South Africa’s Innovative Research Solutions launches analytical, research food Science laboratory
The facility is equipped with ultraperformance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry, multimode spectrophotometers, gas chromatography, real-time PCR, and automated microbial analysis systems.
SOUTH AFRICA – Innovative Research Solutions (IRS), with investment support from Synercore, has officially opened a cutting-edge analytical and research laboratory in South Africa.
This milestone is expected to transform food innovation, strengthen quality assurance, and foster the next generation of food scientists in the country.
The new laboratory establishes a benchmark for local food research and analytical services, aiming to provide market-ready, science-driven solutions for the food and beverage sector.
It is built around three central goals: developing advanced methods for analysis and quality assurance of both raw materials and finished products, providing clients with fast and reliable analytical capacity across a range of sample types, and conducting medium- to long-term research into emerging technologies and applications relevant to the food industry.
With this launch, IRS enhances South Africa’s scientific and industrial capacity, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial innovation.
Its locally based analytical capabilities allow for faster turnaround times and access to expert analysis, critical factors for an industry often managing time-sensitive production and quality challenges.
The facility is equipped with world-class technologies, including ultraperformance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry, multimode spectrophotometers, gas chromatography, real-time PCR, and automated microbial analysis systems.
Together, these instruments enable advanced detection, quantification, and identification of compounds that underpin food quality, safety, and authenticity.
Heading the IRS team is Professor Pieter Swart, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Stellenbosch University, whose five-decade career in biochemical research brings depth and credibility to the institution.
He is joined by Dr. Timo Tait, Senior Scientist and Laboratory Operations Manager, with extensive experience in test method development; Dr. Stefan Hayward, Principal Scientist; and Senior Microbiologist Anneri Carinus.
The multidisciplinary team combines academic expertise with hands-on industry experience, creating an environment where scientific rigour meets real-world application.
Driving growth in local and global markets
Synercore’s strategic investment in IRS further represents a commitment to strengthening South Africa’s entire food and beverage ecosystem.
The laboratory’s services extend beyond Synercore’s operations, offering analytical capabilities to external partners, suppliers, and clients across the industry.
This open-access model enables more businesses to benefit from high-level research and testing, thereby supporting both competitiveness and compliance in domestic and export markets.
At the launch event, Professor Swart emphasised the laboratory’s philosophy of striking a balance between innovation and practicality.
“We don’t live in a perfect world, and in striving for perfection, we often exclude the possible, the practical and the profitable. At this international-class facility, our goal is to provide solutions that are all these things: possible, practical, and profitable,” Swart said.
Synercore CEO Dr. Tertius Cilliers reinforced this vision, stating that the collaboration is designed to “strengthen the entire South African food value chain” by ensuring that local industry players can access reliable analytical services and science-backed product development support.
Beyond its commercial and technical goals, IRS continues to play a significant academic role through its collaboration with Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Food Safety and the Department of Food Science.
The laboratory mentors postgraduate students and offers graduates hands-on experience in real-world R&D, nurturing the next generation of South African food scientists.
With its advanced infrastructure, industry partnerships, and educational collaborations, the new IRS laboratory stands as a cornerstone for South Africa’s future in food innovation, one that promises to enhance product quality, foster sustainability, and position the nation as a leader in food science and technology across global markets.
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