FoodPlant, Singapore
FoodPlant and Elea partner to introduce Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology at Singapore’s first shared food processing facility.
A Strategic Facility for Food Innovation
FoodPlant, Singapore’s first shared food processing facility, plays a pivotal role in supporting the innovation efforts of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector. Designed to help companies test, scale, and commercialise novel food products, the facility provides pilot-scale equipment, technical expertise, and process development support.
As a collaboration between the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Enterprise Singapore, and JTC Corporation, FoodPlant is not only a centre for product development—it is also a hub for industry education and capability building. In partnership with SIT, FoodPlant conducts technology-focused training courses and provides hands-on learning for both professionals and undergraduate students.
Dr LIM Bee Gim, Founding CEO and now Technical Advisor at FoodPlant.
Introducing Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Technology
As part of its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation, FoodPlant has recently added Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processing to its suite of advanced technologies.
“I was first introduced to Elea’s PEF technology while evaluating advanced processes that could expand FoodPlant’s capabilities,”
shares Associate Professor Lim Bee Gim, Founding CEO and now Technical Advisor at FoodPlant.
Dr Lim, who also serves as a faculty member at SIT, explains her keen interest in PEF:
“My interest in pulsed electric field (PEF) technology stems from its potential to offer energy-efficient, clean-label, and functional processing solutions for the food industry.”
In Singapore’s context—where food resilience and sustainability are national priorities—PEF presents a compelling non-thermal alternative to improve shelf life, extraction efficiency, and product quality.
A Collaborative Partnership: FoodPlant and Elea
FoodPlant’s engagement with Elea Technology, the leading global provider of PEF systems, began through its initiative to introduce transformative food processing technologies to the region.
“Elea has been a responsive and collaborative partner, providing technical expertise as we explore applications ranging from juice and beverage processing to enhancing the efficiency of drying upcycled ingredients.”
At the core of this collaboration is the installation of the Elea PEF Pilot Dual system at FoodPlant. This system offers both batch mode processing (up to 10 kg per batch) and continuous mode processing (up to 250 litres per hour)—making it ideal for R&D and pilot-scale production.
The addition of this system not only supports product trials but also opens the door to structured training programmes focused on PEF.
“With PEF technology now part of our suite, we are exploring future training initiatives that can help demystify its application and accelerate its adoption in the region—providing both foundational knowledge and deeper technical insights for industry practitioners.”
Education, Application, and Industry Growth
Beyond its role in innovation, Dr Lim continues to champion industry upskilling through the design and delivery of specialised training courses at FoodPlant. With technologies like PEF still relatively new to the region, training plays a crucial role in building awareness, understanding, and confidence in application.
“As we continue expanding FoodPlant’s technological capabilities, there is growing interest in exploring training opportunities related to emerging technologies like pulsed electric field (PEF), particularly in areas where industry application is still nascent but promising.”
This forward-looking approach reflects Dr Lim’s broader commitment to bridging academic insight with industrial application, and to supporting the growth of Singapore’s agri-food ecosystem through sustainable innovation and regulatory guidance.