Food Innovation Center
Supporting food and beverage entrepreneurs | Connecting with your consumers | Bringing your ideas to life |
Welcome to the Food Innovation Center!
The CSU Spur Food Innovation Center supports entrepreneurs at every stage — from startups launching their first product to large multinational food companies. The Food Innovation Center’s state-of-the-art Denver facility houses a large commercial kitchen, dairy lab, produce lab, and tasting facilities.
Our team of skilled food scientists can help with all your technical needs including:
- Product development & formulation
- Food Analysis Testing
- Process Authority Letters
- Nutrition Facts Panels
- Sensory & consumer testing
- Co-development sessions
Which Path Is Right for You?
There are two ways to start a project with the Food Innovation Center — choose the one that fits your situation:
PATH A — I know exactly what tests or analysis I need
Head to our Request Services page, download the appropriate intake form(s) for your project, fill them out, and submit. Each service has its own form — you may submit more than one at a time.
Step 1: Download your forms
Visit our Request Services page and download all applicable Service Request Forms. Each service requires its own form — do not combine multiple services or multiple SKUs into a single form.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Form(s) Completely
Each service requires its own submission form. Follow instructions within each form as they may vary across request type.
Step 3: Submit Online & Await Follow-Up
Use the “Submit Service Request Forms” button on our Request Services page (highlighted in the screenshot below). You may submit more than one form at a time. Provide as much detail as possible in your request. A member of our team will follow up within 5–7 business days of your completed submission.
Optional: Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
We do not require an NDA, but if you’d prefer one to be in place before we begin work, submit it along with your service request forms. NDAs take a minimum of two weeks to process — we can begin working on your project concurrently while the NDA is reviewed.
PATH B — I’m exploring product development and need guidance
Use our Contact the FIC form. Select “Product Development” from the dropdown and describe your project in as much detail as possible — include all your needs and areas of interest.
Product Development Inquiries
If you’re at an early stage and not sure what you need, use our Contact the FIC page. Select “Product Development” from the “I am interested in” dropdown, then describe your project in the text box with as much detail as possible— provide any and all support documentation you have.
Food Innovation Center Services
Work With the FIC
Pay Your FIC Invoices
Estimated Turnaround Times
Timelines below apply once we have all necessary materials from you to begin the project:
| Service | Estimated Turnaround |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) — Initial | 14 business days |
| NFP Update (minor formula changes) | 7 business days |
| Food Analysis (pH, brix, gluten, water activity) | 7 business days |
| Process Authority Letters | 14 business days |
| Product Development Projects (MVP) | 6–8 months (product dependent) |
Product development timelines vary based on product complexity and scope. Your project lead will provide a specific estimate once your inquiry is reviewed.
Get to Know Us
Caitlin Clark
Food Scientist
caitlin.clark@colostate.edu
Martha Calvert
Sensory Manager
martha.calvert@colostate.edu
Rachel Sears
Program Coordinator
rachel.sears@colostate.edu
Michael Beck
Operations Specialist
Mike.beck@colostate.edu
Contact the FIC
Contact the FIC:
Email: foodinnovation@colostate.edu
Address:
4780 National Western Dr
Terra Building, Denver, CO 80216
Why Spur?
Spur is not an acronym; it is a mission. Our mission is to spur the success of food and beverage producers and growers in the Mountain West region and beyond. Being based in Denver, we most often engage with better-for-you and sustainable brands, those working with fermentation, and novel methods in processing, packaging, and consumer science.
Spur also provides a host of unique opportunities for collaboration and engagement being located right in the heart of the RiNo district of downtown Denver and in close proximity to Denver International Airport.
As an agriculture experimentation site within Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences – Spur is the face of innovation.