Cargill has announced that it will open a new innovation lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which will open later this year.

According to Cargill, the new lab will provide the company with a pipeline of software engineering and data science students and graduates, who will attempt to develop solutions to modernise agricultural supply chains and food systems.

Led by Cargill’s digital labs team of data scientists, students and staff at the lab will work directly with Cargill business leaders, operations teams and customers to help move digital ideas into workable concepts.

Keith Narr, vice-president of Cargill’s digital labs team, said: “We are on a constant search for new innovations and new talent, whose fresh thinking can help us bring new technologies to life.

“With an impressive engineering and computer science program, the University of Illinois is an ideal partner to spur the growth and innovation in our digital business.”

Robert J. Jones, chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign added: “Cargill’s commitment to engaging our students in its innovation process will add a new dimension to their educational experiences at Illinois.

“I had the good fortune to visit Cargill’s headquarters and engage with their leadership in this process. I am excited that Cargill has decided to join the dynamic environment in our Research Park.”