The FOODii team recently met with Dr. Fatemeh Malekian and members of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) team, including Dr. Lam Duong and Dr. Divine, to discuss opportunities for future collaboration and engagement.

The conversation focused on identifying areas where the complementary strengths of both organizations could be leveraged to support innovation, value-added product development, and commercialization efforts within Louisiana's food and agricultural sectors. Several potential avenues for collaboration were discussed, including applied research initiatives, utilization of specialized expertise and facilities, and the advancement of technologies with commercial potential.

The SUAREC team expressed interest in exploring opportunities related to the development and commercialization of fruit- and vegetable-based products, including juices, as well as potential engagement with FOODii's innovation ecosystem and tenant network where appropriate. FOODii likewise recognized opportunities to collaborate with SUAREC researchers on projects that could benefit from the diverse technical capabilities and research expertise available across both institutions.

Overall, the meeting was a productive exchange that reinforced the shared commitment of FOODii and SUAREC to supporting agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Both teams agreed to continue discussions and identify specific projects that can generate meaningful impact for Louisiana producers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.