This week, Tastebuds Collective had the pleasure of attending the 9th Enterprise Tuesday event at Norwich Research Park — part of a continuing series of showcase events designed to highlight research, enterprise, and collaboration across the campus.
The atmosphere was charged with creativity, ambition, and a genuine sense of community. The event brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and industry professionals — making it a fantastic opportunity to network, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new people with a shared passion for innovation.
Innovation Hothouse Competition — Celebrating Local Talent
One of the central highlights of the afternoon was the Innovation Hothouse Competition. Finalists from across the Park pitched their latest ideas in fast-paced, “Dragons’-Den”-style presentations.
We were particularly proud to see our members RhosynBio (safer-surface technology) and Beantastic Hummus take the stage. Their presentations underscored their commitment to innovation and to harnessing science for real-world impact.
Congratulations to Quadlytics, the winner of this year’s competition. A well-deserved victory — yet seeing all the finalists share their visions was a win for the wider community.
Spotlight on Research, Sustainability & the Future of Food, Drink and Beyond
Beyond the Competition, the rest of the programme offered valuable insights into the ecosystem of Norwich Research Park — how research, enterprise, collaboration and funding intersect to deliver impactful solutions.
Attendees heard from scientists and business leaders working on cutting-edge topics: sustainable agriculture, microbiology, bio-transitions away from petrochemicals, climate resilience, and food system transformation.
For our world of food and drink — this was particularly relevant. Discussions around antimicrobial agents and protective films, the potential of AI to support agriculture, and innovations to tackle food-borne illness resonated deeply with our mission at Tastebuds Collective.
The event also showcased how a strong regional research ecosystem — combining institutes like The Sainsbury Laboratory, Quadram Institute, and others on the Park — creates fertile ground for biotech and agri-food innovation.
Why It Matters — And What It Means for Tastebuds Collective
Attending Enterprise Tuesday reaffirmed what we already believe: the food and drink industry doesn’t exist in isolation. It can — and should — be informed by science, technology and sustainability. The innovations showcased demonstrated how enterprises rooted in research and collaboration can pave the way for better food safety, environmental resilience, and smarter, more responsible production.
For Tastebuds Collective, the event was more than just networking. It was a window into what’s possible when food meets science — a reminder that the future of food & drink is as much about innovation as it is about flavour, community, and responsible business.
Looking Ahead
To everyone behind Enterprise Tuesday — thank you for organising such a thoughtful, inspiring day. To our members (old and new!) — thank you for sharing your ideas, your ambition, and your passion.
We’re already looking forward to future Innovation Hothouse projects, more cross-sector collaboration, and the possibilities for food and drink businesses to benefit from breakthroughs in biotech, agriculture and sustainability.
If you missed the event this time — keep an eye on the Norwich Research Park calendar. There are sure to be more opportunities to get involved, learn, connect and grow.
