The Central European Living Lab (CZU LL) is hosted at the Food Processing and Training Center (FPTC) within the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague campus, operating under the METROFOOD-RI Research Infrastructure.

Opened in June 2022, the FPTC is a comprehensive facility connected to experimental fields and orchards, designed to support the entire food and nutrition value chain from farm to fork.

The living lab addresses critical challenges in sustainable food systems, focusing on the acceptance and adoption of novel food products, the role of local cultural and environmental factors in agricultural innovation, and strategies for supporting small-scale producers through policy and technology. Its mission is to bridge the gap between academic research, industry practices, and societal needs by facilitating co-creation, knowledge transfer, and stakeholder collaboration.

The FPTC serves as a training and educational hub for students and a wide range of users, including farmers, food producers, policymakers, and local businesses. The facility offers expertise in food processing technologies, regulatory compliance, microbiology, packaging, and sustainability, addressing stakeholder needs through demonstrations, consultation services, and hands-on access to specialized equipment.

Demonstrator Labs and facilities

Food Processing Lines:

• Three main production lines for meat, milk, and bakery products.

• Additional small-scale production facilities including malting, brewing, fruit and vegetable processing, and oil pressing.

Quality and Assessment Labs:

• Essential oils extraction facilities.

• Quality assessment and sensory evaluation laboratories.

• Gastronomic laboratories for product development.

   

Support Services:

• Human nutrition consultancy.

• Short- and long-term storage facilities.

• On-site grocery for product testing and demonstration.

• Nutritional and sensory analysis services.

Demonstration Areas:

• Showcasing food labelling requirements and regulatory compliance.

• Technology demonstrations for small-scale producers.

• Logistics optimization and value chain shortening solutions.

   

This integrated approach enables the Central European Living Lab to support sustainable agricultural transitions by providing practical solutions, fostering innovation, and building collaborative networks among stakeholders across the food system.