Pilot Testing
Moving an idea from concept to market requires more than theory—it requires proof.
Moving an idea from concept to market requires more than theory—it requires proof. DPI’s Pilot Testing program helps innovators validate dairy-based technologies, ingredients, and processes in real-world conditions. By providing access to facilities, expertise, and applied testing environments, we help reduce risk, generate confidence, and accelerate commercialization.
Whether you’re testing a prototype or preparing for scale, DPI helps turn promising concepts into validated solutions.
What Pilot Testing Supports
Pilot Testing through DPI is designed to bridge the gap between lab-scale research and full commercial deployment. We support testing across a range of innovation needs, including:
Ingredient functionality and performance validation
Processing and production feasibility
Proof-of-concept development
Optimization of formulations or processes
Data generation to support commercialization decisions
Our approach focuses on producing meaningful results that inform next steps—whether that’s refinement, scale-up, or market entry.
Who This Program Is For
Pilot Testing supports innovators and partners across the dairy ecosystem:
Entrepreneurs & Startups
Test early-stage technologies or formulations and build confidence before engaging commercial partners or investors.
Researchers & Universities
Advance applied research beyond the lab and demonstrate real-world viability.
Processors & Companies
Evaluate emerging technologies, ingredients, or process improvements with reduced risk.
Farmers & Producer Groups
Explore innovations tied to efficiency, sustainability, quality, or new value-added opportunities.
How It Works
Every pilot project is unique, but DPI follows a structured, collaborative approach.
01. Define the Testing Objective
We work with partners to clearly identify goals, constraints, and success criteria.
02. Identify Facilities & Resources
DPI connects projects to the most appropriate pilot-scale facilities, equipment, and technical expertise.
03. Execute Pilot Testing
Testing is conducted in controlled, applied environments designed to simulate real-world conditions.
04. Evaluate Results
Data, performance insights, and technical learnings are assessed to inform next steps.
05. Plan the Path Forward
Results help determine readiness for scale, refinement, additional testing, or commercialization pathways.
Why DPI
What makes DPI’s Pilot Testing program different:
Applied, real-world focus — Testing designed to inform commercial decisions
Access to trusted facilities — University and industry-connected pilot environments
Reduced risk — De-risking before significant capital investment
Integrated commercialization support — Pilot testing feeds directly into DPI’s broader innovation pipeline
Farmer-backed innovation model — Outcomes support a more resilient dairy ecosystem
If you’re ready to validate a dairy-based idea, ingredient, or process—or simply want to explore whether pilot testing is the right next step—DPI is here to help.
Successful commercialization starts with confidence.
DPI exists to help ensure that dairy-based discoveries don’t stop at the lab—but continue forward to create real-world value for farmers, industry, and society.
Let’s put your idea to the test.
