GFIC About
Who We Are
We help advance your business with specialized agri-food services.
The Guelph Food Innovation Centre (GFIC) is an applied research hub that leverages food science and technology to accelerate agri-food innovation in your business. As your partner in food research and development, we bridge the gap between academia and industry—transforming your challenges into practical, scalable solutions.
Affiliated with the University of Guelph, a world-renowned food research university, GFIC offers a unique perspective and hands-on approach to product and process development. Our multidisciplinary team draws from deep academic expertise and real-world industry experience to deliver innovative, consumer-focused solutions that align with safety, regulatory, and market demands.
We collaborate closely with clients to co-create tailored solutions that address their specific business needs. Following an initial confidential consultation, we assemble a cross-functional team to guide your project from concept to completion. With GFIC, you can count on a passionate, knowledgeable team committed to helping your business grow and succeed.
Meet the Team
Nataly Lopez Baron
MSc, PhD | Manager
Nataly leads a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional, tailored services that meet your unique needs. With a PhD and MSc in Food Science and extensive experience across the food industry, she brings deep expertise in product development, regulatory compliance, and specialty ingredients. Her strong commercial awareness ensures that your projects not only meet technical standards but also align with broader business objectives, driving success in a competitive market.
Jessica Ulbikas
MSc | Project Manager
Jessica supports food businesses with reliable, regulatory‑compliant data they need to bring safe, high‑quality products to market. As the Project Manager, she leads Shelf‑Life & Challenge Studies, Analytical Testing, and Nutrition Facts Table projects. With a background in nutritional/food science research, entrepreneurship, and project coordination, she brings scientific rigour, precision, and a focus on actionable results that accelerates your company's growth.
Nikolay Repin
MSc, PhD | Food Technologist
Nikolay is a food technologist at the GFIC. He has been involved in agri-food research and innovation his entire career and has obtained a vast amount of experience in this field. Nikolay’s main activities at the GFIC are the development of products and production processes for food manufacturers as well as problem-solving with existing products.
Robert Swan
MSc | Pilot Plant Technician
Robert is a trained food scientist and experienced food product developer. At GFIC, Robert manages the pilot plant operations and assists clients in the development and scale-up of manufacturing processes for their products. Rob is excited to take on new challenges and help GFIC clients realize their business goals.
Christopher Chop
BSc | Pilot Plant Technician
Christopher is a Pilot Plant Technician with GFIC. With 20 years of experience in pilot plant operation, Christopher helps with pilot plant operations, assisting clients in processing troubleshooting, and launching their products onto the marketplace.
Nafiseh Jam
MSc | Food Safety Coordinator and Technician
Nafiseh is a food safety specialist with extensive experience in shelf-life studies, food microbiology, and maintaining compliance with food safety standards. With an MSc in Nutrition Science, Nafiseh brings a solid scientific foundation to her work, ensuring product quality, safety, and regulatory adherence. Her expertise includes HACCP development and implementation, microbial testing, and organoleptic analysis, all aimed at optimizing food products while upholding the highest safety standards.
Why Work With Us?
Expert Support
Access to a multidisciplinary team with extensive industry experience and world-class facilities.
On-Demand Services
Services that grow your business as you need, whenever it best suits you.
Custom Project Scope
Custom projects tailored to your business needs, whether you are a startup or part of an established brand.
Visit Us
GFIC is part of the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph. We’re located on the corner of Gordon Street and McGilvray Street, connected to the Food Science building at 88 McGilvray Street.
We’re open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.