Business Development – Regenerative Innovation and Transformation | ZHAW LSFM
We accelerate regenerative transformation in food, agriculture and life sciences. Together with you, we turn research into effective real-world implementation.
The Business Development Unit is your hub for regenerative transformation.
We connect science, industry, public administration and civil society to turn ideas into applicable solutions.
Our approach
Inter- and transdisciplinary, practice-driven and strongly connected – with a clear focus on impact rather than buzzwords.
You gain access to methods, networks and formats that accelerate meaningful progress.
What we mean by regeneration
Regenerative systems are dynamic, self-renewing structures – biological, ecological, technological, social and economic. They actively rebuild resources, adapt to changing conditions and create net-positive effects. They strengthen continuous development towards stability, resilience and long term viability.
We develop regenerative innovations that create impact.
Whether strategy, co-creation or prototyping – we support partners in turning ideas into practice.
Our focus areas
- Co-creation & stakeholder dialogues – Bringing the right people together, moderated with a focus on outcomes.
- Company-specific training – Enabling teams to put transformation into practice.
- Educational Products (Degree Programmes & Continuing Education) – Bringing practical experience from innovation and transformation projects into teaching and professional development.
- Innovation development & funding – From idea to pilot with clear added value.
- Product design & prototyping – Test, learn and improve quickly.
- Strategy & business models – Translating regenerative thinking into market-ready models.
Curious about what we can achieve together? Get in touch with us.
Projects that create impact
We support research and innovation projects that demonstrate how regenerative transformation can be implemented in practice – from primary production to processing and community catering.
Overview
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Regenerative Organic Passata from Switzerland
The project “Regenerative Organic Passata from Switzerland” explores how field-grown tomatoes can be cultivated under no-till, mulched, regenerative conditions and processed into premium passata. The aim is to develop sustainable, economically viable production methods and strengthen regional value…
expired, 04/2024 - 05/2025
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Sustainable Transformation of Hospital Gastronomy at the Cantonal Hospital of Grisons
The Sustineri project supports the Cantonal Hospital of Grisons (KSGR) in the sustainable transformation of its hospital gastronomy. The aim is to increase the share of organic and regional food, reduce food waste, and establish circular and fair value chains in the long term.
expired, 03/2021 - 11/2022
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Municipal Catering Services – Sustainable and Healthy (SVB)
The project “Municipal Catering Services – Sustainable and Healthy” tested how public catering can be made more sustainable using Uster’s care homes. Adjustments in procurement and menu planning increased organic, fair-trade and regional products without higher costs or reduced guest satisfaction.
expired, 06/2019 - 05/2020
Our partners for regenerative transformation
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Our Educational Products
Do you want to learn how to implement regenerative innovation in practice?
Our educational products in degree programmes and continuing education combine entrepreneurship, sustainability, and systems thinking.
Preneurship for Regenerative Food Systems (PREFS)
Become part of a new generation of changemakers. With real projects, direct access to networks and plenty of room for initiative.
⇒ Learn more
Food & Beverage Innovation (FBI)
Deepen your expertise in product development, sensory science and consumer trends along the value chain.
⇒ To the programme
Foodward – Excellence in Food
Modular continuing education for professionals and executives in the agro-food sector – practical, up-to-date, and well-connected.
⇒ More about the programme
FoodTech Summer School (6 ECTS)
Two-week intensive programme in which students work in teams to develop sustainable business ideas within the food system – from analysis to pitch.
⇒ Learn more
Selected BSc modules with practical relevance
We teach in selected BSc modules, bringing our experience from research and practical projects into the classroom.
- Agrarmarketing Learn more
- Betriebswirtschaft und Marketing Learn more
- Economy and Entrepreneurship Learn more
- GL Erneuerbare Energien und Ökotechnologien 1 Learn more
- Innovation lab 1 Learn more
- Nachhaltigkeit in Unternehmen Learn more
ZHAW Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Would you like to strengthen your entrepreneurial skills or expand your network?
Discover the ZHAW entrepreneurship ecosystem – events, offerings and tools.
⇒ To the Entrepreneurship focus topic
Inhouse & Customised Learning
We develop training programmes for organisations that want to put regenerative strategies into practice.
Get in touch
Outlook: Centre for Regenerative Transformation (CRT)
We are gradually consolidating our activities within the Centre for Regenerative Transformation – a platform that more closely integrates research, education and implementation. Goal: To support partners and students even more effectively in systemic transformation. Stay tuned.
Do you have an idea or are you looking for sparring?
Get in touch – together we will quickly find out how we can best support you. Our interdisciplinary team from research, practice and entrepreneurship will accompany you.
