This platform of the Consortium RITA is divided into two components: research networks and strategic sectoral projects.
Research networks bring together many companies and institutions that participate in a set of targeted research activities identified through industry-wide surveys and co-creation workshops involving food processing companies in Quebec.
On the other hand, strategic sectoral projects aim to address a challenge faced by several food processing companies in a specific bio-food sector. Strategic sectoral projects are initiated by industry in consultation with the research community, who submit the application. This type of project requires a Stream 3 application which is evaluated by an expert committee.
"In my former role as R&D Director at the Moulins de Soulanges, I had the chance to connect with the academic body through the Consortium RITA over three years. With a limited budget, we collaborated on different research projects in which we had a direct or indirect interest.
This opportunity allowed me to strengthen my interaction with my clients by working with them on common technical issues in a structured framework alongside experienced food science researchers.
The Consortium RITA made fundamental research technically and financially accessible to us. It allowed us to have an opportunity to experience and put into practice the true meaning of open innovation."
- Chafik Baghdadi, President, Mill Tech Expert Inc.