1. Supporting the educational and research processes by offering practical training for under- and post-graduate students in the field of food processing/tomato processing.
2. The production of several tomato products on commercial level for the local market.
3. Providing technical support and consultation services for the workers in the field of food processing/tomato processing.
4. Offering a group of specialized training workshops, based on the needs assessment of the job market,, to enhance the knowledge and skills of people working the tomato growing and processing fields.
5. Bringing new know-how into the tomato processing industry, through introducing some locally-produced tomato products for the first time to the Egyptian market (Whole peeled and diced tomato).
To be a center of excellence in tomato processing, fostering sustainable agriculture and empowering individuals and organizations in the food processing sector through cutting-edge research and development and the transfer of practical know-how to support the tomato processing industry in Egypt and the region.
The Tomato Learning and Service Center is dedicated to:
1. Fostering collaboration between academia, industry and the community to drive growth and innovation in the tomato value chain in Egypt.
2. Providing practical training and disseminating specialized knowledge to enhance the skills of tomato growers and processors.
3. Conducting rigorous research and development (R&D) to create actionable insights and cutting-edge solutions for the challenges facing tomato processing industry.
4. Bringing new know-how into the tomato processing industry, that would provide impactful applications for stakeholders.
List Specialized Equipment
A complete tomato processing production line
unique expertise/technologies
One of the important activities of the TLSC is the production of some tomato processing products that will be locally produced for the first time in Egypt, which are the whole peeled tomato and the diced tomato. This will bring new know-how into the tomato processing industry, that would provide impactful applications for stakeholders.
University researchers;Industry partners;Entrepreneurs;
beneficaiaries access the services
Both, collaboration agreements to use the production line and fee-based services for the consultation, technical support and specialized workshops.
List any past collaborations with industry or any other institution
Planned to be started after the opening of the center.
Key Outcomes
Still planning
The "Unit" currently holds partnership(s)
Government;International Organizations;Many other collaborations are still in the planning phase;
Some Questions & Answers
What are the opportunities for collaboration?
1. Collaboration with the food processing/tomato processing factories in the governmental and private sectors
2. Collaboration with universities and research centers interested in food processing/tomato processing
What are the funding sources to operate the "Unit"?
Funding received from: 1. United Nations for Industrial development (UNIDO), 2. Itallian Cooperation, 3. Alexandria University, 4. Embassy of Slovenia in Cairo, 5. Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, 6. International Islamic Financial Trade Corporation (ITFC)
Is the "Unit" charging fees against its services?
Sometimes;
What are the major operational challenges?
Funding gaps;Equipment maintenance;Providing the highly qualified operation team;
activities that Unit can contribute to, in the Technology Park
Research and Development;Technology Transfer;Training and Education;Consulting Services;
List planned upgrades/expansions of the "Unit"
In the future it is planned to explore some export opportunities for the products of the TLSC.
What additional services can the "Unit" offer?
The production line can be utilized in processing of juices from seasonal fruits in the tomato growing off-season.
If needed, what is the support expected from the Technology Park?
1. Support in recruiting the operation team of the production line.
2. Support in the marketing of the products.