On 23 March, Ana and Patricia, researchers at the UPV, visited our premises to tell us about their day-to-day work. During the interview, they highlighted the value of technical support and the versatility of Techmi Group’s bioreactors.
At the University Institute of Food Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (FoodUPV), research into food fermentation and biopreservation is making steady progress thanks to a combination of scientific expertise, specialised technology and close technical support.
Ana Fuentes, a lecturer in the Department of Food Technology, and Patricia Rus, a pre-doctoral researcher, share their experience of working with bioreactors to develop new preservation strategies for table olives and other food products.
Why Techmi Bio Lab?
The team of researchers explains that they began this process by working with rudimentary equipment in the laboratory, refining techniques and adjusting basic parameters. Over time, the demands of this type of process increased, and they found it necessary to automate the process to ensure greater precision and avoid issues such as wasted time.
This process involved overcoming constraints relating to materials, time and equipment, particularly as the initial devices were not designed for complex fermentation processes.
As they explain, this equipment has made it possible to speed up processes, optimise results and facilitate scaling.
An intuitive interface that makes day-to-day work easier:
One of the aspects most highly valued by researchers at the UPV is the user-friendliness of the Techmi Bio Lab interface. Its visual and operational design enables researchers to work efficiently, reducing the learning curve and ensuring continuity across scales.
“Once you’ve learnt how to operate a bioreactor in the laboratory, you can work with larger systems in a pilot plant or even in an industrial setting without losing your familiarity with the process,” they point out, adding that this consistency across platforms is key to ensuring reproducible and efficient processes.
More than just a device: a complete solution:
For the research team, the difference lies not only in the technology, but also in the support provided. They emphasise the importance of working with a manufacturer that does not simply sell equipment, but provides real solutions, hands-on technical support and specialist advice.
In his experience, this support is essential: “We know what we want to achieve, but not always how to go about it. Having a technical team to guide you, answer your questions and help you make progress with your research makes all the difference.”
This collaborative approach makes it possible to adapt the use of the bioreactor to different requirements, resolve issues in real time and receive recommendations based on the manufacturer’s direct experience.
Versatile applications for research that is constantly evolving:
Although they are currently working on the fermentation and bioconservation of olives, the researchers emphasise that the field of food technology is vast. The possibility of switching to different products—whether of plant or animal origin, or even by-products—requires versatile equipment and expert guidance to tackle new stages of research.
The ability to use the same bioreactor for multiple lines of research thus becomes a strategic asset for any laboratory or technology centre.
In an environment where innovation is no longer optional but essential, the integration of scientific knowledge and industrial application makes all the difference.
Food technology is moving towards increasingly precise, sustainable and data-driven models, capable of addressing global challenges with concrete solutions.
Techmi’s approach to this evolution is to turn research into tangible impact. From the laboratory to industry, every development represents a step towards more efficient, safer and more responsible systems.
The future of the sector depends not only on producing more, but on doing so better. And that future is being built today, through science, technology and the ability to turn knowledge into solutions.
