Innovation in Action
Driving scientific transformation through practical collaboration and technological advancement
The Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling will become a catalyst for change in global brewing and distilling.
At the CSBD, innovation won’t just be encouraged, it will be engineered. Our approach will empower industry partners to test, refine, and implement transformative solutions with confidence, reducing risk while accelerating growth. Through state-of-the-art technology testbeds and a dynamic co-location model that brings together SMEs, university spinouts, and global innovators, the CSBD will redefine how the brewing and distilling sector drives progress.
De-Risking Innovation with TransiT: The Digital Twin Testbed
At the CSBD, risk reduction is more than a philosophy, it’s a practice. The Heriot-Watt led 'TransiT' (Twinning for Decarbonising Transport) Hub, will be integrated directly into the facility, offering a game-changing digital twinning testbed for the brewing and distilling industry.
What Is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors a real-world production environment, allowing manufacturers to simulate operational changes and predict outcomes without disrupting live production.
How the TransiT Hub Will Transform Industry Practices:
- Scenario Testing: Producers can model changes like switching to low-carbon energy sources or adjusting fermentation schedules before investing in real-world changes.
- Efficiency Optimisation: Simulate new layouts for distillation or production lines to identify process bottlenecks and energy inefficiencies.
- Sustainability Insights: Measure the impact of alternative materials or processes on carbon footprints and resource consumption.
How will this benefit the sector?
Imagine a distillery wanting to trial a zero-waste production model. The TransiT Hub could simulate the entire process, from ingredient inputs to energy consumption, ensuring feasibility and long-term impact, all before any changes are made to the production line.
The Power of Co-Location: Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration
The CSBD’s co-location model will form a core component of our innovation ecosystem. By strategically co-locating SMEs, startups, and university spinouts alongside cutting-edge research labs, we create a dynamic, mutually beneficial environment where innovation thrives.
How Co-Location Drives Innovation
- Proximity to Expertise: Industry partners will gain direct access to world-leading researchers, students, and technical specialists, facilitating rapid problem-solving and collaboration.
- Shared Infrastructure: Startups and SMEs will be able to access state-of-the-art equipment without the need for costly individual investment.
- Knowledge Exchange: Regular workshops, industry showcases, and mentorship programs will foster a culture of continuous learning and shared discovery.
Co-Location in Action
The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt has successfully demonstrated the power of co-location, housing 14 resident companies that benefit from shared access to facilities, research expertise, and collaborative networks. The CSBD will utilise this model, tailored specifically for the brewing and distilling sector.
Our pillars of innovation
The CSBD will become a beacon of innovation for the brewing and distilling sector by focusing on four critical areas of transformation:
Sustainable Production Testing
Test new brewing techniques with lower energy consumption and reduced water waste. Eg. Hydrogen-powered fermentation trials in the plug-and-play distillery.
Circular Economy Solutions
Transform by-products into valuable co-products, reducing waste streams.
Eg. Research on spent grain as a biofuel source or for up-cycled packaging materials.
Digital-First Testing Environments
Validate ideas using digital twins and real-time analytics before full-scale production.
Eg: Testing the impact of real-time barrel sensors on whisky maturation timelines.
Collaborative Impact
Accelerate innovation by uniting industry partners, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Eg: Spinouts like Horizon Proteins co-developing with industry mentors and academic expertise.
“At Heriot-Watt, we’ve seen first-hand how co-locating world-class research with industry partners can accelerate sustainable transformation. Through proven success in our National Robotarium and spinouts such as Horizon Proteins, we’ve demonstrated how collaborative innovation drives real impact. By bringing the brewing and distilling sector together in the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling, we can de-risk the adoption of technologies like digital twinning ,already capable of reducing operational energy use by up to 20%, while unlocking far greater potential for long-term sustainability gains.”
Professor Nik Willoughby, Director of the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, and Chief Technology Officer, Horizon Proteins
