UBC's newest food innovation centre will be named after the owner of a Richmond-based food company.
Dan On, founder of Dan-D Foods Ltd. and the Dan On Foundation, donated $7 million to fund the construction of UBC's Food and Beverage Innovation Centre.
In recognition of his donation to UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the post-secondary institution is naming the facility the Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre.
The centre will have three research bays for lease to small and mid-sized companies with access to kitchen spaces to develop food products.
It also includes a processing lab equipped with high-pressure processing, microwave-vacuum dehydration, individual quick freezing, fluid extraction and fermentation capability technologies.
This building is one of few at UBC named after a refugee.
On came to Canada in 1979 as an 18-year-old Vietnamese boat refugee and was taken in by the Kavanaghs, a family in Port Coquitlam.
After years of working and learning about the food industry, On launched Dan-D Foods in 1989.
"As someone who began my journey here as a refugee, I know the power of opportunity,” said On.
“Through this centre, we’re not just investing in technology and research; we’re investing in the future of food, in innovation, and in the success of entrepreneurs who will shape tomorrow’s food landscape. It’s an honour to be part of something so impactful.”
On told the Richmond News the study of food and beverage innovation is important to the growth of people.
"What we put in our mouth is important to life," said On.
"There's so many good ingredients grown in Canada, and we really have to make use of it. I don't think most people realize that."
The Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre will be led by Anubhav Pratap-Singh, whose lab previously developed dietary fibre fat-replacers.
Rickey Yada, former Dean of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, who spearheaded the launch of the innovation facility, said food innovation is critical in today's world where sustainability, health and efficiency are now more important than ever.
"The Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre will be an essential hub for research and industry collaboration, bringing together brilliant minds and cutting-edge technologies to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s food systems," said Yada.
The Dan On Food and Beverage Innovation Centre is expected to officially open in early 2025.
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