many local and state partners—like the Rutgers Food Innovation Center—to help accelerate the growth of food businesses across the state.
Sho Islam
Director, Office of Business Engagement
Middlesex County, NJ
Innovating to collaborate in the food and beverage sector with Middlesex County and the Rutgers Food Innovation Center creates a powerful platform for growth, sustainability, and community impact. By merging academic research, local resources, and entrepreneurial energy, this partnership accelerates product development, enhances food safety, and fosters inclusive economic development. Startups and established businesses alike benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, regulatory guidance, and market expertise. Through shared goals and innovation-driven collaboration, Middlesex County and Rutgers empower a resilient food ecosystem that champions diversity, drives job creation, and brings cutting-edge solutions to the challenges facing today’s food and beverage industry.
Nolan Lewin
Executive Director
Rutgers Food Innovation Center
Innovation in food tech thrives at the intersection of public-private collaborations—these partnerships are a recipe for scalable, impactful change. At Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement, we’re proud to bridge the gap between state and local resources and entrepreneurial needs. A great example is our ongoing collaboration with Rutgers FIC—they’re an exceptional partner and go-to resource for helping food companies move efficiently from concept to retail shelves. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected food innovation ecosystem.
Kalindi Bakshi, PhD
Division Head of Life Sciences & Food Innovation, Office of Business Engagement
Middlesex County, NJ
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