Getting Started with Research and Innovation

1. Consultation

   Contact FDC to make an appointment to meet with a Product Development Consultant or a Process Engineer an initial consultation. There is no cost for the consultation, which is an exploratory interview. A tour of the brand new pilot plant is included.

In the initial meeting the consultant explains the available services at FDC and assesses the needs of the client, based on his or her description of the product or process idea. The consultant determines which stage of readiness the client is in to pursue a commercialization or research and development project. The consultant then makes recommendations for next steps to take.

Proposal

If the client decides to pursue a project with FDC, a staff project leader is assigned who will be the primary contact for all correspondence with the client.

A written proposal about the work to be performed is drawn up by the project leader and is submitted to the client for review. The proposal typically consists of the following sections.

• Project description

• Work outline

• Reporting procedures

• Time schedule

• Cost estimate

• Materials, supplies and services

• Payment schedule

• Special terms and conditions

• Work location

3. Contract

   The client is asked to review the proposal, and if he or she is in agreement with the terms, a contract is drawn up between FDC and the client for the work to be performed. The designated project leader keeps the client informed of the work in progress to ensure that the project is completed to the client's satisfaction.

   Research and development has a high degree of inherent risk. FDC consultants identify specific checkpoints and reviews are conducted periodically at specified points in the work plan. Reviews of results are conducted jointly by the client and project leader to ensure that project objectives are being accomplished, and to discuss required changes in the work plan.

Fundamental Steps in Project Development at FDC

The information in this section is available in pdf format.

Regardless of the food or beverage product, agricultural or feed ingredient, natural health product or functional food, extracted component or process optimization project being performed for a client, the project development procedure involves basic common steps.

For example, researching the prior information is a step that always occurs early to ensure that the consultant and the client have information about regulatory and technical considerations that is accurate, current and complete.