The TecBioFood Laboratory, installed at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of São Tomé and Príncipe (USTP), is now fully equipped, representing a significant step forward for the development of food technology in the country.

During the month of September, a team from the TecBioFood project travelled to São Tomé to oversee this important milestone. The mission included the participation of the project coordinator from the University of Porto (UPorto), Professor Olívia Pinho, and PhD student Nerea Ruanova Sanjuan from the University of Vigo (UVigo).

Throughout an intensive week of work, the team coordinated on-site activities and closely monitored the installation process of the various laboratory equipment essential for food processing and preservation. This process aimed not only to ensure the correct installation of the equipment, but also to support its future operational use.

At the same time, a detailed inventory of the equipment was carried out, with all items organised according to their respective functions, ensuring efficient management of the laboratory’s available resources.

The installation of the TecBioFood Lab was not without challenges. Several technical and logistical barriers had — and continue to have — to be overcome in order to guarantee the proper implementation of the infrastructure and equipment. Despite these difficulties, this achievement represents an important contribution to strengthening local capacities in the fields of food science and technology in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The Project’s Consortium also highlights the fundamental role of support from the European Commission, which made this investment possible and enabled the country to establish a modern laboratory capable of addressing challenges in the agrifood sector.